Insight into political correctness

To Professor Howard Schwartz, few topics are as fascinating as the phenomenon of political correctness and its far-reaching impact on society.

“I understood early on that this was a very powerful social movement that nobody understood and whose very existence was acknowledged by almost no one,” says Schwartz, professor, organizational behavior in the SBA’s Department of Management and Marketing. “I started thinking about it and talking about it, and people responded as if I had stuck their fingers in an electrical socket. Who could not be fascinated? I couldn’t imagine that any social scientist could be interested in studying anything else.”

Schwartz is widely respected for the thought-provoking writings he has produced on this topic.The passion Schwartz brings to his research and writing is evident in the classroom as well. Schwartz, an SBA faculty member since 1977, teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in organizational behavior.

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Student Spotlight

MIS students help bridge digital divide, touch life of a child

Students who took Brandon Bernier’s MIS 300 course this spring are not likely to forget the experience.

A group project not only provided the class with a deeper understanding of the material, it made a lasting impression on the entire class. One group took its research on the digital divide beyond the project requirements by raising money to purchase a laptop for a child in a developing country through the nonprofit organization, One Laptop Per Child.

“By researching and ultimately getting involved with the One Laptop Per Child program this group not only encapsulated some of the ideas of MIS, but found a way to give back to the community,” says Bernier, assistant dean, university libraries, and contributing faculty member, SBA.

“We not only talked about donating, but we actually followed through,” says student Ashley Maue. “I am so happy we were able to at least give one child the opportunity for a brighter future.”