Tag: Agnes Scott College (Page 1 of 2)

New COIL Courses in Fall 2023!

April 28, 2023 / CGL

Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) is a rapidly growing learning format that connects U.S. students with peers and faculty around the world. COIL courses exemplify Agnes Scott’s SUMMIT goals for professional success: Students build intercultural proficiency, communicative skills, and critical thinking while working on exciting interdisciplinary liberal arts projects in a global context. Over the last couple of years, Thanks to support from the Stevens Initiative, Agnes Scott College has established a connection with Zayed University in the United Arab Emirates and with Al Akhwayn University in Morocco. We are excited that we can now add courses with connections to the American University in Sulaimani, Iraqi Kurdistan, and UniCuritiba, Brazil, to our lineup. Students interested in any of the courses below can enroll via AscAgnes and contact the Center of Global Learning with any questions:

POL 373 / WS 373 Middle East Politics & Societies (COIL)

Special Topic: “Gender in Media & Art in Kurdish Society”

This course will introduce students to some of the major contemporary political and social developments of the Middle East and North Africa. Taking an interdisciplinary approach, our guiding theme for the semester will be “Gender in Media & Art in Kurdish Society”, and we will use the case of Iraqi Kurdistan to explore, discuss and learn about issues of politics and societies in the Middle East through this unique lens. Students will work in guided collaboration with both students and faculty at the American University of Iraq in Sulaimani, Iraqi Kurdistan, giving them an in-the-field-type, ethnographic experience that offers a more nuanced and complex understanding of politics and societies of this highly politicized region.

During their asynchronous and synchronous encounters with AUIS students and faculty, students will engage in rapport building activities to establish mutual trust, develop friendship, and affinity with their counterpoint, helping students to think about what it means to establish good interpersonal relationships across the boundaries of language and culture.

This course will be taught by Autumn Cockrell-Abdullah, Ph.D. (ASC Department of Political Science) and COIL aspects of this course will be taught in tandem with Munirah Eskander, M.A.

The American University of Iraq, Sulaimani (AUIS) represents the region’s diverse ethnic and religious landscape as the University continues to be the destination of choice for top students from all over the Kurdistan region, Iraq, and beyond. In 2006, the Board of Trustees of American University of Iraq, Sulaimani (AUIS) set out to establish an institution dedicated to offering a truly comprehensive liberal arts education, based on the American model, for the benefit of Kurdistan, Iraq, and the wider region.

The University has grown significantly in the ensuing years and now offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs in 23 different programs. These programs, taught in English by international faculty members, are designed to encourage critical thinking and lifelong learning, and have a lasting impact not only on our students’ futures but also on the future of the entire region.

Students are prepared for successful careers in a modern, pluralistic society and in a global environment. The educational programs at AUIS develop strength in critical thinking, the ability to communicate well, a strong work ethic, good citizenship, and personal integrity. A broad-based education rooted in the American liberal arts tradition as well as skills development is achieved at the University through teaching excellence, quality scholarship, and caring student services. More about AUIS: https://auis.edu.krd/

POL 260 The Legal Systems of Brazil and the United States

An overview of these very different legal systems will introduce students to topics such as the difference between common law and civil law systems; the brief, largely procedural constitution of the US vs. the fuller, more substantive Brazilian constitution; the different court structures; the approaches to various fundamental areas of law such as employment law, property, and corporate law; and the legal professions in the US and Brazil.

The hybrid (in-person and virtual) class format will center on synchronous meetings on Zoom most weeks until mid-November (with time at the end of the semester for projects). Meeting for about 2 hours, these weekly sessions will be devoted to describing each country’s approach to an aspect of the legal system, with time for students to discuss topics with their counterparts online. Language of instruction is English.

The course will be led by Professor Viviane Sellos Knoerr, Coordinator of the Graduate Law Programs of Unicuritiba, a private university in Curitiba, Brazil, and Gus Cochran, Professor of Political Science, Agnes Scott College.

ENG 125 Digital Storytelling

Digital Storytelling is a course about the uses of modern technologies to extend our understanding of narrative forms, and it focuses on the development of media-rich narratives created with selected productivity tools, such as film and audio editing software. The course is project-based, and students produce stories for critique and dissemination via the Internet. In fall 2023, students in the course will partner with students in a course in New Media Technologies at Al Akhawayn University in Ifrane, Morocco to create interview-based short podcast episodes.

This course will be led by Dr. Toby Emert, Agnes Scott College, and Dr. Bouziane Zaid, professor of communication studies at Al Akhwayn University. Language of instruction is English

Study Abroad Day Photo Contest

January 30, 2023 / Wafia Sayf

The Center for Global Learning (CGL) is hosting a photo contest in celebration of National Study Abroad day which is occurring on February 27th, 2023. The contest will open on January 30th, 2023 presented through Irvine, the CGL social media platform, and other Agnes Scott College platforms. The deadline for Submission is February 13th, 2023 at 11:59 pm. The winning photo will be showcased on February 27th, 2023.

Theme

The picture needs to reflect an image while you traveled or studied abroad. The theme needs to cover the following questions:

Why is studying abroad important?
What does Globalization mean to you and what is its impact on a student’s life?

Alongside the submission of the image, please submit a short narrative of approximately 10 sentences answering one of the questions above.

Submission Rules and Regulations:

Please read all the rules and regulations before submitting, if the rules are not followed, your submission will be disqualified.

Submission is open to All Scotties.
You are only allowed one submission per Scottie
The photo must have been taken by Scottie submitting the photo. (original content only)
Make sure the image is high quality and high resolution, the winning photo will be made into a bigger poster and we do not want it to look too pixelated.
Ensure that the narrative is a separate document from the image.
Please make sure that the image is school appropriate and does not have vulgar language.

Prize

There will be one winner, the winner will have their photo enlarged and showcased at the Center for Global Learning office in Buttrick 104B. First place winner will win a $100 gift card to Amazon. All other participants will have their photos formed into a collage and also portray at the Center for Global Learning.

CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT YOUR PHOTO.

If you have any questions, comments, or concerns please email us at globallearning@agnesscott.edu, we will answer within 24-48 hours.

BeltLine Walk

November 30, 2021 / Genesis Diaz

When we started our hike on the west end trail of the beltline, the first thing our guide pointed out was the Phoenix rising sculpture. She explained the symbolism of the phoenix rising and its connection to Atlanta, as the city that was built from the ashes after the Great Fire. She made us realize how the beltline was another part of the rebuilding and improvement of Atlanta. When we started to make our way through the trail, we learned about the beltline’s function as a connection point for historic communities whether it be through the art that’s displayed by local artists or the scattered green spaces along the trails. The part that stuck out the most to me was the integration of community history as we veered deeper into the trail. There were many signs that indicated what community we were in and the history and culture of the residents. Getting to walk the beltline with fellow students and faculty, allowed us all to share a moment where we learned more about Atlanta and the communities within it and appreciate the vibrance, perseverance, and progress of local communities.

Summary provided by Georga-Kay Whyte

November 6th, 2021

Decatur Scavenger Hunt – Journeys Active Living

November 30, 2021 / Genesis Diaz

Our first-year students participated in the Decatur Scavenger Hunt on Saturday, October 23, to prepare for their Global Journeys course in the Spring of 2022. Four teams of students left the campus at 10:10 a.m., with two winning teams, 10 students, making it back to campus within the hour, and earning prizes. Congratulations Scotties!

ASC International Students Connect Internships and Study Abroad for Professional Success

November 2, 2021 / Wafia Sayf

Sweksha Sharma is currently interning at the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta as a Research Panel Coordinator in their Economic Research Department. She started the position in the summer of 2021 and continued it over the fall semester. Most of her work involves reaching out to business leaders to encourage them to participate in the Business Uncertainty Survey of the Atlanta Fed.

Sweksha said: “I get to talk to business owners and managers from all over the country which I really enjoy. This role has helped me understand the importance of survey work in economics and appreciate the role of the Federal Reserve System in the economy. My favorite part of the internship is being able to join in on economic briefings and forecasts where current issues are being discussed. It truly feels like I am at the center of economic decision-making!

This internship has encouraged me to challenge myself and explore my interests. I am hence planning to study abroad next semester at the TIO University of Applied Sciences in the Netherlands. I am really looking forward to exploring the Netherlands and the rest of Europe while learning more about global markets, international relations, and my interests.”

Sweksha Sharma is currently a junior at ASC with a dual major in Mathematics-Economics and International Relations.

Agnes Scott Offers Three New COIL Courses for Spring 2022

October 27, 2021 / CGL

Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) is a rapidly growing learning format that connects U.S. students with peers and faculty around the world. COIL courses exemplify Agnes Scott’s SUMMIT goals for professional success: The courses enable students to build intercultural proficiency, communicative skills, and critical thinking while working on exciting interdisciplinary liberal arts projects in a global context. Thanks to support from the Stevens Initiative, Agnes Scott College has established a connection with Zayed University in the United Arab Emirates and with Al Akhwayn University in Morocco. For Spring 2022, Agnes Scott students can choose from the following lineup of COIL courses co-taught by Agnes Scott College and Zayed University or Al Akhwayn University faculty:

MUS 134: Telling Stories Through Sound and Words (Prof. Qiao Chen Solomon). ASC orchestra students will have the opportunity to engage in collaborative learning with Dr. Chrysavgi Papagianni and her students at Zayed University to explore the music-text relationship by analyzing stories from the past and setting them with appropriate music. One of the guiding questions will be how the musical representation of literature can be seen as a critical interpretation. “Peter and Wolf” is a masterpiece that exemplifies the power of combining words and sounds in telling a story. All in all, students will work together across different time zones to share the stories and gain a deeper understanding of how different media such as fiction and music can converge to support each other in the process of telling stories, creating meaning and engaging in dialogue across cultures and times. Students who are interested in joining ASC Community Orchestra please contact Professor Qiao Chen Solomon for audition information qsolomon@agnesscott.edu.

FRE 243: French Fashion: Theory and Practice of Haute Couture (Prof. Julia Knowlton).

This course explores the history and origins of haute couture in France (18^th century & prior) as well as the contemporary global fashion industry. It offers knowledge and insight into the world-wide, legendary influence of French designers Lanvin, Dior, Chanel, YSL, and others. Basic elements of fashion design and relationships between fashion and politics/war will be included. Students will engage in a critical examination of racism/racial identity and diversity issues in the fashion industry. The partnership with Zayed University will allow students to discuss these issues in an intercultural context and to broaden their understanding of how European/North American fashion concepts relate to Middle Eastern culture. The COIL component will focus on the power of storytelling in the context of international marketing and business.

ART 244/344: Digital Processes (Prof. Nell Ruby)

This COIL course provides students with an opportunity for cross-cultural connections through a team based project between two women’s colleges–one based in the United Arab Emirates, and one in the US. Students on two continents will work together to develop and produce an appropriate visual message to communicate effectively in another country. The project requires communication between students, as well as outreach beyond the classroom and into the UAC community, as project teams in Agnes Scott’s Digital Processes and Zayed University’s Business Communication courses investigate the images as a messaging device in real, emerging UAE companies.

POL/WS 3737: Middle East Politics & Societies (Prof. Mona Tajali)

This course introduces students to the major political and social developments of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) from the end of the Ottoman Empire (post-WWI) until today. With its interdisciplinary approach, this course analyzes key aspects of the postcolonial state, the emergence of civil society, the growth and development of social movements (particularly women’s and minority rights movements), and ongoing popular protest (i.e. the “Arab Spring”). The course includes a COIL element in which students partner with peers and faculty from Morocco’s Al Akhwayn University in a team-based virtual group project for a period in the semester.

Course times and schedules are listed on AscAgnes. All courses are taught in-person, ASC students will collaborate with Zayed U and Al Akhwayn students via synchronous and asynchronous online formats. Students can sign up for these courses through the regular course selection process.

Agnes Scott College’s COIL program is administered by the Center for Global Learning in collaboration with the Center for Digital and Visual Literacy.

Tara Houska in conversation with WABE's Rose Scott during Agnes Scott's Climate Justice Conference September 2021

U.S. Indigenous Peoples’ Day 2021

October 11, 2021 / CGL

On this October 11, 2021, traditionally called “Columbus Day” but also dedicated Indigenous Peoples Day by President Biden, Agnes Scott College’s Center for Global Learning stands in solidarity with native peoples across the globe to urge meaningful actions in support of indigenous communities everywhere.

Calling attention to the myriad of challenges that indigenous peoples face has become more important than ever in the context of climate heating. As tribal attorney and indigeneous leader Tara Houska recently mentioned at Agnes Scott College’s Women’s Global Leadership conference, Building a Better World: Women and Climate Justice, defending the rights of native communities is an urgent act of survival. Houska poignantly summarized what’s at stake:

Indigenous peoples around the globe hold 80% of all earth’s biodiversity, despite being just 5% of all human beings. We are fighting for what remains, everywhere. The earth is a relative, not a resource. My ancestors fought back, or I would not exist. I owe the next generation the same. We all do.
(HouSKA)

Virtual Journeys (Post)Colonial Legacies Featured in “Diversity Abroad”

August 13, 2021 / CGL

The Center for Global Learning is excited to share Dr. Philip Ojo’s essay, “‘Connecting Globally while Grounded at Home’: The ASC Experience” (pp. 38-40), which describes his innovative Journeys global immersion during the pandemic in March 2022. Dr. Ojo and the entire faculty team under the guidance of global learning faculty coordinator Dr. Regine Jackson created a powerful and rich series of virtual global immersions that connected students to a wide range of global sites, speakers, and cultural contexts. Congratulations to Dr. Ojo!

Advertising picture for November 17 2020 International Education Week showing 2 ASC alums and the title Global Learning, Languages, and Careers

Happy Study Abroad Day 2021!

February 22, 2021 / CGL

The COVID pandemic frames this anniversary in a completely new way. In the Center for Global Learning we know that so many of you had to cancel or shift plans, we know that you are longing for the moment to pick up your delayed dreams of studying abroad for a summer, a semester, or the academic year. All we can say right now is — “Hang in there, we are with you!”

Despite the pandemic, global learning is continuing and it might help to take some solace from the fact that education and learning are part of the “long game.” We want to mark this unique Study Abroad Day with a special episode on the Agnes Scott Leading Everywhere podcast series. Listen to Hannah Brendell ‘2021 conversing with alums Na Than ’13 and Tehseen Dossul ’11 how being proficient in multiple languages has helped them navigate different work and learning environments and prepare for international careers.

Map of destinations where class of 2020 students studied abroad — The Global Reach of the Class of 2020

The Global Reach of the Class of 2020

May 18, 2020 / CGL

Scotties of the class of 2020: As you set out to shape the world, the ASC Center for Global Learning wants to remind you of your combined global reach. You have traveled to as well as learned in and about many different areas of the world. You speak many different languages and have developed friendships across the globe. Even though most of us live in a state of physical immobility right now, remember that your minds can still roam free — make sure to transform your experiences during study abroad into the foundation for your ongoing resilience!