Character Explorations

What changes if the author of a text is a model of bad character? Today’s guests pondered separating authors’ personal lives from their work, considered whether the culture and age an author lived in matter, and discussed how to respond with compassion.

Moderated by Michele McKinlay, Assistant Professor of Literature at the University of Dubuque. Featuring Jonathan Barz, Professor of Literature at the University of Dubuque, and Katrina Owensby, undergraduate student at the University of Dubuque.

Find other character resources and Wendt Center publications here or learn more about the Wendt Character Initiative here.

The transition to A.I. decision-making raises ethical issues. Ann Mauss argues for including virtue and transparency in the development of algorithms.

Featuring Ann Mauss, Associate Professor of Computer Studies at the University of Dubuque

Interviewer, Annalee R. Ward, Director of the Wendt Character Initiative at the University of Dubuque

For more on this topic, read Ann Mauss’ article "Stepping over the Brink into Artificial Intelligence," which appeared in Character and . . . Transitions, volume 7 of the Wendt Center for Character Education’s annual journal, Character and . . . .

Find other character resources and Wendt Center publications here or learn more about the Wendt Character Initiative here.

James Romagna explores the common experience of transitions for athletes and coaches, noting the power of ritual to move participants in positive directions.

Featuring James Romagna, Assistant Professor of Health, Wellness and Sport at the University of Dubuque

Interviewer, Annalee R. Ward, Director of the Wendt Character Initiative at the University of Dubuque

For more on this topic, read James Romagna’s article "Ritual in Sports: Transition and Transformation," which appeared in Character and . . . Transitions, volume 7 of the Wendt Center for Character Education’s annual journal, Character and . . . .

Find other character resources and Wendt Center publications here or learn more about the Wendt Character Initiative here.

Jeffrey A. Haverland's experience with a recent transition leads to key strategies for resilience.

Featuring Jeffrey A. Haverland, Associate Professor of Teacher Education at the University of Dubuque

Interviewer, Annalee R. Ward, Director of the Wendt Character Initiative at the University of Dubuque

For more on this topic, read Jeffrey A. Haverland’s article "Life in Transition: Using Reflection and Gratitude to Discover Hope, Optimism, and Resilience," which appeared in Character and . . . Transitions, volume 7 of the Wendt Center for Character Education’s annual journal, Character and . . . .

Find other character resources and Wendt Center publications here or learn more about the Wendt Character Initiative here.

Transitions are common to human experience. How we navigate them impacts our character. This episode serves as an introduction to our interviews with the authors of articles published in Character and . . . Transitions, volume 7 of the Wendt Center for Character Education’s annual journal, Character and . . . .

Featuring Annalee R. Ward, Director of the Wendt Character Initiative at the University of Dubuque

Find other character resources and Wendt Center publications here or learn more about the Wendt Character Initiative here.

The ability of nature to nurture character formation is under-examined. Adam Hoffman posits that nature can teach us to care for the natural world, appreciate diversity, pursue environmental justice, and cultivate the virtues of gratitude and contentment.

Featuring Adam Hoffman, Professor of Environmental Chemistry at the University of Dubuque

Interviewer, Annalee R. Ward, Director of the Wendt Character Initiative at the University of Dubuque

For more on this topic, read Adam Hoffman's article "The Nurture of Nature: Developing Character Virtues," which appeared in Character and . . . the Places of Home, volume 4 of the Wendt Center for Character Education’s annual journal, Character and . . . .

Find other character resources and Wendt Center publications here or learn more about the Wendt Character Initiative here.

Mary Bryant addresses the problem of homesickness, particularly at college. Promoting educational practices that encourage virtue and character development contribute to the antidote.

Featuring Mary Bryant, Assistant Director of Programming & Media of the Wendt Character Initiative at the University of Dubuque

Interviewer, Annalee R. Ward, Director of the Wendt Character Initiative at the University of Dubuque

For more on this topic, read Pam Crawford and Mary Bryant’s article "Homesickness Goes to College: Virtues, Vocation, and Growth," which appeared in Character and . . . the Places of Home, volume 4 of the Wendt Center for Character Education’s annual journal, Character and . . . .

Find other character resources and Wendt Center publications here or learn more about the Wendt Character Initiative here.

Andrew Jones speaks about the loss of community character through globalization. By embracing the ideas and practices of the “local” movement, we begin to develop character, strengthening our communities as places to model authenticity and integrity.

Featuring Andrew Jones, Associate Professor of English and Creative Writing at the University of Dubuque

Interviewer, Annalee R. Ward, Director of the Wendt Character Initiative at the University of Dubuque

For more on this topic, read Andrew Jones’ article "Localized Character: Building Community and Modeling Authenticity and Integrity," which appeared in Character and . . . the Places of Home, volume 4 of the Wendt Center for Character Education’s annual journal, Character and . . . .

Find other character resources and Wendt Center publications here or learn more about the Wendt Character Initiative here.

The practice of hospitality happens in various places but we shouldn't aspire for perfection. Peg Kerr explores hospitality, with an emphasis on the Christian and moral imperative to make our homes places to serve and welcome others.

Featuring Peg Kerr, Professor of Nursing at the University of Dubuque

Interviewer, Annalee R. Ward, Director of the Wendt Character Initiative at the University of Dubuque

For more on this topic, read Peg Kerr’s article "The Hospitality of Homemaking," which appeared in Character and . . . the Places of Home, volume 4 of the Wendt Center for Character Education’s annual journal, Character and . . . .

Find other character resources and Wendt Center publications here or learn more about the Wendt Character Initiative here.

How does moral character relate to our identity and our belonging to a place? What does it mean to have a place of home? Does character shape those places? This episode serves as an introduction to our next four episodes, interviews with the authors of articles published in Character and . . . the Places of Home, volume 4 of the Wendt Center for Character Education’s annual journal, Character and . . . .

Featuring Annalee R. Ward, Director of the Wendt Character Initiative at the University of Dubuque

Find other character resources and Wendt Center publications here or learn more about the Wendt Character Initiative here.