Presenters: Joanna Schneider '13, Carly Carlin '15, Sarah Cashdollar '13
Global health issues are impossible to separate from differences in socioeconomic status, ethnicity, and cultural background. Issues termed "health care concerns" are sometimes not health-dependent at all, but instead arise from a set of unique, predetermined circumstances. Health and wellbeing, and beliefs about those factors, are varied across the globe and across communities. The presenters will focus on the connection between health and other demographic characteristics, looking at systems in a variety of places: New Mexico, Washington, India, China, and South Africa. Through research, internships, and volunteer work in the United States and across the world, the group learned from and about a variety of populations and cultural backgrounds. They will explore health disparities and delivery systems from their three distinct experiences, hoping to discover the global interconnectedness of health, culture, and resources.
Consequences of Education Discrimination in Haiti and Kuwait: Informal Instruction of the English Language, Haldeman 124Presenters: Christine Bub '13, Caitlin Foley '13, Jacqueline Waugh '13
In both Haiti and Kuwait, proficiency in the English language is a valued skill. Social, economic, and sometimes political advancement are routinely associated with this proficiency. However, during our experiences in our respective countries, we discovered the important role informal instruction plays in learning English. Popular media, such as songs or TV shows, can be the only consistent and effective source of engagement with the English language. Through this discovery, we also became aware of discrimination on the grounds of economic or citizenship status within each country's educational system, particularly at the primary and secondary levels. Prejudices against students limit classroom progress and consequently, socioeconomic upward mobility. Many students seeking to better themselves are thus forced to turn to popular media sources in order to improve their English-language abilities.
Within, Without: Identities of Self and Nation, Haldeman 125
Presenters: Ben Nguyen '14, Elizabeth Raphael '13
Self identity is often characterized by ethnicity or nationality, which can create confusion for those who grow up straddling different worlds. Misconceptions and insecurities about how to lead one's life often stem from the absence of self realization, the understanding of what it means to be an individual unbound by culture or by blood. Both Eli Rafael and Ben Nguyen traveled to their respective ancestral homes in search of themselves-Eli to Israel and Ben to Viet Nam. Despite cultural and psychological confusion, both returned to the United States invigorated by their rich experiences, and will discuss what it means to be caught between culture and identity.
A complete program booklet is available via pdf
Forum is part of the MLK Day celebrations and is a collaborative effort by Dickey Center, Institutional Diversity & Equity, Tucker Foundation, Rockefeller Center, Office of Undergraduate Advising & Research, Off-Campus Programs, Office of Pluralism & Leadership, and the Dartmouth College-American University of Kuwait Project.
