American Voices Seminar

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University of Turku
Students and faculty of the University of Turku and other American Voices seminar participants enjoying a presentations by a signing Fulbright scholar

The seminar provides an opportunity to learn about various aspects of the American society and culture through the experiences of American Fulbright grantees currently in Finland. The seminar is organized by the Fulbright Finland Foundation, John Morton Center, and the Department of English at the University of Turku.

The 29th American Voices Seminar was organized on October 7-8, 2022, at the University of Turku.
Banner with the words American Voices Seminar in a fun font on a dark navy background and words Exploring the Kaleidoscope of American Culture on a light mint colored background.

The seminar is open to the public and free of charge, and you are warmly welcome to attend either individual sessions or stay for the full two-day program.

See the CV catalogue of the 2022-23 U.S. Fulbrighters in Finland and the American Voices Program Booklet!

Seminar Program

Friday, October 7

Tauno Nurmela Hall, University of Turku Main Building

14:00–14:15 Welcome! 

  • Janne Korkka, Senior Lecturer, Department of English, University of Turku
  • Piia Björn, Vice Rector, University of Turku; Member of the Fulbright Finland Foundation Board of Directors
  • Terhi Mölsä, Chief Executive Officer, Fulbright Finland Foundation

14:15–15:00 This Land is Your Land: Acknowledgement of Native People
Presenters: David Tallmon, Allen Malony, Samuel Abrams, Neetika Rastogi
Chair: Benita Heiskanen, Professor, John Morton Center

15:00–15:10 Greetings from the Fulbright Finland Foundation and Special Announcement
Terhi Mölsä, Chief Executive Officer, Fulbright Finland Foundation

15:10–15:40 Refreshment break
    
15:40–16:25 American College 101
Presenters: Joseph Zinno, Maureen Mascha, Nicholas Zdroy, Claire Agee
Chair: Pekka Kolehmainen, Postdoctoral Researcher, John Morton Center

16:25–16:35 Break
    
16:35–17:20 Finnish Nightmares, American Daydreams - and Real-life Experiences in Between 
Presenters: Susanna Monseau, Jeffrey Anker, Anita Wagner, Mike Putman
Chair: Janne Korkka, Senior Lecturer, Department of English, University of Turku

End of program on Friday

Saturday, October 8

Tauno Nurmela Hall, University of Turku Main Building

10:15–11:00 American Outlaws, Gangsters, and the Search for the Notorious Jimmy Hoffa
Presenters: David Duncombe, Hui Yang, Abigail Smiles, David Witwer
Chair: Tuula Kolehmainen, Adjunct Lecturer, John Morton Center

11:00–11:30 Refreshment break

11:30–12:00 Religion in Modern America
Presenters: Erica West, Peter Amicucci, Casey Paulson
Chair: Mila Seppälä, Doctoral Researcher, John Morton Center

12:00–12:45 Adventures in American Dining 
Presenters: Timothy Sowa, Irina Wang, Stephanie Davidson-Mendez, Patricia Donahue
Chair: Janne Korkka, Senior Lecturer, Department of English, University of Turku

12:45 Closing Words 

Previous American Voices programs

28th American Voices

The 28th American Voices seminar took place on October 8-9, 2021, at the University of Turku

27th American Voices

The 27th American Voices seminar took place on October 11-12, 2019, at the University of Turku

26th American Voices

The 26th American Voices Seminar took place on October 12-13, 2018, at the University of Turku.

25th American Voices

The 25th American Voices Seminar took place on October 6-7, 2017, at the University of Turku.

24th American Voices

The 24th American Voices Seminar took place on October 7-8, 2016, at the University of Turku.

23rd American Voices

The 23rd American Voices Seminar took place on on October 9-10, 2015, at the University of Turku.

22nd American Voices

The 22nd American Voices Seminar took place on on October 10-11, 2014, at the University of Turku.

21st American Voices

The 21st American Voices Seminar took place on on October 11-12, 2013, at the University of Turku.

20th American Voices

The 20th American Voices Seminar took place on on October 12-13, 2012, at the University of Turku.