May 04, 2007
St. John’s students are in for a unique first lecture when they
begin the University’s “Discover the World—Africa” program on May
12: it’s being held at Washington, DC’s Smithsonian
Institution.
As part of this fall’s newest “Discover the
World” offering, students will travel to the nation’s capital
for a day-long experience, the highlight of which will be a lecture
on African writing and visual arts given by
Konrad Tuchscherer, Ph.D., Associate Professor of History at
St. John’s. Tuchscherer’s lecture is part of the opening of a new
exhibit, “Literacy and Art in Africa,” shown as of May 9 at the
national museum.
The adventure continues this fall, when the 15-credit “Discover
the World--Africa” semester continues with three weeks in New York
City, where the program’s first cohort will focus on African
studies while also serving African immigrant communities. “New York
City’s African community is perhaps the largest African community
outside of Africa,” according to Tuchscherer.
In late September, they move on to Rome, Italy, for six weeks,
where they’ll earn six credits in European art, culture or
language.
Finally, the group will fly to Cameroon in western Africa for
four weeks, where they’ll earn six credits at the University at
Buea. There, at the foot of Mount Cameroon, the highest mountain in
west Africa, they’ll be immersed in African art, language and
culture while working with the Vincentian Fathers and the Daughters
of Charity in a variety of service activities.
A world-renowned expert on Africa and recent Senior Fulbright
Scholar for Cameroon, Tuchscherer will guide the program, teaching
courses in New York City and Cameroon. He will also be faculty
moderator for the Africana Studies “Living Learning Community,”
designed to enhance the academic and living experiences. He
promises a range of opportunities for service in Cameroon, where
students will be immersed in a rural community with an underserved
population. “They’ll be working to bring about sustainable
development and helping people who need expertise in particular
areas,” Tuchscherer explains.
The History professor says “Discover the World—Africa” will be a
catalyst for change in students’ lives. “Going into something like
this, you know you’re going outside your comfort zone. It’s
important, though, to immerse yourself in another culture in order
to understand your own.”
One student who has expressed serious interest in the innovative
opportunity is Krystal Kirkland, who is pursuing a double-major in
government and politics and theology. This newest Study Abroad
offering, she says “is a blessing…Africa is my passion.” She
followed her passion in 2006, when she traveled to Africa with the
choir group, Voices of Victory. Now, “I’m hoping to study the
language, culture and politics there and do my own independent
study.”
Students in this program will have an opportunity to earn an
additional three credits, for a total of 18 credits for the Fall
2007 semester, through intensive independent research or an
internship. Most students in the program will also fulfill
requirements for an Africana Studies minor.
Tuition and fees cover all expenses and coursework, except round
trip flight to Rome, certain meals and any medical requirements for
travel to Africa. All present grants, aid and scholarships are
applied.
This opportunity is limited and timing is short, so interested
students should register now by calling Matthew G. Pucciarelli at
(212) 277-5183 or email pucciarm@stjohns.edu.
Learn more about
Professor Tuchscherer’s Lecture at the Smithsonian
Institution