The History Department at Trent University proudly presents “A Day in History” on Friday, February 1, 2008 and invites the community to enjoy an engaging and eclectic range of new faculty research presentations.

This annual event features current research pursuits by history professors at Trent, reflecting the department’s strengths in providing valuable context to important issues today and innovative insights into our society. Following the presentations, there will be a special event at 6:00 p.m. celebrating the publication of new books by Professors Christopher Dummitt, James Woods, and Ivana and Martin Elbl.

Highlights include Professor Dimitry Anastakis’ comprehensive look at the Canadian auto industry’s poor track record of environmental regulations since the 1970s. In his examination of black police officers in colonial Zimbabwe, Professor Tim Stapleton will explore perceptions of African police both inside and outside the force, their educational background, family life in police camps, recreational activities, conditions of service, demands for improvements and post-discharge experiences. New theories about the way the late Roman Empire was ruled will be illuminated in Professor Hugh Elton’s presentation on the Council of Ephesus in 431 A.D.

The full schedule of presentations is listed below:

1:00-2:15 pm – Session One
“How was the late Roman Empire ruled? Lessons from the 431 Council of Ephesus”, by Professor Hugh Elton, chair of Ancient History and Classics

"’Arming the Rowdies’: Firearm Cultures and Debates in Late Nineteenth-Century Canada”, by Professor Janet Miron

2:15-2:30pm – Coffee Break

2:30-3:45pm – Session Two

“’Strange Hells’: Shell Shock, British Psychiatry, and the First World War, 1914-1921", by Professor Wade Matthews

“The Changing Lives of Black Police in Colonial Zimbabwe (1923-65)”, by Professor Tim Stapleton, chair of the history department

3:45-4:00pm – Coffee Break

4:00-5:15 – Session Three

"An Early Surrender in the 'War on Pollution': Canadian Responses to the Automotive Emissions Problem, 1970-1980", by Dimitry Anastakis

“Women of Hamas: Politics and Patriarchy”, by Professor Marion Boulby.

All events and presentations are taking place in the Senior Common Room of Lady Eaton College at Trent University. Media and members of the community are welcome and encouraged to attend.

For further information, please contact Dana Gee at 748-1011 ext. 7840.