Open to both graduate and undergraduate students, the Traditions and Cultures Institutes grant 3 to 6 graduate credits. Guided by Lesley faculty representing a variety of disciplines and programs from across the college, students become immersed in the diverse cultures, landscapes, and rich traditions of each site. Local experts from a variety of cultural and professional backgrounds meet with students and share their inside perspectives on local issues, past and present.
Students select and research a topic of their own interest and create a final project.
Past projects have included not only research papers but a children's book, curriculum units, a photo essay, an interactive computer project, and a quilt. Melinda Green is the institutes' program advisor. And as a group, we supported each other by sharing resources, ideas, and any pertinent tidbits of information we came across while working on our own projects. A field-trip to Ottawa may include stops at the National Gallery of Canada, the Parliament Building, and the Museum of Civilization. Through these and other activities, students will explore such issues as bilingual education, cultural diversity, political-economic systems, and health care management.