Independent Studies | University of Waterloo

Sue Patrick Breit, BIS 2011 graduand, has been awarded a Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) Joseph-Armand Bombardier Canada Graduate Scholarship (CGS) – Master’s, 2011-2012.

The acknowledgement of her work has meant the world to her, and is, she insists, a testament to the value of the unique undergraduate program in which she was enrolled. She explains: “In Independent Studies I’ve been able to pursue, in depth, research about which I am passionate. The structure of the program has allowed me to successfully juggle academia, motherhood, and music. Through IS, I discovered potential I did not know I had. I’m really going to miss everyone there.” But move on she must.

Sue has decided to approach her SSHRC funded research in a way that adequately reflects its focus on our experience of that which is intelligible yet indeterminate. She says: “I agree with Martha Craven Nussbaum who points out that ‘an abstract theoretical style makes, like any other style, a statement about what is important and what is not, about what faculties of the reader are important for knowing and what are not.’”

“My intention is to blend theory with forms of expression that demonstrate the elliptical nature of language (e.g. poetry) and that show how communication is not merely contingent on clear and precise terms. (e.g. music) - a sort of hermeneutics of the unsayable.”

Sue has been accepted into York University’s MA program in Interdisciplinary Studies where there is tremendous enthusiasm and support for such an approach. Her advanced research skills and extraordinary organizational abilities will, with loving support from family and friends, ensure her continued success. Look for her CD out soon and for a book in the coming years!

www.myspace.com/suepatrickbreit

Return to Alumni Profiles

Sue Patrick Breit This page was last reviewed on September 1, 2011