| |
|
|
from the issue of October 4, 2007
|
| |
|
|
| |
Trip offers first-hand experience to students
BY SARA GILLIAM, UNIVERSITY COMMUNICATIONS
Political science professor Patrice McMahon wants her students to witness the power of individual activism first-hand.
| | SUMMER SOJOURN - Professor Patrice McMahon (third from left) stands with students (from left) Chuck Lippstreu, Daniel Braaten and Jared Tideman during a summer study trip to Vietnam.
| |
In the summer, McMahon and a group of graduate and undergraduate students traversed northern Vietnam, spending time with ethnic groups in a remote mountain province and meeting with nongovernmental organizations in several rural areas and in the capital, Hanoi. They studied the impact that individuals and small organizations can have on social, political and human rights issues.
The students wrestled with questions related to culture and development: What are the drawbacks and benefits of a communist government? What aspects of American culture are enviable, and what might be preferable about living in Vietnam? Is tourism a good thing?
"Students dealt with the complexity without coming to an answer," McMahon said. "I see that as a sign of real maturity. Particularly our time in the mountains was an emotional mixed bag. The students learned that globalization has positive and negative effects."
Political science graduate student Tyler White said the study trip was life changing.
"I wish every undergrad was compelled to do something like this, to get out and see another part of the world," he said. "In so many ways, it was an incredibly liberating experience, being able to step out of the confines of American culture. It made us really appreciate what about our culture the Vietnamese admire. We also developed a tremendous appreciation for their culture."
GO TO: ISSUE OF OCTOBER 4
NEWS HEADLINES FOR OCTOBER 4
Soh fine-tunes software that helps monitor, enhance student learning
Ari plight topic for Oct. 11 'Academic Freedom' lecture
Fankhauser trades cigarettes for running shoes
Health risk survey available until Oct. 12
Scarlet available in pdf format
Chancellor issues Campus Wellness Program update
Couple to serve on ANDRILL teams
Psych training program outlined in journal article
Q & A with David Harwood
Researchers seek climate change 'Rosetta Stone'
Trip offers first-hand experience to students
732953S37368X
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|