"The Lowcountry: Black Culture, Literacy and History in Charleston, SC"
Summer Residential Program
June 22-July 2, 2009
The Ohio State University
Department of African & African American Studies
Community Extension Center
View the Brochure [PDF]
The purpose of the Summer Residential Program is to help students develop the critical thinking skills necessary for success in high school, college, and beyond. By focusing on aspects of the African American experience both locally and abroad, program participants will gain an understanding of how the social, economic, political, and moral implications of blackness affect the lives of all Americans. A central theme provides focus and direction for program readings, discussion and research. In addition, students will have an opportunity to develop familiarity and proficiency in the use of computer technology, and individual writing skills will be emphasized throughout. The residential aspect of the program allows students to experience life on a college campus.
Program:
A historic peninsular city, Charleston served as a major United States site for the importation of slaves as well as the fight for American Independence from the British. Nationally recognized for its rich blend of cultures, African American natives of Charleston are known for their Gullah-influenced speech patterns and annual festivities that honor their culture. In this course, we will focus on the city of Charleston by examining its various cultural elements and discussing the literacy contributions of African Americans throughout the Diaspora. Then, we will visit some of Charleston's historical sites that represent legacies of African American struggle and success. At the end of our journey, students will demonstrate their growing knowledge of the culture, literacy, and history of African American culture in this southern city by creating and presenting a final project that combines visual text within the written word.Classroom instruction:
this component will be taught by Dr. Valerie Kinloch, Professor of Literacy Studies in the College of Education and Human Ecology at OSU.Research/technology:
this component will help students develop and refine computer literacy skills and will expose them to research engines available on line and in print. Mr. Marvin Mitchell, the Extension Center's technology coordinator; will teach this component.Enrichment activities:
students will travel by motorcoach for a three-day visit to Charleston, SC. While at OSU, students will get to experience first hand the culture of OSU and attend presentations on preparing for college and various other learning activities outside the classroom.Eligibility:
Students may be 2009 graduates or entering grades eleven or twelve in the fall of 2009. Each student must submit a brief (100-word) statement of interest in attending and two letters of recommendation.Program Cost:
The cost of the program is $600 per student and includes all program expenses. For funding information contact I Know I Can or Carla Wilks at 292.3922.Accommodations:
Week one consists of both classroom instruction and the fieldtrip. Upon returning to OSU, students will be housed in The Ohio State University's residence halls and will be provided with three meals per day.- Applications should be postmarked no later than April 27, 2009.
- Students will receive notice of their acceptance the week of May 4, 2009.
- Parents/Guardians will be required to provide medical information and releases upon their student's acceptance into the program.
Please contact Carla Wilks at 614-292-3922 for more information
[PDF] - Some links on this page are to .pdf files. These are designated by [PDF] following the link. PDF files require the use of Adobe Acrobat Reader software to open them. If you do not have Reader, you may use the following link to Adobe to download it for free at: Adobe Acrobat Reader
