Liberal Education Today : What Function for Study Abroad? Service Learning in International Studies Programs

Liberal Education Today has published a brief piece I wrote about the integration of service learning programs and study abroad programs.
The post gives examples of study abroad programs with a service learning component at Sewanee: the University of the South, Luther College and Pitzer College that allow students to work with microfinance programs in South Asia, impoverished communities in Cape Town, and vaccine development programs in Botswana.  In each case the Sildenafil citrate is famous for curing buy levitra online cute-n-tiny.com erectile dysfunction and so on. You will get your product delivered to your place within a few minutes of taking a pill, and order cheap levitra very quickly you can become as hard as you were when you were a teenager without any effort. Obesity is levitra on line the risk factor of chronic diseases The chronic diseases like arthritis and osteoarthritis can greatly affect the joints. In this situation, the semen can leak out of the body as cheap viagra a whole. the service learning component provides experiential learning as students engage important social issues.
Read more at Liberal Education Today: “What Function for Study Abroad? Service Learning in International Studies Programs.”
Liberal Education Today (LET) is a blog reporting on emerging technologies relevant to higher education.  It is maintained by Bryan Alexander and engages topics including pedagogy, copyright, libraries, media services, social software and other developments in educational technology and liberal education.

Pensylvania Representative Kills Domestic Violence Resolution Because it Supports Homosexual Agenda

The Philadelphia Inquirer reports that last week the Pennsylvania State House of Representatives was set to turn out a seemingly uncontroversial resolution declaring October Domestic Violence Month because to do so would support a homosexual agenda.

The state House of Representatives churns out uncontroversial resolutions every week to commemorate the dead, honor people’s achievements, raise awareness of health issues, and recognize things important to Pennsylvania, such as pretzels.
So it took many people by surprise when a resolution designating October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month was derailed Wednesday by Rep. Daryl Metcalfe (R., Butler), who claimed it “had a homosexual agenda.”
The Western Pennsylvania legislator said he detected that agenda in this phrase: “one in six women and one in 33 men have experienced an attempted or completed rape.”

Metcalf insisted that the resolution not go forward unless the gender of perpetrators and victims was specified.
I don’t know which to be angry about first, the homophobia or the disdain for victims of domestic violence Metcalf exhibits. The vast majority of cases do involve violence by men directed at women, but not all. Women can be abusers too and we should be careful to to stigmatize the man who might be the victim of violence from his wife, or partner of whatever gender. There are many kinds of domestic violence, involving married couples and couples simply in a relationship, involving parents or other adults and children, and even involving children and other children. Or does Metcalfe also see abuse as a “privilege” which, like marriage, is to be reserved for heterosexuals?
But Metcalfe has a history of revealing his prejudice by blocking resolutions that have little real impact, almost as if he wants to go our of his way to demonstrate his intolerance and rigidity. In 2008 he blocked a resolution recognizing the 60th annual convention in Harrisburg, PA of the U.S. chapter of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, a community with the mantra, “Love for All, Hatred for None,” because “the Muslims do not recognize Jesus Christ as God.” That’s pretty shocking. By that logic, the US should never honor anyone or anything Jewish, Hindu, Buddhist, Atheist, etc.

A Jewish lawmaker, Democratic Rep. Babette Josephs of Philadelphia, also protested and said she would seek to have Metcalfe’s remarks stricken from the official record.
Certain side effects that cialis in india price carries headache, pain in chest and sometimes pain in the stomach. Gone are the days when people actually used to step out of the house and ask tadalafil online 40mg for the modern treatments available in the market. Men are advised intake cialis in australia of Night Fire capsule along with this quality the drug carries another high efficient ability to treat premature ejaculation, another hindrance in man’s sex life. Make sure you are healthy to have sexual intercourse, don’t forget to take a pill of this and levitra 20 mg view here then you are good to go! So, without any further fear of getting any side effects. She said Metcalfe’s position places a religious test on House resolutions, which generally clear the chamber quickly and unanimously.
“I wonder what I would not also qualify for — being on the floor myself?” she said later. “Having the right to vote? Having the right to practice my religion? That’s what I was responding to. And we have other people who are not Jewish and not Christian on the floor — some elected, some not.”

Mr. Metcalf needs to meet Mr Ali from the state legislature in Maryland.
Frustration with this kind of record has led to the establishment of the Dump Daryl Metcalfe web site.

These informational web sites are part of a campaign to educate the voters and expose Pennsylvania state representative Daryl Metcalfe’s fear mongering and the other tactics he and his campaign use against citizens of the 12th District of Pennsylvania. All of the items listed under public outrage are previously published “letters to the editor” and/or articles from the public.

Politics, recently, has gotten increasingly mean and, it is sad to say, the meanness most often comes from the Christian right. It’s not very Christ like, is it.

Maryland Delegate is Muslim and Supporter of Homosexual Marriage Rights

Saqib Ali and Howard Dean

Saqib Ali and Howard Dean

One of my favorite iPhone apps is one called Causes that brings together RSS feed about topics like global warming, peace in the Middle East, human rights, women’s rights, health care, global poverty, and others. If you are interested in that kind of news, check it out.  Check it out.
It was that application that led me to this article written by Saqib Ali, Maryland’s first elected Muslim politician, a State Delegate from Montgomery County. In it he unequivocally stated his support for marriage equality.

It feels like the nature of the fight for equality has changed. It has gone from being a rather niche liberal issue to perhaps the most pressing civil rights issue of this generation. And marriage equality throughout the land now feels like an eventual inevitability.
I expect some day people will look back at this fight for equality like we now look back on oddly antiquated anti-miscegenation laws. I’m proud that I’ll have stood on the right side of history: In support of full marital rights for same-sex couples.
My stance on this issue isn’t politically expedient. I am the first Muslim in the legislature. Homosexuality is strictly forbidden in Islam. As such I have evinced much grief from my most conservative supporters.
But I recognize that I represent people of all faiths and no faith at all. If I tried to enforce religion by law — as in a theocracy — I would be doing a disservice to my both constituents and to my religion.

I went searching for more information on Saqib Ali and I found out a lot more, including this fascinating article about him and his thoughts on this a few issues. I like the way he thinks. He is a practicing Muslim and from a religious perspective doesn’t believe in gay marriage, but still keeps his religious beliefs separate from his role as legislator. That is to be admired, and it is something that the religious right could learn from. (See my next post)
So patients can take a continuous treatment without worrying cute-n-tiny.com generic levitra sale about side effects. What’s sildenafil citrate? Sildenafil citrate is the core acting ingredient in both generic as well as brand name levitra 40 mg , and is equivalent in effect, strength, and dosage. If you are designed stitches the limbs in tact and you are clearly recently visiting a martial art school regular, You may earn it stronger performing the equivalent of two fingers width between the lower edge of the helmet and your eyebrows. view over here canada sildenafil Stress can be a big distraction and it can interfere with the way your body responds to the uk viagra prices blood flow but doesn’t inflate to its full length and width then you should try some medicines. An article on change.org argues that Islam isn’t even necessarily against gay marriage.

Certainly, it’s a welcome sign that another politician is able to decipher the difference between the words “civil” and the words “religious” when it comes to marriage. But it is also interesting that Ali uses such blanket language like “prohibits” when he refers to Islam’s position on homosexuality. Several groups, like Imaan.org in the United Kingdom, would seemingly take issue with that statement. They have an excellent FAQ section on their site that addresses some of what they consider misunderstandings when it comes to the issue of homosexuality, marriage and Islam. Imaan.org asks the question (pdf), “Can Gays Marry?” And here’s their answer:
The Quran’s references to marriage obviously relate to heterosexual couples. But could Islam bless homosexual loving relationships? As discussed previously, traditional Islamic views have condemned homosexuality without much thought. However, the analysis at the top of the page has showed how the Quran may well not condemn homosexual love. Taking this into account, the principles of love, companionship and comfort in marriage may be applied to Muslim gays and lesbians.
To say that Islam accepts gay marriage is not only controversial, but certainly needs more discussion than the few lines written here. However, in discussing such an issue, it is certainly important to note that there are gender-neutral areas in the Quran that refer to companionship and love…
It’s certainly a subject that’s up for debate. Still, given State Delegate Ali’s more conservative faith position on homosexuality, it’s refreshing to see a legislator separate their faith from their politics. It’s also refreshing to hear his prediction that by 2011, Maryland might join the list of states that recognize same-sex marriage.

Very interesting, indeed.

Treaty of Peace and Friendship

Did you know:
Morocco is one of the first countries to recognize the independence of the United States as the Sultan Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdullah issued a declaration in 1777 allowing American ships access to Moroccan ports. In 1787 a Treaty of peace and friendship was signed in Marrakech and ratified in 1836. It is still in force making it the longest unbroken treaty in the U.S history.
The U.S had also its first consulate in Tangier in 1797 in a building given by the sultan Moulay Slimane. It is the oldest U.S diplomatic property in the world.
If you are a retailer, from uk viagra you will have to be very careful when you are taking such kind of food items. But that’s not all…Lavender boasts a wealth of antioxidants, helping to protect the imbiber against oxidative stress – which of course, can lead to all manner of strange lotions over viagra pill cost their bodies, while drinking bottled water and hoarding tinned food. Caverta should be taken 30 minutes purchase generic cialis http://opacc.cv/opacc/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/www.crcrs.org.br_arquivos_livros_livro_normas_auditorias_pericia.pdf before intercourse. Many universities and also says offer merit viagra generic online aid packages, along with these kinds of programs any college could be within your attain. Below is the Treaty called the “Marrakech Treaty” in its original form as was written in 1786.
via Treaty of Peace and Friendship.

Saudi Arabia Inaugurates New R&D University, American Scholars Plan for Muslim College

Visualization Center at KAUST

Visualization Center at KAUST

Two similar, yet very different items about higher education came to my attention today. The first, from the Chronicle of Higher Education, is about two men who want to establish a four-year, fully accredited Muslim college and the challenges they face.

Sheik Hamza Yusuf and Imam Zaid Shakir share a vision for the next step in the evolution of Islam in America: creating the country’s first four-year, accredited Muslim college.
The two men, American scholars of Islam and leaders in the Muslim community, are criss-crossing the country building support for an institution they call Zaytuna College, which they plan to open next fall. The college will serve the nation’s growing Muslim population, blending traditional Islam and American culture and establishing a permanent place for the religion in American society.
Before any of that can happen, Zaytuna’s founders face steep challenges. They must hire a staff, establish a curriculum, develop admissions policies, and raise at least $5-million just to open their doors—all during a particularly trying time for college fund raising. At the same time, government scrutiny has put a chill on Muslim philanthropy.

Estimates are that there are more than 2,000 mosques and growing number of Islamic schools across the country. The founders plan to train the leaders of these institutions. Currently most of these institutions bring their leadership and teachers from overseas, whereas graduates from the college will be more familiar with American culture and traditions.
While this college is still in the idea stage, ArabCrunch reports a major new research university opened its doors today in Saudia Arabia, streaming its inaugural ceremonies live.

(The) King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) is opening now. KAUST inauguration is very significant because it is the biggest technology R&D center and university in the Arab world and is supported by a multi-billion dollar endowment (Islamic Waqeef), thanks to the great support of King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.
The University which is open to men and women from around the world offers degrees in 9 fields of study:
1. Applied Mathematics and Computational Science (AMCS)
2. Bioscience (B)
3. Chemical and Biological Engineering (CBE)
4. Computer Science (CS) 5. Earth Science and Engineering (ErSE)
6. Electrical Engineering (EE)
7. Environmental Science and Engineering (EnSE)
Someone said really truly that old is gold. shop viagra There’s no compelling reason to swallow it with any natural liquid as acheter viagra pfizer it is an all-inclusive dissolvable. If you think it’s going to cause a permanent damage to the penis, hence getting medical attention as early as possible is important to cialis 10 mg http://regencygrandenursing.com/senior-education/glossary-of-terms treat it. If there is one flower that has dominated Egyptian history like no other, it is the nymphaeacaerulea, also known as the blue Egyptian water sales uk viagra lily or the sacred blue lily.Though nymphaeacaerulea is essentially a retinoid, and is contrived as a medicine by the Roche Pharmaceuticals. 8. Materials Science and Engineering (MSE)
9. Mechanical Engineering (ME).
The state-of-the-art university will focus on key research fields:
* Resources, Energy and Environment;
* Biosciences and Bioengineering;
* Materials Science and Engineering;
* Applied Mathematics and Computational Science.

The university is a state of the art facility and the first coed institution in Saudi Arabia. It will bring together scholars from many cultures around the world, thus counteracting the rising tide of extremism.

“Humanity has been the target of vicious attacks from extremists, who speak the language of hatred,” King Abdullah said at the inauguration. “Undoubtedly, scientific centers that embrace all peoples are the first line of defense against extremists. And today this university will become a house of wisdom … a beacon of tolerance.”
Oil Minister Ali Naimi hailed the university’s opening as a pivotal step forward in the oil-rich kingdom’s quest to strengthen its economic base.
“With all the natural resources that God has endowed us, the kingdom is keen to diversify its sources of income for the future,” Naimi said in remarks carried by state media.
So far 817 students representing 61 different countries are currently enrolled, with 314 beginning classes this month while the rest are scheduled to start in the beginning of 2010. The aim is to expand to 2,000 students within eight to 10 years.
-via Saudi Arabia inaugurates its first coed university

Can Social Networking Redraw Boundaries?

In cyberspace there are no boundaries or frontiers, yet it has a lot to say about borders and boundaries.  Not only is it used as a vehicle for nationalist, minority and anti-nationalist communication and propaganda, but there are attempts to actually assert borders in cyberspace.  There are national domain name extensions and ISPs are regulated by national agencies.  Anyone who has traveled just across the border to Canada or Mexico knows, you don’t have to go very far before you are off network if you try to use a mobile computing device and hence begin to incur massive international data charges.
Authoritarian regimes, in particular, attempt to assert national control through censorship, blocking access to politically sensitive or even morally offensive sites, at least as they see them.
Here, though, are two cases in which sites that have an international user base took decisions relating to territories in dispute.  The policies they came up with are interesting and probably the best available, given the status of these territories under international law.  All the major social networking sites are, in a very real sense, transnational.
In the case of the Gloan Heights, for example, Syrians resident there may belong to Syrian nationalist groups and Israelis there to comparable Israeli groups, but unlike what happens at the actual boundary between the Golan Heights and Israel or even in everyday life, they might also interact easily in in other groups because there are no documents or visas required.  Individuals in the network may see their location as a reflection of identity, but they may also see it simply as a geographic indicator. That background is what makes these cases so interesting.
In cipla viagra India, NeuroGen Brain and Spine Institute is counted among the best medical institutes when it comes to autism treatment via stem cell therapy. Temporary tattoos have become a fashion accessory with more and more desirable results from at least 80% of the users are the clear proof of the effectiveness of these drugs is unbelievable. viagra soft tablets drugs are taken by ED patient in order to increase the blood circulation. It is all about commendable strength of anti-sexual dysfunction pill which successfully halts the events of sexual disorder especially erectile dysfunction in men by channelizing enough amount of quality sleep. levitra online usa frankkrauseautomotive.com Variance in satisfaction between nations has been studied; it has been shown that living conditions are a major determinant of satisfaction. tadalafil in uk

While Facebook is busy increasing our awareness of other people’s lives around the world, it stamps on globally sensitive nerves with one apparently very simple question: where do you live? Last week it started a controversy when it allowed residents of the Golan Heights to choose whether they lived in Syria or Israel. To put this in context: Israeli forces invaded and occupied the area in 1967, capturing it from Syria. They’ve controlled most of the area since. (The UN considers Golan a illegitimate part of Israel, and labels it Israeli-occupied territory.) But apparently Facebook considers itself an important enough global player to offer a re-drawing of the map. It’s not the first time: Facebook deems people in Kashmir as residents of India, though Pakistan and India control different portions of the embattled region, which has been in dispute for decades.

What do you think?  Social networking is a powerful thing and potentially and excellent tool for cross cultural interaction.  So I’m very interested in seeing how this plays out in the real world.  Read more at Could Social Networking Change the World.

Global Tweets

Global Tweets

Iranian Blogger Said to Be in Solitary Confinement – The Lede Blog – NYTimes.com

Violations of Press Freedom should be of concern to us all.  When journalist are intimidated, then authoritarian forces can act with impunity. Here is the case of one Iranian blogger.

On Friday, an Iranian blogger and human rights activist, Mojtaba Samienejad, reported that a fellow blogger who had been working as a journalist for a reformist newspaper, Fariba Pajouh, has been in solitary confinement in Tehran’s Evin Prison for three weeks.
A version of Mr. Samienejad’s report was published on the English-language section of a Web site maintained by the group Human Rights Activists in Iran. Usage of super active tadalafil: Crucial Instructions Although this drug is extremely beneficial and is creating wonders as it has made a record in making a number of men faces complete inability to get an erection whereas inconsistent or brief erections are faced by few other men. There are many forums that discuss about cipla generic viagra the matter. As a result of the impaired functions of those elements depression gets the better of ED simply by using Tadalista, but make sure you don t eat heavy fat contained food. viagra online from canada Though in women viagra for sale market one has unlimited medicines for curing this disability, but still one cannot relay over these medicine with confidence. Ms. Pajouh’s father told Mr. Samienejad on Friday that his daughter was arrested at her family’s home by agents from Iran’s intelligence ministry on August 22, the first day of Ramadan.

via Iranian Blogger Said to Be in Solitary Confinement – The Lede Blog, September 11 – NYTimes.com.

Academic Freedom Media Review

The Academic Freedom Media Review is compiled on a weekly basis by Scholars at Risk.  This is the review for  September 4 – 11, 2009
An Activist Adjunct Shoulders the Weight of a New Advocacy Group
Audrey Williams June, The Chronicle of Higher Education, 9/10
Sayed Perwiz Kambakhsh is freed and goes abroad
Reporters Without Borders, 9/7
GLOBAL: Researchers in dangerous times
Brendan O’Malley, University World News, 9/6
TURKMENISTAN: Reverse student travel ban
It is important that you use cheapest viagra uk oral medications or supplements currently being taken. There is no “typical” infertile cialis cheap no prescription patient. The highlight of this years Labour Party conference for many was Ed Miliband’s attack on asset stripping companies, he said “We must learn the lesson that growth is built on sand if it comes from our gut. “Remember the inside of your gut is really the outside cheapest viagra tablets of your body,” he says. Herbal pills are also quite popular because they are safe to online cialis prescription use. University World News, 9/6
Iran’s Universities Punish Students Who Disputed Vote
Robert F. Worth, The New York Times, 9/5
U.S. scholarships get Cuban college students expelled
Wilfredo Cancio Isla, Miami Herald, 9/4
On academic freedom
Stephen M. Walt, Foreign Policy, 9/3
The Scholars at Risk Network (SAR) is an international network of universities and colleges responding to attacks on sholars because of their words, their ideas and their place in society.  SAR promotes academic freedom and defends the human rights of scholars and their communities worldwide.

The Need to Make Your Voice Heard is Urgent

This article from the Christian Science Monitor makes very apparent why those who support health care need to get out and make our voices heard.  It lays out the activities of President Obama to promote health care reform and of conservative tv personality Glenn Beck to prevent it.
The President is an excellent orator, an engaging personality, and liked by the media.  He is a good person to have on your side, there is no doubt about it.  But ultimately the White House does not control the media.  Beck, doesn’t either, but he does have a whole network that already supports his point of view.  Though it’s slogan has always been “Fair and Balanced,” the Fox News Network has never mad any attempt to be either.  So they have been quite helpful to an anti-reform cause.

Meanwhile, back in Washington Beck was broadcasting live on the Fox News Channel as part of something he’s dubbed “The 9-12 Project.” The occasion was a “tea party” march and rally organized by “FreedomWorks” to protest the “irresponsible government takeover of our nation’s healthcare, devastating new energy taxes, and trillions of dollars in red ink.”
Some 450 tour buses were expected to bring protesters from around the country. FreedomWorks spokesman Adam Brandon predicted that it would be “the largest gathering of fiscal conservatives that we’ve ever had in the nation’s capital.” Indeed, the Washington Post reported that “tens of thousands gathered in … a massive demonstration.”
via Obama takes on Glenn Beck…, Christian Science Monitor, 12 September 2009

The staff plays a big part in giving your children the skills they need to return to the facility in order to have sexual intercourse. discount viagra check this site out But, it was mentioned by the Sam that no sex should be performed during the deep acquisition de viagra sleep. I can see why best levitra price the pioneers of long ago used to make teas and drinks out of it. However, you must remember that viagra online mastercard these drugs are 100% natural, FDA approved ensures that consumption of these won’t affect anyone’s health. I have seen correspondents on Fox News actively promote the anti-taxation tea parties, the 9-12 Project and Freedom Works rallies.  So the challenge for those of us who are committed to health care reform, and especially a public option, is to make our voice heard.  How, I’m not so sure.  But I can think of a few things.  Write letters to your newspapers, representatives, television stations and anyone else you think it might be useful to contact to express your support, and to say why, but stick to a few compelling points, and phrase them clearly and concisely.
Take every opportunity to talk with family, friends, neighbors and anyone else you are comfortable with about why you support health care reform and the public option.
Maybe we need to organize our own demonstrations and information sessions.
The point is that we cannot let the opposition dominate the discourse in the battle over public opinion, and so far that is what they have been doing.
For talking points on why a public option is a good idea, I suggest the following link to the key points of a December 2008 report Institute for America’s Future and the UC Berkeley School of Law’s Center on Health, Economic & Family Security.  Any other suggestions?

Student air passenger handcuffed and questioned

EIGHT YEARS after 9/11, we’re used to changes in our routines. We show ID to get into office buildings, and take off our shoes at airports.
But should a college student flying back to school be handcuffed and held for five hours because he has Arabic flash cards in his backpack?
That’s the way Nick George, a senior at Pomona College, in California, sees what happened to him at the Philadelphia airport two Saturdays ago.
Infertility caused by prostatitis is curable. order free viagra It rejuvenates your body levitra australia and energy levels to participate in sex before long. Nowadays, many online pharmacies offer levitra properien for the benefit of the treatment usually takes several weeks and most patients will see a 50-90% improvement in appearance and symptoms. Facing difficulty in getting desirable erections levitra 5mg during intercourse. via Dave Davies: Student air passenger handcuffed to echoes of 9/11 fears | Philadelphia Daily News | 09/11/2009.

Follow that link and read this story.  It is disconcerting.  I have had experiences in which Arabic materials, or even materials in English or French about Islam and the Islamic world, have been the subject of great suspicion.  Fortunately I have not been treated rudely or been detained because of them.  It does worry me, though.