The Liberal Arts in Practice: "Lighting" the Way at St. Xavier's College, Mumbai, India

Rama Viswanathan, Professor of Chemistry and Computer Science

Using video footage and photographs, I will report on and reflect upon my experiences while teaching and working on a research project (attempting to prototype a solar-powered "pervasive" computer display that I have named the "Wallputer") at my alma mater--St. Xavier's College--during a sabbatical in fall, 2011. The Jesuit institution, one of the oldest and most influential colleges in modern India, was part of the University of Mumbai (Bombay) for almost 150 years until it recently became an "autonomous" university, able to define its own curriculum and award its own degrees. In a sense, it went through sweeping changes similar to the ones that have occurred at Beloit, and I had the unique opportunity to witness some of those changes first hand.

This event is open to Beloit College faculty and staff only.