Educators Explore Diverse Cultures at Yale Summer Institutes

July 11, 2005 — More than 100 educators from across the country have assembled at Yale University, now through July 16, to participate in summer institutes offered by Programs in International Educational Resources (PIER) at the Yale Center for International and Area Studies (YCIAS).

The five PIER summer institutes combine instruction and hands-on activities to help educators teach confidently and accurately about the peoples, civilizations and cultures of the areas in which they specialize. Reporters are welcome to arrange to attend and cover the sessions.

Humphrey Tonkin, president emeritus of the University of Hartford, will present the keynote lecture,“Global Readiness,” on July 11 at 10:30 a.m. in Henry R. Luce Hall, 34 Hillhouse Ave.

2005 PIER Summer Institutes

The Teaching of Africa (July 6-15) addresses the history, religion and politics of modern-day Africa, as well as the challenges, goals and strategies involved in the teaching of Africa. The program will provide perspectives about the continent through films, discussions and a workshop on African music.

The European Experiment (July 6-15) explores how to teach the institutions and politics of the European Union in a rapidly changing world. Scholars from Yale and other institutions will lecture on the history of unification, beginning with the Marshall Plan, Europe and the world economy, trends in art and literature, patterns in European politics and issues of terrorism and security.

Tracing the Andes—The Heights and Chasms of Andean Societies (July 6-14) uses a multidisciplinary approach to connect the past with current themes. This institute will concentrate on the diverse societies of Argentina, Bolivia, Colombia, Chile, Ecuador, Peru and Venezuela. Key issues include pre-Hispanic cultures, the Andes and the Spanish colonial system, human development, social movements, biodiversity, artistic expressions and educational context.

Arts in Action in the Middle East (July 11-16) focuses on the often-neglected role that the arts play in shaping and/or challenging public debate regarding the Middle East. Topics include theatre, dance, film, visual arts, music and literature. Participants will attend a cooking class at a local restaurant and will study Arabic music, dance and drumming.

Understanding Globalization—Focus on South Asia (July 11-16) will examine globalization in terms of geography, history and the cultural, social, political and economic institutions of the global community. Participants will consider how globalization has impacted the world’s two biggest democracies, India and the U.S. The program will also educate participants on the culture of India with lectures on the music and films.

The Yale Center for International and Area Studies’ PIER Summer Institutes have been providing continuing education and professional development for educators for more than 20 years.