facebook icon twitter icon youtube icon

SC 101: The Path

The path has been a popular metaphor for life. It is full of twists and turns, choices and roads not taken. Often the journey takes you someplace you did not seek and it challenges you to grow in ways you did not anticipate. This course will explore the metaphor of the path in various cultures through the study of literature, art, and film. We will think critically about cultural perspectives and values throughout our studies and seek to trace our own life’s path and the possibilities that lay before us. Take this course if you have your life planned out, if you are just along for the ride or if you have no idea where you are headed. What better time to think about your path than when you begin the new adventure of college life? Hopefully your eyes will open to all the possibilities that lie ahead and allow you to make informed decisions about your journey.

 


Meet Your ProfessorTracy Dinesen

Professor of World Language and Culture Studies, Associate Dean of Academic Affairs & Retention

Tracy Dinesen, PhD

My name is Tracy Dinesen and this is my thirteenth year at Simpson College. I am a Spanish Professor and Associate Dean of Academic Affairs. My path to Simpson was full of twists and turns and this adventure has continued during my time on campus. I grew up in Aurora, Colorado and attended the University of Colorado at Boulder for my bachelor’s degree. I then moved to Texas to work on a masters and Ph.D. During that time, I moved to Spain, traveled the world and learned things that as a first generation and a high need college student I NEVER even imagined were possible. I came to Simpson because I loved the people, I felt an instant connection to the mission and I wanted one-on-one interactions with students during their studies and after their graduation. I believe that we can always learn something new and as a professor, I am here to mentor that process and learn with my students. I am passionate about giving students the skills they need to successfully graduate and attain their individual goals. I look forward to meeting you and learning with you. Welcome to Simpson!


Meet Your SC LeaderEmma Gerdis SC101 Leader

Hi! My name is Emma Gerdis and I will be your SC Leader for Dr. Dinesen’s Course: The Path. I will be a Senior in the 2018-2019 school year, but will be graduating early this coming December!

I am originally from Waukee, IA and have lived there basically my whole life. While in high school I was involved in swimming, show choir and National Honor Society.

At Simpson, my major is Public Relations with a minor in Human Resources. After college, I hope to find a job in either Communications or Human Resources and hopefully stay in the Des Moines area to stay close to my family and friends. When I’m not working on my academics, I like to hang out with my friends, watch a lot of Netflix, eat lots of food and occasionally work at the YMCA. While at Simpson I have been involved in swimming, Wesley Service Scholar, PRSSA and of course being your SC Leader.

I am super excited to be your SC Leader this fall and can’t wait till everyone is on campus! If you have any questions, feel free to contact me by my email: emma.gerdis@my.simpson.edu or simply adding me as a friend on Facebook. I look forward to meeting you all at SOAR!


Meet Your Writing Fellow

Soon!