SPOKANE — The experiences of immigrant children, the value of art education and advice gleaned from ancient civilizations are among the topics at the Fifth Annual Globalization, Diversity, and Education Conference, Feb. 26-28 at Spokane’s Red Lion Hotel at the Park, W. 303 North River Drive.
The event includes films and is open to the public. Presented by the WSU College of Education, past conferences have drawn educators from around the United States and many other countries.
“We welcome participation of researchers, educators, students, teachers, and community members,” said Assistant Professor Pauline Sameshima, co-chair of the conference.
Conference details are available at http://education.wsu.edu/globalization/.
Keynote presentations will include:
– “Contemporary Art and Media Education for a Change,” by Assistant Professor David Darts of New York University. Darts contends that educators have both a profound opportunity and a pressing responsibility to help students of all ages reflect upon, better understand and shape rapid global changes. Dart is co-director of NYU’s Venice Studio Art M.A. Program in NYU’s School of Culture, Education and Human Development.
– “Children Crossing Borders,” by Joseph Tobin, Basha Professor of Early Childhood Education at Arizona State University. Tobin will show videotapes of preschools that serve immigrant children in the United States, France, England and Germany and will discuss national differences in their approaches.
– “From the Heart of the World, the Elder Brother’s Warning,” which will be presented by documentary filmmaker Alan Ereira. In the film, the leaders of the Kogi people of Colombia address the world. The Kogi are descendents of the Tairona civilization and for 400 years have tried to remain isolated in the mountains in order to preserve their way of life, culture and philosophy. Ereira will present his award-winning film at 6:45 p.m. Feb. 27.
– “Euphoria,” a feature film to be presented by director Lee Boot and producer Stacy Arnold at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 26. The film begins by asking: “In a country built for the pursuit of happiness, is it working?” Boot, who is also writer and narrator, takes viewers on a journey through both physical and emotional American landscapes.
Both films will be presented in Riverfront Ballrooms A&B. Admission will be $5 for those not attending the conference.
Other conference sponsors from WSU include the College of Liberal Arts; The Division of Student Affairs, Equity and Diversity; Extension, Education Graduate Organization, and The Center for Environmental Research, Education and Outreach. Other sponsors are the University of Idaho College of Education, Gonzaga University College of Education and Cambria Press.
