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Symposium addresses various aspects of Wal-Mart

By Tom Vogel
December 7, 2006

Students from Assistant Professor of History Eric Fure-Slocum's History 297 course, "Wal-Mart America," will present their original research in a symposium Thursday, Dec. 7, at 6 p.m. in Buntrock Commons, Sun and Gold Ballrooms. "Land of 10,000 Wal-Marts" explores Wal-Mart's imprint in Minnesota and the Cannon River Watershed and addresses changes in work, the environment, business, public policy and the local landscape in recent decades.

Student research topics range from "Organic Food Production: Co-op or Big Box" and "The Local Impact of Minnesota's First Wal-Mart" to "Women's Work in Wal-Mart America" and "Environmental Controversies over Big Box Building." The St. Olaf community, the Northfield community and local public officials are invited to attend the free event.

WAL-MART AMERICA
Fure-Slocum's course explores the history of "Wal-Mart America," using Wal-Mart -- the world's largest corporation -- to examine how the United States developed from an industrial to a post-industrial society. Students investigate the significance of changes from the point of view of labor, business, consumption and the environment. The class also examines the export of American consumerism and culture, as well as the globalization of production that supports Wal-Mart and modern America.

Contact David Gonnerman at 507-786-3315 or gonnermd@stolaf.edu.