 |
|
Every January Maryville College offers three week long, intense class experiences for the "J" term. One of the most popular courses is "Faith and Films", sometimes referred to as "God in the Movies." The class is taught by Bruce Holt. Holt is the campus student counselor, but gladly takes up the mantle of teacher each "J" term. He tells WUOT's Ann Lloyd that once they get started, many of his students are caught off guard...
Earlier this week, the Oak Ridge school board passed a new policy that placed certain restrictions on student publications. Among other restrictions, the policy states that school newspapers and other publications will adhere to commonly accepted community standards, will not be obscene and will not expose students to material "inappropriate to their level of maturity". The policy is a response to protests from some students. They're upset that the high school principal stopped the publication of the school newspaper in November because of articles on tattoos and birth control. Tonight, the Society of Professional Journalists will host a forum to speak about freedom of the press in public schools. WUOT's Chrissy Keuper recently spoke with Bonnie Hufford, a member of SPJ and an advisor to the Oak Ridge students...
Dr. William Bass is known around the world for his work in forensic anthropology at the University of Tennessee's Body Farm. Bass and his collaborator, author Jon Jefferson, have just published a novel based on research conducted at the Body Farm. The book is "Carved in Bone" and attributed to author "Jefferson Bass". The real Dr. Bass tells WUOT's Ann Lloyd it's a departure from the work the two men have done together in the past...
The sound of a banjo brings to mind several stereotypical images about life in the Southern Mountains. To a certain extent, the banjo has become a staple of musical expression in the Appalachians and is easily identified with the culture of the region. But the Appalachians are only the latest stop on the banjo's long, unpredictable trip through America's cultural history. Accounts of that trip---along with dozens of priceless banjos--- will be on display starting this weekend at the Frank McClung Museum at the University of Tennessee. WUOT's Matt Shafer Powell has this preview...
Bail bondsmen are the people who temporarily provide bail money for suspected criminals who can't afford it on their own. Over the years, American media have often portrayed bail bondsmen as profane, calloused men, living in the underbelly of the justice system. But WUOT's Ann Lloyd recently spoke with someone who defies a lot of those stereotypes. She's Julie Costner, thirty-something, friendly and open with a quick smile and lively blue eyes. She lives in a small house with her pit bull "Moto" and loads of paintings. After all, Costner is an accomplished painter herself. But when she's not painting, she's doing something that tends to surprise others ---getting people out of jail. Costner is a bond agent for Blount County's A Plus Bonding company...
University of Tennessee History professor Todd Diacon is in Philadelphia today to receive the Warren Dean Prize from the Conference on Latin American History. Every other year, the American Historical Association awards the prize for the best book on Brazilian history. Diacon tells WUOT's Chrissy Keuper that the book has two major themes...
The United States has the highest rate of teen pregnancy in the industrialized world. So what's the solution? Do we teach our kids about abstinence? Or birth control? Scott Hughes is the Director of the Just Wait program and he says teen abstinence programs limit teen pregnancies, while building self-esteem and empowerment. And he's Matt Shafer Powell's guest on this episode of Dialogue.