Ryerson Alumni - Summer 2010 - (Page 22)

22 alumni profiles James cairns interdisciplinary disciple N o w A P R o f e s s o R , PHd A L u m N u s c R e d i t s m u L t i - d i m e N s i o N A L e N v i R o N m e N t By Gary Rusak, Journalism ’05 A long-distance phone call gave James Cairns, Communication and Culture (PhD) ’08, an inkling of how Ryerson University differs from other institutions. “I was living in California when I got my acceptance to the PhD program and Neil Thomlinson, a political science professor at the time (now department chair), called just to welcome me,” says Cairns. “It was the personal touch that was reflective of the real strength of Ryerson.” Initially attracted by the new interdisciplinary program, Cairns was overwhelmed by the openness, both professional and personal, he experienced when he arrived on the Ryerson campus in September 2004. “It was so exciting and flexible and multi-dimensional,” he says of the program. “It provided an intellectual environment for us to do research on the most pressing issues in the world today and be able to draw on expertise from so many different disciplines.” The unique approach, featuring instruction from professors in a number of departments including English, Journalism, Geography and Political Science, fit Cairns’ intellectual curiosity. His success as a graduate student included being awarded the Ryerson Gold Medal for high academic standing and co-curricular activity, but more importantly established him as a significant voice in contemporary studies, a field that focuses on issues such as war, global warming and new technologies. Currently a professor of Contemporary Studies at Wilfrid Laurier University’s Brantford, Ont. campus, Cairns recently co-authored A Good Book, In Theory, with Ryerson professor Alan Sears. The book invites readers to actively inquire about the world, showing how theoretical thinking and methodical research help make sense of our surroundings. Cairns credits Ryerson with impressing upon him the value of an interdisciplinary approach. “Openness pervades Ryerson,” he says. “The virtue of the program is that it’s not restricted by disciplinary boundaries. That attitude was incredibly influential.” Gary Rusak is a freelance writer who lives in Toronto. 

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Ryerson Alumni - Summer 2010

Ryerson Alumni - Summer 2010
Contents
President's Message
What's New
Ryerson People in the News
Science Revolution
High Fliers
Board Profiles
Serious Games
A Report Card for Early Learning Plan
VP Viewpoint/Alumni Diary
AlumNews
Remember When?

Ryerson Alumni - Summer 2010

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