Washington Semester Program
Seminars
The Climate of Climate Change Legislation: The Waxman/Markey Bill in the U.S. Senate
In this course, we will learn about the complex process of legislating policies that may mitigate or help us to adapt to the impacts of climate change. Beginning in November and through the spring until the April Recess, the U.S. Senate Committee on the Environment and Public Works will hold hearings on the bill passed by Congress this past summer: H.R. 2454: American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009, better known as the Waxman-Markey Climate Bill. We will follow the hearings, learn about the bill, talk to committee members and lobbyists for and against the bill. By the end of the class, we will understand the disagreement and the stakes.
Butler University Professor, Dr. Carol Reeves, February 25-27, 2010
Media Literacy & Popular Culture
Introduction to the theory and practice of media literacy with an emphasis on the changing role of media in education and popular culture, and media effects on beliefs, attitudes and behaviors. Both popular and educational media will be investigated, including television, film, print media, new technologies, and the Internet. Students will be challenged to think critically about information from different media sources, both in their coursework and in their personal lives, and will learn basic media literacy skills "decoding" media messages.
Ithaca College Professor, Dr. Cyndy Scheibe, March 11-13, 2010
Theatre as a Reflection for Society
This seminar will explore theatre's impact on society as both its mirror and as a catalyst for social justice. Our readings will center on plays by George C. Wolfe ("The Colored Museum"), Anna Deveare Smith ("Twilight: Los Angeles, 1992"), Athol Fugard ("My Children My Africa") and other plays as discovered to be appropriate to the seminar. We will also explore the ideas surrounding performing arts for social change with the focus being on theatre. We'll view a documentary titled "Road Trip: Demystifying HIV/AIDS" and footage from a performing arts project conducted at a high security correctional facility for young men. Our discussions will give an overview of the process for creating theatre designed to lay the groundwork for social change. If possible we'll also visit at least one D.C. area theatre to attend a show
Ithaca College Professor, Cynthia Henderson, March 18-20, 2010