Social Concerns seminars offer exciting alternative
By JOSEPH LAKE
Scene Writer
Florida? Washington, D.C.? Toronto, Canada? Would you like to visit these or any of three other eastern states during spring break? Social Concerns seminars offered through the Center for Social Concerns provide a great opportunity to learn about issues of social prominence while enjoying some time with other students away from the gloomy weather of South Bend.
Through the study and discussion of a particular issue facing humanity, the one-credit courses culminate with a student paper that fosters reflection on the seminar experience. These social concerns seminars range in cost from $100 to $200 dollars, so they are perfect for the student on a budget this spring. The following is a brief glimpse of the four initiatives that are offered during the upcoming spring semester break.
Appalachia Seminar
The Appalachia Seminar is one of the longest running and most established seminars offered through the Center for Social Concerns. With sites across West Virginia, Kentucky and Virginia, approximately 300 Notre Dame students have their Appalachia experience at one of 10 locations across the region. The course is unique from traditional course offerings because it fosters active participation in the community and direct relationship with the Appalachian people in order to learn about issues economic and social issues facing the region.
L'Arche Communities Seminar
As a small group, participants on the L'Arche Seminar will live and work with people with disabilities in Toronto, Canada. Spending time at the Daybreak facility that was made famous by theologian Henri Nouwen, the course will discuss the issues facing people with disabilities through examining the works of Jean Vanier and Henri Nouwen. Daily reflection and discussion is designed to help process and articulate the experience, provoking group learning and understanding.
Migrant Experiences Seminar
The Migrant Seminar is designed to introduce students to the cultural and social issues surrounding migrant farm labor through experiential learning. Taking place in the small town of Immokalee, Florida, students will spend the week living in community with families that make their living as migrant workers. Students learn first hand the difficulties and injustices by working in the field side by side with migrant workers that face these struggle everyday.
Washington Seminar
Probably the most evolved of the four seminar offerings this spring, this policy-oriented opportunity focuses on a different issue of social concern each year. This year's focus of International Humanitarian Issues is a timely topic considering the increased focus on sweatshop labor within the past year. Participants will meet with top political leaders and non-profit organizations in the city of Washington, D.C. that work to improve the conditions of those exploited in our World. This seminar is a great glimpse into the trials and tribulations of promoting a social issue within the fast-paced society in which we live.
Are you interested in one or more of these seminar opportunities? Do you want to get to know a new group of students? Or do you simply enjoy long van rides? If you answer yes to any of the proceeding questions stop by the Center for Social Concerns for more information. Applications for the spring semester seminars listed above will be accepted until 10:00p.m. on Wednesday Jan. 31.
All Scene Stories for Monday, January 29, 2001
