Student conference on consumerism alternatives

Monday, May 16, 2005

GALESBURG - Knox College students will present their research displays in an "Alternatives to Consumerism Conference" from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Thursday and May 24 in the Francois Classroom E-117, Umbeck Science-Mathematics Center. The event is free and open to the public.

Students will be present each day to discuss their research on topics such as parenting in a consumer-driven society; simplicity in weddings, travel and housing; and alternatives to consumerism in the Galesburg area.

The displays were created for the course "Alternatives to Consumerism," taught by Tim Kasser of the psychology department and Diana Beck of the educational studies department.

Kasser has researched materialism and happiness. Beck has studied the cognitive processes involved in science education.