University of Southern Maine

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USM Summer Session Programs Highlighted

July 19, 2005

Students taking courses at the University of Southern Maine aren't all sitting in classrooms this summer; some are in France studying French Sign Language and Deaf culture, while others are sailing the coast of Maine or taking Spanish immersion classes in Santiago de Compostela, Spain. Whether in a classroom in Maine, a classroom overseas, or sharing a room in Portland Hall with a Japanese exchange student, USM students in summer session have an exciting range of educational opportunities to choose from. Descriptions of selected courses follow:

The "Baseball and American Society" program celebrates its 10th anniversary this year. The ten-day course takes students to major and minor league ballparks, as it examines the relationship between baseball and American society. Lectures and discussions take place aboard the bus while traveling to and from destinations.

For 14 years "Japanese Culture: The Rissho Roomate" has taken place in Portland. In this program, USM hosts groups of students from Rissho University in Shinagawa, Japan, as they study the English language. The Japanese students are paired with American students as roommates for three weeks in Portland Hall on Congress St., Portland, where they practice their English speaking skills and learn about America and its culture. On the weekends, the Japanese students stay with American families where they can further learn about American culture.

"Summer Service-Learning in Guatemala" brings students interested in the field of social work to Central America for two weeks to work with children of parents who work in city dumps. This program promotes understanding of the social, cultural, and environmental factors that affect child development in families living in extreme poverty.

"Deaf Culture, Deaf History, and Sign Language (LSF) in France" brings students to France for a week of exposure to French Deaf culture and French culture in general. Along with attending classes, students go on guided tours in Paris provided by the Art, Culture et Tourism Internationax des Sourds.

"Spanish and Spanish Culture in Santiago de Compostela" takes place in the beautiful and hospitable city of Santiago de Compostela, Spain. USM students take a three-week course that consists of classes, field trips, and in-country travel taught by USM's associate professor Kathryn Quinn-S‡nchez. Courses are given in elementary, intermediate, and advanced levels.

"Identity, Community, and Ecology: Sailing the Maine Coast" is taught by Associate Professor of Human Development and Director of the USM Center for the Study of Lives Robert Atkinson. The week-long course takes place aboard a schooner where everyone participates in day-to-day operation of the ship, learning about seamanship, navigation, and teamwork.

For more information on Summer Session, visit www.usm.maine.edu/summer or contact Summer Session at 780-5617.

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