On Thursday April 24, hundreds of CSB/SJU students gave major presentations on their senior projects. The following gave their presentations in German:
Deutschlands Kulturerbe: The Resiliency of the German Economy (Honors Thesis Presentation)
Austin J Eighan
Lisa Ohm, Advisor
This project aims at identifying the key components of Germany’s Kulturerbe, a type of cultural heritage that strengthens its ability to overcome economic crises. I examine how the political and economic measures that Germany uses to overcome financial crises and sustain economic growth result organically from the socio-cultural aspects of German society that help mold a national identity centered on balancing prosperity with social equality. The Kulturerbe is a socio-historical factor encompassing such elements as work ethic and frugality bred from adversity. Germany’s fundamental preparation for a sustainable plan for economic stability began with the nation’s unification over 140 years ago. Through my research, I uncover some of the major causes, outcomes, and methods used to shape the German economy from its unification until today and the role the Kulturerbe plays. The ultimate goal of my research is to determine the building blocks of a successful economy. By examining why an economy like Germany’s seems better suited to withstand crises than others, I conclude with a recommendation as to whether the German model is one from which struggling or developing markets can learn and upon which they can base future social, political, and economic policies.
The CSB/SJU All-Sky Camera
Daniel T Schmit
Environmental Studies, Physics
Wendy Sterba, Advisor
This project discusses the “Fireball” network of All-Sky cameras in Germany and
their effective use in meteorite triangulation and compares it to current
research involving the CSB/SJU All-Sky camera. Recent physics research at
CSB/SJU has developed a method to calculate the altitude of meteorites observed
over SJU. Traditionally meteorite triangulation has involved 3 or more
observations. Because a network of cameras in Minnesota is not yet fully
developed; it has been necessary to develop a 2 observer method of meteorite
triangulation using the CSB/SJU and Morris All-Sky cameras. This paper presents
this method and the development of the IDL computer program which uses this
triangulation method to calculate the altitude of observed meteorites, along
with an analysis of Germany’s Fireball network as a potential example for a
future network of cameras in Minnesota that would more accurately and
effectively track meteorite flight paths.
Dualism
Per J Lundmark
Environmental Studies, Sustainability
Wendy Sterba, Advisor
In my time at St. John’s, my German major has provided balance to what would
have been a totally science based curriculum. By combining the ideas of
contemporary environmentalism and German texts from both ancient and modern
sources, I have truly engaged the liberal arts. This presentation concerns my
senior project, a portfolio combining a series of essays from my experiences in
the CSB/ SJU German department which illustrate my development not only in the
German language, but also the personal exploration of my major. Influences of
CSB/ SJU will also be explored, in terms of, for example, the peculiar
dualities of the culture that have frustrated me as well as taught me the
importance of the omnipresent Benedictine Values. Finally my fascination with
the German Romantic Movement has motivated me to look at my life, as well as
the contemporary environmental movement, with a new perspective. My works from
my German career are collected and will be accompanied by narration in order
for all to share in the self-exploration and development.
Five Analyses of Goethe’s “Mignon”
Joseph W Miller
Andreas Kiryakakis and Mark Thamert, Adivsors
In my presentation I will be looking at five different analyses on the poem Mignon by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. The analyses range from the psychoanalytical, the mythological, and the practical. I will then add my own analysis of the poem and justify my reasoning with the help of the analyses and my own interpretation. I hope by the end of the paper, those who do not have knowledge of this work will have a better understanding of it, know more about the context of the poem, and why scholars believe this poem to be relevant in German literature.
