 |
Diversity 101: Penn State Lehigh Valley expands the outlook of its students by introducing a new program by Dolores Hooper Learning about and working with diverse cultures is what the global studies program is all about. In fall 2005 Penn State Lehigh Valley students have the opportunity to learn more about Latino culture and heritage through the Latin American cultures option of the global studies program. “I view global studies as an opportunity to implement a multicultural education and in so doing to foster critical thinking,” says Dr. Emilio del Valle Escalante, assistant professor of Spanish at Penn State Lehigh Valley. Originally from Guatemala, del Valle Escalante received his Ph.D. at the University of Pittsburgh. His focus is 20th century Latin American literature. As a Maya K’iché, one of the many tribes of the indigenous people of Guatemala, del Valle Escalante is particularly interested in the literature and culture of indigenous people. He hopes to teach an honors class in literature by indigenous writers, particularly Maya. “The ultimate objective is to transmit the richness of the Spanish language and Latin American cultures to students in our college and to reflect a reality that is experienced by the so-called Latino population in the United States," he explained. The global studies program also sponsors trips and events for students to expand their understanding. Recently, a trip to New York City to see an exhibit of Aztec art at the Guggenheim Museum was enjoyed by 15 students from Berks and Lehigh Valley campuses. Future events will be a lecture by Dr. Anna Adams on the Latino community in the Lehigh Valley and a demonstration of flamenco dancing in Allentown. The Latin American cultures option emphasizes courses in civilization, literature, and history. This degree prepares students for careers in businesses, government agencies, and non-profit organizations that deal with Latin American and Caribbean issues like human rights, industry and trade, and foreign policy. The global studies program has two tracks: history and politics and Latin American culture. The history and politics option will be offered mostly at Berks while the Latin American cultures option will be offered at both campuses. According to Kirk Shaffer, assistant professor of Latin American studies and global studies program co-coordinator at Penn State Berks, the global studies degree continues to expand with the inclusion of courses in economics, international agriculture, political science and business. Says Shaffer, “Someone can take the Latin American cultures track and take courses not only in Latin American history and Spanish but also these other topics. This built-in flexibility allows students to tailor their studies to fit particular interests and needs.” Students will have the opportunity to study in Latin America. Del Valle Escalante is scouting possible locations such as Guatemala, Peru or Bolivia. The option also requires an internship with an international organization. Shaffer explains that these internships will be “with companies and non-profit nongovernmental organizations based in the US and abroad.” The program will officially begin at Lehigh Valley in fall 2005 with classes including History 179: Latin American history since 1820 and CAS 271: Intercultural Communications. With the additional Latin American courses at Lehigh Valley, students will also have the opportunity to minor in Spanish. For the Latin American option, three semesters of Spanish language are required with the opportunity to take advanced composition classes. Eventually there will be advanced literature classes taught entirely in Spanish. For more information contact program coordinators Dr. Randall Fegley at raf8@psu.edu or Dr. Kirk Shaffer at krs14@psu.edu. At the Lehigh Valley campus, contact Dr. Emilio del Valle Escalante at eed12@psu.edu. Lecture box The global studies program and Student Affairs are presenting a lecture by Dr. Anna Adams on March 29th at 3 p.m. in the Penn State Lehigh Valley atrium. The program will be called “Hidden from History: The Latino Community of the Lehigh Valley.” Adams is a history professor specializing in Latin American studies at Muhlenberg College in Allentown where she teaches Spanish, Modern and Colonial Latin American history, Latino history, and Women's history. The lecture will discuss the various Latino groups in the Lehigh Valley integration into local society. Adams just completed a book, “Hidden from History: The Latino Community of Allentown, PA,” published by Lehigh County Historical Society. She has also published two articles on Pentecostalism among Latinos. She was in Guatemala last summer researching the role of women in Pentecostal churches there. Information will be available at the lecture on the Global Studies program or the new Spanish club. Spanish club sidebar The Spanish club at Penn State Lehigh Valley met for the first time Feb. 10th. Newly elected officers are: Jay Thomas – president Daisy Santiago – vice-president Theresa Meder – treasurer Linda Borshansky - secretary An email will be sent out to all students who have indicated an interest in the club but were unable to attend. They will also decide when and where a regular club meeting will take place. The club hopes to be involved in community service as well as being a meeting place for those interested in Spanish and Latin American cultures in the college. If you are interested in joining the Spanish club, contact Jay Thomas at jet225@psu.edu or Dr. Emilio del Valle Escalante at eed12@psu.edu. |
|||||
|
|||||
Diversity is an important element in today’s universities. As the ethnic composition of the student body expands and changes, curriculum needs to change as well.
