US Airways - October 2013 - (Page 99)

political science department. The interdisciplinary major combines coursework across the philosophy, history, sociology, anthropology, and English departments. But for Pierce, the degree is distinctive thanks to critical arguments it explores — what are human rights and who defines them? — and the opportunities to put them into action. “We have internships at the local, state, national, and even international levels,” he says, citing a summer pilot program in which UD students worked in Malawi, Africa, alongside Malawian students to address topics such as gender equality, water security, orphan care, and educational access. They also helped install a water pump at a local hospital, which allows it to provide patients with better care and relieves locals of the task of manually transporting water to the hospital by the bucket. “All of the students experienced firsthand how to apply classroom learning — in this case, water security — to a real-world need,” Pierce says. “As a faculty member, it’s exciting to be at UD, because I’m able to develop projects out of bounds for a scholar.” To further bridge the gap between scholarship and application, the university is hosting an academic conference this month (October 3–5) titled The Social Practice of Human Rights: Charting the Frontiers of Research and Advocacy. Keynote speakers include Juan Méndez, UN Special Rapporteur on Torture, and Alex de Waal, executive director of the World Peace Foundation, as well as leaders in child advocacy and hunger, among other areas. But the conference’s central issue is critical introspection, says director and UD postdoctoral fellow in human rights, Joel Pruce. “Critique not only comes from opponents of human rights but from within: What are we doing right or wrong? We have to shape the debate,” he says. The subjects covered in the conference are cutting-edge. “Scholars are talking about using human rights to solve environmental problems — weather, climate change, water — and examining the role of media and communications technologies for witnessing graphic imagery,” Pruce says. Both he and Pierce feel confident that the event will raise the University of Dayton’s profile and establish relationships with key players in the human rights arena. “It’s really exciting to be a faculty member at UD because we’re able to create innovative learning opportunities for our students,” Pierce says. Especially since the university has its sights set on establishing a center devoted to human rights research and advocacy. What better way to learn, lead, and serve? University of Dayton 300 College Park Dayton, oH 937.229.1000 udayton.edu usairwaysmag.com october 2013 99 http://www.udayton.edu http://www.usairwaysmag.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of US Airways - October 2013

Table of Contents
CEO Letter
From the Editor
Did You Know?
Making It Happen
Hot Spots: Top Spas at Top Resorts
Wine & Dine: Mail-Order BBQ
Wine & Dine: Hard Cider
Golf: The TOURAcademy at TPC Sawgrass
Adventure: P.F. Chang's Rock 'n' Roll Marathon
Style Spotlight: School Colors
Diversions: City Ghost Tours
Gear Up: Just for Sports Fans
Down to Business: Columbus, Ohio
Chefs Tell: Smith & Wollensky
Charlotte USA
Travel Feature: Maui
US Airways: BE PINK Campaign
Down to Business: IPNav
Going the Extra Block: Philadelphia Neighborhoods
University Spotlight: University of Dayton
Best of Health: Miami Beach Foot and Ankle Surgery
Best of Living: Eagles Nest
Great Dates
Puzzles
Readers Resource Index
Your US Airways Guide
Video Entertainment
Audio Entertainment
U.S. and Caribbean Service Map
International Service Map
Airport Terminal Maps
US Airways Fleet/Customs & Immigration
Passenger Info/Contact US Airways
US Airways MarketPlace®
Window or Aisle?

US Airways - October 2013