Steven Foertsch, of Plainville, Presents Academic Research Before Assumption College Community at Annual Academic Symposium

2017 Apr 27

Steven Foertsch, of Plainville, was one of 90 students selected to present an original academic research project at Assumption College's 23rd Annual Undergraduate Symposium, held April 24-25 on the College's Worcester Campus.

The undergraduate symposium serves to highlight the research and scholarly achievements of Assumption students working in collaboration with dedicated faculty mentors. These collaborations represent a model for integrating teaching, original research, and the beneficial effects of peer review in promoting intellectual development and professional growth. The symposium provides the campus community with the opportunity to gain a greater appreciation of and applaud the individual and collective accomplishments of the College's faculty and students.

Foertsch, a member of the Class of 2017, presented "Edward II's Trial of the Templars" and "Chaplains, Prisoners, and COs- Oh My!". The first project analyzes Edward II's actions in response to Philip's persecution of the Templars in France, one can see that Edward had many reasons to not persecute the Templars, and likely only did so for political reasons. By demonstrating these reasons, one can tell that Edward's trials were characterized by lukewarm policies and enforcement. The second project consists of qualitative interviews with chaplains that not only reveal their personal interpretations of what they are doing, but also their impact on prisoners and their issues interacting with corrections officers. .

"The Symposium is one of my favorite moments of the academic year, as it highlights the quality of our students' work and research," said Louise Carroll Keeley, Ph.D., provost and vice president for academic affairs. "This is an occasion of great pride not only for our students and their families, but for the entire Assumption community-especially the faculty advisors who lend their expertise to the students as they puruse research that helps them grow intellectually."

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