Ryan Crane, a second year graduate student in Spanish, will be discussing the increasing inclusion of gay men in Mexico and Cuba into society. He will show how familial perceptions (namely the idea of "machismo"), popular culture and politics influence the formation of the gay male identity.

Kelly Fiddelke, second year graduate student in Spanish, will be speaking about the stereotyping of Mexico in cinema. Her presentation will focus on personality traits, physical appearance, landscaping of the country and will include excerpts from “The Mexican” and “Traffic”.

Maxim Glebov, a second year graduate student in French, will give a presentation on the evolution of technology in France. The research covers the last two centuries, tracing the most extraordinary inventions and discoveries since the age of coal and steam until the era of fiber optics and bio-fuel.

Boukary Sawadogo, a second year graduate student in French, will focus on Airbus, an example of successful industrial cooperation that increases Europe's economic competition and its position as a major actor on the world stage.

NO PICTURE AVAILABLE

Geri Toresdahl, a first year graduate student in TESOL/French, will present on "The Liberation of the Woman's Body in France."  She will examine the emancipation of the woman's body, the consequences to the fashion industry, and some revolutionary contributors to this movement.