International Field Experience: Service Learning in India: Engagement and Cultural Understanding
Students and faculty will travel to Madurai, India via Chennai. Through readings, discussions, site visits, field work and guest lectures, students will: explore the culture and basic societal structure of southern India, particularly with regard to women; observe the socio-economic that impact grassroots service organizations in the region; move from tourist/observer to active engagement by participating in local service activities. Course discussions will be in English or with an interpreter, as needed.
“Unity in Diversity” was the slogan chosen when India celebrated fifty years of Independence in 1997, a declaration replete with as much optimism as pride. Stretching from the frozen barrier of the Himalayas to the tropical greenery of Kerala, and from the sacred Ganges to the sands of the Thar Desert, the country’s boundaries encompass incomparable variety. Walk the streets of any Indian city and you’ll rub shoulders with representatives of several of the world’s great faiths, a multitude of castes and outcastes, fair-skinned, turbaned Punjabis and dark-skinned Tamils. You’ll also encounter temple rituals that have been performed since the time of the Egyptian pharaohs, onion-domed mosques erected centuries before the Taj Mahal was ever dreamt of, and quirky echoes of the British Raj on virtually every corner.This Service-learning program is based at Lady Doak College located in Madurai the largest city in the State of Tamil Nadu. This area is situated in Southwestern India and stretches nearly 1000 km along the Bay of Bengal. Archeological evidence shows this region has been continuously populated since pre historic times and still practices cultural traditions among the oldest in the world. Madurai, said to be 2,500 years old is immense in size and lofty in architectural style. The people are warm, friendly and, progressive.
The goals of this exchange program are to:
• explore the deep roots of Indian society from a socio-economic and cultural perspective with an emphasis on women’s issues,
• introduce participants to Indian art, architecture, festivals, industry and history through formal lectures, visits to sites, and field work,
• invite participants to provide service within the Indian community
Program Focus
Course Information:
ELP 510/610: Service Learning in India: Engagement and Cultural Understanding 4 Credits
Draft Itinerary:
The information offered below is provided to give students a general sense of the program structure and activities. Students should anticipate that the program itinerary will change regularly during the pre-departure period as specific arrangements are finalized. As with any international travel of this nature, participants should expect that program itineraries and activities will change during the course of the program in response to local conditions and needs.
Day Date Schedule
Day 1 Feb 2 Reach Chennai, India
Day 2: Feb 3 Orientation / Introduction to LDC Campus (tour – DVD show); Briefing about the
programme, Visit to Meenakshi Amman Temple
Day 3 Feb 4 AM: Lecture on Madurai culture; PM: Visit to Jain Caves/Alagar Koil
Day 4 Feb 5 Rural visit in conjunction with Women’s Studies/Human Rights program
Day 5 Feb 6 Visit Service learning site of the Learning Centre for School Children at LDC
Day 6 Feb 7 AM: Worship in local churches; PM: free afternoon
Day 7 Feb 8 AM: Mother Theresa Home; PM: Anbagam
Day 8 Feb 9 AM: RUSS Foundation
Day 9 Feb 10 AM: Service Site – Mazhalai Illam; PM: Love & Care
Day 10 Feb 11 AM: Indian Family System & Marriages (Lecture cum Demo);
Eve: Film on Infanticide – Discussion with Lady Doak College students & Family visits
Day 11 Feb 12 AM: Indian Dance & Music; PM: International Evening & Cultural Evening
Day 12 Feb 13 & 14 AM: Visit to RTU; PM: Trip to Kodaikanal
Day 14 Feb 15 AM: Indian Religions – Lecture cum Film Show ; PM: Visit to Gandhi Museum
Day 15 Feb 16 AM: Reflection session; PM: Closing session
Program Duration
Relevant Academic Disciplines
Asian Studies, Child and Family Studies, Education, Foreign Languages, Gender Studies, Humanities, International Studies, Liberal Arts, Service Learning, Social Work, Social Science, Sociology, Women's Studies
Pre-Requisites
• Graduate standing, or permission of the instructor
• GPA 3.0 or above
Language Skill: None
Housing Options
DormitoryProgram Links
PSU
Deadlines
Friday, October 9, 2009
Program Contact
Collins, Alyse
International Internships/Education Abroad Advisor
503-725-8256
East Hall- 207
To make an appointment with an advisor call 725-4094
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