Summer 2008 Study Opportunity

I received the e-mail message below from a colleague regarding an unusual study opportunity at the University of Oregon for this summer. I though t I'd pass it along to the class.

EDST 457/557  Equal Opportunity: Diaspora and Immigration
(Special Fieldwork Course in San Diego, Tijuana, and Oregon)

Summer 2008 : July 31 - August 13, 2008

• Are you interested in studying or researching the issue of immigration?
• Do you want to research why we are witnessing one of the largest human mi‑grations in human history?
• Do you want to study how social institutions (particularly public education) have responded to this phenomenon?
• Are you searching for humanistic approaches to working with immigrants, their families, and their children?
Then this class is for you! Join us as we read, research, and discuss the factors that contribute to human migration and how U.S. policies and institutions have responded to this phenomenon. We will be travelling to San Diego, Tijuana, and parts of Oregon to meet and work with individuals and groups who work with immigrant families. Students enrolled in this class will receive a $300 (approximate) stipend to offset travel expenses.

Informational meetings on: May 1, 2008 @ 4 pm & June 5, 2008 @ 4 pm in ED 151.

For more information, contact: Edward M. Olivos, Department of Teacher Education, emolivos@uoregon.edu or 541‑346‑2983.

FAQs:  EDST 457/557

Can I take this class if I am not an Education major? Yes. Students do not need to be an education major to enroll in this class. We've talked to faculty in the following departments to allow their students into this class: An‑thropology, Ethnic Studies, Family and Human Services, and Counseling Psychology. However, talk to an advisor in your department (even those above) to get more specific information and to see if you can use this class toward your degree! Only your department can make that decision.

How much will this class cost? This is a 3 unit class (EDST 457/557) with a 1 unit co‑requisite (EDST 458/558). Students will be required to sign up for both classes. Students will pay the fees they would normally pay for a 4 unit summer class at the University of Oregon. Students will also purchase the books which are required for the class.

Are there additional costs? Yes. This class will require travel to San Diego and Woodburn & Salem, Oregon. Stu‑dents will be responsible for all their travel expenses: airfare, meals, hotel/motel, etc. Thanks to a grant we received from the Wayne Morse Center at the University of Oregon Law School, however, we will be able to provide each student with a $300 (approximate)
stipend that they can use to offset the costs of their travels. Also, certain departments have travel money to support students for immersion, travel, or research experiences. Students should check with their departments for more information.

Where will I stay while in San Diego/Tijuana? That is completely up to the students; though it is recommended that students stay between Chula Vista (7 miles south of San Diego) and (or in) Tijuana since we will be having our daily debrief/seminar in the Chula Vista area. A hotel list will be provided.

How will I get around in San Diego/Tijuana? Students will be provided with an area map. Also, the San Diego Trolley runs every 7–15 minutes between San Diego and Tijuana. The course instructor is formerly from San Diego and will provide the necessary information to travel via public transportation in the area. Students, of course, can choose to drive down to San Diego from Oregon and thus have their own mode of transportation. There will also be instances when transportation will be provided by local tour guides.

What other documentation will I need for this class? Since this class will require students to travel into Tijuana, Mexico, all participants will need a valid passport. Furthermore, students will need to sign a University of Oregon approved waiver of liability.

Do I need to be able to speak Spanish? No. The instructor is bilingual and will assist students when necessary. English is widely spoken in Tijuana as well.

How do I sign up for the class? Students will need instructor approval and will need to contact Edward M. Olivos of the Department of Teacher Education @ emolivos@uoregon.edu.

One letter of recommendation from a professor or instructor will be required. The class will be capped at 15 students.

What are the dates of the class? Class will begin on July 31, 2008 @ the University of Oregon and will conclude on August 13, 2008 @ UO as well.  Class will be held in San Diego the week of August 4–8, 2008 and in Salem and Woodburn on August 11 & 12. (The final dates (8/11–8/13) are tentative and we may conclude by 8/12 instead).

Wait, I have more questions! Keep an eye out for an informational meeting. Also, feel free to email Edward M. Olivos @ emolivos@uoregon.edu for more info or questions!