Instructor of Social SciencesCollege of Arts and Sciences
Office Location: Eckhart Hall, Room 413
Telephone: 630-844-4622
Email Address: jbremer@aurora.edu
My strong inquisitive nature led me to the field of history. I am particularly interested in issues related to the environment. My current work focuses on exploring the relationship of US policy and the Florida Barrier Reef. Coral reefs are excellent indicators of global health and human relations with these ecosystems have varied from exploitation to protectionism. Cultural aspects, economics, and sheer survival all factor into how societies view their natural resources.
My goal is to help students identify what interests them and then assist them in pursuing those interests. I believe educators should not only provide students with content, but also aid them in becoming life long learners.
Education
Ph.D. - History, ABD Northern Illinois University, expected completion 2009
M.A. - History, Northern Illinois University
B.A. - Political Science, Aurora University
Areas of Specialization
Environmental History
Early American Religion
Ancient World
Twentieth Century US
Latin America
Courses Taught
The African American Experience
Latin American History
American History I - to 1877
American History II - since 1877
Modern Political Philosophy
Classical Political Philosophy
Comparative Politics: Industrial Nations
Comparative Politics: Developing Nations
Politics, Culture, and Society
US Government
Introduction to Social Sciences
Human Geography
Honors Seminar, History of Environmental Philosophy
Highlights of Publications, Honors and Professional Contributions
"The Water Around Us" Review of Maude Barlow's Blue Covenant, H-Net Reviews, December 2008.
"The Codependency of Humans and Reefs" presented at the Society for Conservation Biology Annual Meeting, Chattanooga, July 14-18, 2008.
"Preserving Paradise - Reefs and Human Policy" presented at the Florida Conference of Historians, Orlando, March 15-18, 2007.
"Frontier, Feathers and a Feud." Review of Stuart B. McIvers's Death in the Everglades: The Murder of Guy Bradley, America's First Martyr to Environmentalism. H-Net Reviews, September 2006.
"What's in a Designation? The Trials and Tribulations of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary" presented at the Organization of American Historians Southern Regional Conference, July 8-11, 2004.
Highlights of Campus Involvement
Advisor, Phi Alpha Theta
Advisor, Pi Sigma Alpha
Co-Advisor, Spartan History Club
Sustainability Committee
Other Interests
SCUBA Diving
Travel
Wildlife
