The CSU, Chico Office of International Education sponsors International Forums during the spring and fall semesters. Every week, a speaker shares his/her knowledge and views of countries from the five continents. As an open forum, this gathering allows ample participation from faculty, students, and members of the local Chico community.

International Forums

How Christchurch, New Zealand arose from earthquake ashes -- and fought white supremacy. My visit in photos

Dr. Vernon Andrews
Department of Multicultural & Gender Studies
CSU Chico

Dr. Vernon Andrews lived in New Zealand for 14 years. He recently returned to New Zealand to discover how the country has recovered from the 2016 7.8 magnitude earthquake and the more recent Christchurch mosque mass shooting. He discusses how the country has transformed spaces and continues to heal. Presentation time: 42 minutes | View Now

Natural Disasters: An Indonesian Story--The Effect on Children, Families, and Mental Health

Dr. Dhanushka Thamarapani
Department of Economics
CSU Chico

Dr. Dhanushka Thamarapani is originally from Sri Lanka and teaches economics at CSU Chico. She has been performing research work in Indonesia for the past 5-6 years, looking at post earthquake effects on families from an economic perspective. Although her research does not include the 2004 earthquake that struck the western coast of the Aceh Province, it focuses on the epicenter of the 2006 earthquakes. A magnitude-6.8 quake centered the south of Java, Indonesia’s most populated island, triggering a tsunami that smashed into the southern coast. These reoccurring natural disasters have lasting effects on children, disrupt families, and affect mental-health. Dr. Thamarapani highlights the policies and solutions for future anticipated natural disasters, that are, unfortunately, worsening due to climate change. Presentation time: 52 minutes | View Now

Teaching English Outside of the USA

Fulbright Teaching Excellence and Achievement Program Participants
Center for Bilingual/Multicultural Studies
CSU Chico

This presentation’s panel features the Fulbright Teaching Excellence and Achievement Program members from 22 countries who visited CSU Chico for six weeks. Each participant in the program teaches English in their home country. Throughout the presentation they share their challenges, failures, successes, and propose possible solutions to current educational issues- such as IT and the importance of professional development. Presentation time: 54 minutes | View Now

Learning Landscapes in Latin America Through the Lens of Rephotography

Dr. Scott Brady
Department of Geography and Planning
CSU, Chico

Dr. Scott Brady received his PhD in Honduras and has returned to Latin America to do field work for the past 25 years. During his time there he does rephotography, the process of creating a “then and now” photo. He starts by finding original black and white photos from the ‘20s and ‘30s. Dr. Brady then scouts to find the same location of the original photo, and takes a new picture in the exact same spot. The result illustrates how Mexico and other Latin American countries have evolved over time in their cities and landscapes. Presentation time: 48 minutes | View Now

The Amazonian Fires of 2019

Dr. Jacquelyn Chase
Geography and Planning Department
CSU Chico

Amazon fires burned across Brazil, Bolivia, Paraguay, and Peru in 2019. Dr. Chase explains what made the tropical rainforest burn and how the destruction became so widespread. She has done extensive research on natural resource management, fire risk strategies in rural areas, and spent a few years attending university in Brazil. The devastation of the fires last year left Brazilians and world leaders demanding answers from President Bolsonaro. Although research is still being conducted, Dr. Chase provides a few answers. Presentation time: 52 minutes | View Now

European Union and Brexit...the Final Countdown

Dr. Dean Fairbanks
Geography and Planning Department
CSU Chico

On June 23, 2016, citizens of the United Kingdom voted in a referendum to remove their country from the European Union. In their view, a move toward greater sovereignty, as the EU became increasingly bureaucratically dominant post 2008. After an agonizing time of political flip-flopping, the UK is set to leave the EU on January 31, 2020. How did it come to this? What happened since 1975 when the UK voted to become a member of the then European Economic Community? What are the geopolitics of the situation? This presentation reviewed the “long walk to freedom” the UK has begun and where it might be going in the context of a growing multi-polar world for the EU, USA, Russia, and China. Presentation time: 51 minutes | View Now

Rising Populism - Declining Democracy?

Dr. Jennifer Wilking
Political Science and Criminal Justice Department
CSU Chico

News coverage frequently reports an increase in "populism" around the world. Dr. Jennifer Wilking (Political Science) and participants explore what "populism" means, trends in support for populist parties and politicians over time, and the different types of populism around the globe. She also examines the most recent increase in populism and what this means for democracy around the world. Presentation time: 48 minutes | View Now

10 Years in Antigua, West Indies, and What We Learned: an Archaeological Odyssey

Dr. Georgia Fox
Anthropology Department
CSU Chico

Dr. Georgia Fox describes her ten-year archaeological journey in Antigua, West Indies. The preliminary work for this research started as early as 2004. The physical research was completed at the Betty Hope Historic Sugar Plantation on the eastern side of the island. Summer excavations took place from 2007 to 2017 during the CSU Chico faculty-led study abroad program. Dr. Fox is extremely proud of her students and the final outcome of the research. Presentation time: 54 minutes | View Now

From Nunavut to Wallmapu: Indigenous Culture Revitalization and Inter-American Studies

Dr. Hannah Burdette
International Languages, Literatures, and Cultures
CSU Chico

Dr. Hannah Burdette opens her presentation with a territorial acknowledgement and explains the importance of these acknowledgements. More lectures and classrooms on campus are beginning their sessions with territorial acknowledgement of the Mechoopda Tribe. This sets the stage for her presentation on Native American tribes from the Nunavut in Canada to the Wallampu in Chile and Argentina. She discusses the plethora of poetry and novels that have evolved from Native American culture and the limitations of trying to interpret them. Presentation time: 46 minutes | View Now

Talking About God Across Borders: A Muslim Woman's Life in Buddhist Thailand

Kannaporn Akarapisan (Pam)
Head of Southeast Asian Studies Center
Payap University, Chiang Mai, Thailand

Dr. Akarapisan is a program administrator in the Payap University’s program for foreign exchange students in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Educated at Western Michigan University, she lectures about both Islam and political science. In this presentation, she answers students’ questions about being a Muslim woman in Buddhist-majority Thailand. CSU, Chico students have the opportunity to meet Dr. Akarapisan via the Study Abroad program held in Chang Mai every summer. Presentation time: 54 minutes | View Now

A Tale of Two Countries in One Summer: The Faculty-led Study Abroad Program in China and Thailand

Dr. Chunyan Song
Sociology Department

Dr. Will Nitzky
Anthropology Department
CSU Chico

Dr. Chunyan Song and Dr. Will Nitzky discuss their summer 2019 faculty-led study abroad program. The four-week program allowed faculty and students to travel to Kunming, China and Chiang Mai, Thailand. The program offered two courses (3 credits each), ANTH 338: Culture and Tourism and SOCI 354: Global Perspectives on Ethnicity and Nationalism. Courses topics included Hmong history and language, Thai language, and religions in Asia. They share participating student comments and videos created during their time in China and Thailand. Presentation time: 49 minutes | View Now

Closing Water Knowledge Gaps: How Young Researchers, Citizen Scientists, and Smart Phones Can Help Us Understand Our Water

Dr. Jeff Davids
Civil Engineering Department and College of Agriculture, CSU Chico

During this forum, Dr. Jeff Davids (Civil Engineering and College of Agriculture) shares stories from Kathmandu Valley in Nepal and the lessons learned along SmartPhones4Water’s (S4W) journey, from inception through the first few years of implementation. S4W sees water data gaps as educational opportunities. S4W systematically mobilizes young researchers to generate missing data utilizing their smartphones and share the data with anyone who is interested. Dr. Davids has worked in California, Afghanistan, The Netherlands, Thailand, China, Myanmar, and Nepal. His insight and innovation of water systems have been recognized by many. Presentation time: 44 minutes | View Now

The Trump-Kim Bromance: Foreign Policy As Reality TV

Dr. James Matray
History Department, CSU, Chico

In this presentation, Professor Matray takes a different approach observing world leaders today. He points out President Donald J. Trump claimed in September 2018 that he and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un "fell in love" three months earlier during their meeting in Singapore. The two met again personally in 2019, each issuing statements proclaiming mutual affection. Professor Matray discusses the reasons for this "bromance" and its significance for the future of U.S.-North Korean relations. Presentation time: 50 minutes | View Now

Are Trump's Sanctions Stifling Change in Cuba?

Dr. Kate Transchel
History Department, CSU, Chico

Buildings in CubaDr. Kate Transchel is Chico State's resident expert on the history of Russia and the Soviet Union. In this presentation, she offers her impressions of a recent trip to Cuba, where she was able to observe first-hand the impact of the Trump administration's sanctions on ordinary Cubans. While in Cuba, Dr. Transchel was surprised by the degradation of infrastructure, poverty, and the rapid impact the increased sanctions were having on Cuba. Presentation time: 51 minutes | View Now

Is the EU the Wrong Direction for Europe in the Modern Age?

Dr. Dean Fairbanks
Department of Geography & Planning, CSU, Chico

Dr. Dean Fairbanks explores the possibility of no longer having an established European Union. Although this may be a provocative argument to some, Dr. Fairbanks is open to debating and understanding the European establishment as a global entity. After working for Nelson Mandela’s government in the late 90’s and traveling to Europe frequently, he noticed an ever-changing Europe. Dr. Fairbanks discusses how the original framework of the EU was flawed. Presentation time: 49 minutes | View Now

Jair Bolsonaro and the Fate of Brazil's Democratic Transition

Dr. Stephen Lewis
History Department, CSU, Chico

Dr. Jacque Chase
Geography & Planning Department, CSU, Chico

The recent landslide election of far-right populist Jair Bolsonaro represented a remarkable turn of events in Brazil, a country shaken by ongoing corruption scandals and economic collapse. How do we explain the appeal of the "Trump of the Tropics," as he is known? And given his open admiration for Brazil's most recent military dictatorship, what are the implications for the country's democratic transition? In this presentation, Professors Jacque Chase (Geography and Planning) and Steve Lewis (History) address these fundamental questions. Presentation time: 51 minutes | View Now

Moon between Kim and Trump

Dr. Eunhee Park
History Department, CSU, Chico

What will be the future of the Korean peninsula? War, or peace? Reunification, or coexistence of the two systems? How can we understand President Trump's approach to North Korean leader Kim Jung-Un? Will they strike a nuclear deal? What would be South Korean President Moon Jae-In's role in this negotiation? Dr. Eunhee Park (History) provides a brief overview of South Korean political and diplomatic maneuvers and discusses how to understand the Trump administration's approach to North Korea. Presentation time: 49 minutes | View Now

When Conspicuous Consumption Isn't Cool: Women and Consumer Culture in Cuba

Dr. Sara Cooper
Multicultural & Gender Studies, CSU, Chico

Dr. Sara Cooper is the founder of Cubana Books, a small independent press devoted to bringing first-class literature from Cuban women to the United States. She discusses her research focusing on Cuban women and their consumer culture throughout history. Dr. Cooper explains important topics such as colorism, misogyny, and other serious Cuban power structures. The perfect presentation to better understand the history of Cuban women. Presentation time: 49 minutes | View Now

Brexit

Dr. Jason Nice
History Department, CSU, Chico

March 29? April 12? When, if ever, will the United Kingdom leave the European Union? Dr. Nice discusses the causes and consequences of the UK's fateful 2016 referendum to leave the EU and what Brexit could mean for the future of the UK, its government, and its people. Presentation time: 57 minutes | View Now

Brain Drain: Trends in Bulgarian Emigration

Dr. Desislava Pedeva-Fazlic
History Department, CSU, Chico

How does emigration affect countries of origin? Are they losing their most educated people? Do their economies benefit, or do they suffer from emigration? Dr. Desislava Pedeva-Fazlic of CSU, Chico’s History Department, was born and raised in the Eastern European country of Bulgaria. She earned her BA in history and journalism from the American University in Bulgaria and came to Chico in 2000, later graduating successfully in 2002. In this presentation she explores Bulgarian emigration trends and looks at how they fit into a larger pattern of recent Eastern European emigration. Join Dr. Pedeva-Fazlic as she shares her personal story while also examining it from a historical perspective! Presentation time: 47 minutes | View Now

Teaching Modern German History in the Age of Trump

Dr. Laird Easton
History Department, CSU, Chico

Dr. Laird Easton, who has taught modern German history at Chico State for more than 25 years, examines the parallels and differences between the Trump Administration and Hitler’s Germany. The Trump presidency poses ethical, pedagogical, and political challenges to those who teach the history of modern Germany, challenges that go to the very heart of the purpose and value of history itself. Presentation time: 47 minutes |View Now

Monsters: Terrors, Aliens, and Wonders

Dr. Asa Mittman
Art and Art History Department, CSU, Chico

In this unique presentation, Dr. Asa Mittman closely analyzes a medieval map with students and colleagues. What are they analyzing? Monsters, of all kinds, that can be recognized throughout biblical texts. They dive deep into each monsters historical context and specific characteristics. These monsters can be seen in other texts throughout history and have interesting backgrounds. Join Dr. Mittman and those in attendance for new perspectives on classic creatures! Presentation time: 39 minutes | View Now

China’s New Population Crisis

Dr. Chunyan Song
Sociology Department, CSU, Chico

Dr. Song begins her story being born and raised in Linyi, of the Shandong Province in China. She talks about her experiences of always sharing a room with other girls in China and how lonely it was when she came to the United States and began living on her own. Her presentation includes population data and an analysis of different countries’ gender count. Dr. Song elaborates on how a low birth rate, rapidly aging population, and dangerously unbalanced gender ratio pushed China into a new demographic era. Join Dr. Chunyan Echo Song as she explores these and other topics. Presentation time: 48 minutes | View Now

Canada: Our Friendly Neighbour to the North

Dr. Daniel Veidlinger
Comparative Religion and Humanities Department, CSU, Chico

Canada is the second largest country in the world and sits just to the north of the United States with the longest undefended border in the world separating the two countries. It is also the US’s second largest trading partner and a staunch ally of the United States in almost every field. Yet Americans know surprisingly little about this interesting country that shares a good deal of heritage with the United State but yet differs from it in important ways. Professor Veidlinger explores the history, politics and society of Canada and will highlight the important artistic and scientific contributions of its relatively small population. Presentation time: 47 minutes | View Now

The Role of American Leadership in International Organizations: the UN and NATO During the Trump Presidency

Dr. Adam Irish
Political Science and Criminal Justice Department, CSU, Chico

Change in leadership is one of the most important components of democratic countries. In this talk, Dr. Adam Irish explores the recent change in American leadership and its ramifications for the United States’ role in both the UN and NATO. Dr. Irish draws on several strands of scholarship – hegemony, the effect of status quo politics, and the legal obligations arising from US commitments abroad – to consider what has really changed in international politics with the election of a new American president. Presentation time: 45 minutes | View Now

What’s the Matter with Israeli Politics?

Dr. Eran Zelnik
History Department, CSU, Chico

Presentation LinkHow has Benjamin Netanyahu been able to hold on to power in Israel for so long? Where are Israeli politics going? Is peace in the Middle East still even a remote possibility? Listen as Israeli born History Professor Eran Zelnik addresses these questions. Presentation Time: 53 minutes | View Now

What Happened to Venezuela’s Bolivarian Revolution?

Dr. Stephen Lewis
History Department, CSU, Chico

Hugo ChavezTwenty years ago, Hugo Chávez became president of Venezuela and launched what he called the Bolivarian Revolution. His charisma—and Venezuela's oil reserves—made him the most influential politician in Latin America. Since his death in 2013, however, the Venezuelan economy has crumbled and his handpicked successor, Nicolás Maduro, has become increasingly authoritarian. Today, Venezuelans demand his ouster. In this brief lecture, Dr. Lewis explains the dramatic rise and fall of the Bolivarian Revolution. Presentation Time: 50 minutes | View Now

Is Mexico's Democratic Consolidation Back on Track?

Dr. Stephen Lewis
History Department, CSU, Chico

Decorative: Image from slideshow presentationHow does Mexico’s history, political parties, and corruption affect its government and people? Stephen Lewis explores the major elections and the most significant administrations that have landed their country at where it is today? As corruption and government involvement with drug trafficking increases, Mexico’s democracy is in jeopardy. Lewis looks at how things will change and what direction Mexico’s government is heading towards for the future. Presentation Time: 50 minutes | View Now


High Impact Experiences on the Other Side of the Planet

Dr. Lee Altier
College of Agriculture, CSU, Chico

Emily Katsuta
Jake Keithley
Kamron Moayedi
Briana Kohler
Student Panelists, CSU, Chico

High ImpactHave you ever considered studying abroad? These four students spent five life-changing weeks in Nepal, and share their experiences with us, from staying in a new home with a native family to spending time with the local children. They put in lots of work, jumping out of their comfort zones to immerse themselves in the Nepali culture and way of life. Presentation Time: 50 minutes | View Now

Chico State Faculty Talk about Teaching in a Second Language--English!!

Dr. Daisuke Aoyagi
Enginereeing Department, CSU, Chico

Dr. Chiara Ferrari
Media Arts, Design, and Technology, CSU, Chico 

Dr. Chunyan Echo Song
Sociology Department, CSU, Chico

Language is a beautiful and complicated thing. It is the medium of communication and ideas, shared experiences, and gives definition to how we view ourselves and the world around us. Language is difficult to master in even our native tongues.

When learning a second language, mastery may be even more difficult to attain, and takes an abundance of patience. But what about teaching in a second language? Three Chico State faculty, Daisuke Aoyagi, Chiara Ferrari, and Chunyan Echo Song. share humorous moments and difficult stories about teaching in a language which was once foreign to them—English. Their firsthand accounts highlight shared experiences which have challenged each instructor, and unique aspects of their lives and cultural backgrounds which set them apart. Presentation Time: 51 minutes | View Now

Nepal

Nikki Shrestha
Student, CSU, Chico

Nepal_PresentationsNikki Shrestha is a CSU, Chico student, and a Nepalese immigrant. When she was a young child, her family received an opportunity to emigrate, and they took it. From Kathmandu, Nepal, to Boulder, Colorado, to Chico, California, Ms. Shrestha shares her experiences and perspective. Ms. Shrestha gives a personal presentation on Nepalese culture, beliefs, and daily life, and hosts a Q&A session in which she discusses her life in Nepal and the adjustment to American life as young immigrant. Presentation Time: 24 minutes | View Now

Why Language Learning is Important at Chico State: It's about Humility and Empathy

Dr. Tony Waters
Sociology Department, CSU, Chico

Tony_WatersLanguage programs at Chico State are declining. Language teachers have been laid off due to higher-priority programs. Other Universities and CSUs require a semester of foreign language—but CSU, Chico does not. Dr. Tony Waters, professor of Sociology at CSU, Chico, and coordinator of International Forum addresses the lack of a second-language requirement at CSU, Chico by focusing often-overlooked side-effects of learning another language: increased humility and empathy.

How is it that learning a new language can increase these skills? How might we leverage humility and empathy to become better leaders, businesspeople, and teachers? What can we do as students, instructors, and members of the community to bridge understanding between different languages and cultures on campus and in our cities? Dr. Waters hosts this fascinating segment looking at diversity, understanding, and multiculturalism both in his topic and a Q&A session. Presentation Time: 51 minutes | View Now

A Film about Aung San Suu Kui's 2015 Campaign

Mon Mony Myat
International Journalist and Poet

Mon Mon Myat is an international journalist and poet with Master’s degrees in Business Administration and Journalism, and she is also a CSU, Chico PhD student. Myat shares her film, A long Way Panglong, about Aung San Suu Kyi’s 2015 campaign in Myanmar.

Aung San Suu Kyi took her campaign to the people of Myanmar. A powerful speaker, diplomat, and politician, Suu Kyi focused her campaign on the people of her country, seeking to unite the more than 100 ethnic groups to form a democratic union with a vision of peace and betterment for all peoples.

Mon Mon Myat captures powerful moments in Suu Kyi’s campaign, and hosts a post-movie Q&A. Presentation Time: 43 minutes | View Now

Seeking New Landscapes

Dr. Char Prieto
Department of International Languages, Literatures, and Cultures, CSU, Chico 

Dr. Char Prieto is a dedicated world traveler. She relishes experiencing as many cultures as possible. In this presentation, she shares her observations of how people live and relate to each other around the globe. She concludes, “I have presented my own experiences traveling this past summer and the power of fostering friendships across geographical boundaries, deconstructing cultural barriers, and embracing all races and nations.” Presentation Time: 51 minutes | View Now

Chico State Faculty Reflect Upon Study Abroad Experiences

Dr. Dean Fairbanks
Faculty Panel, CSU, Chico

Several Chico State faculty who have taught abroad and led Chico State students on travel courses reflect on their experiences and the importance of exposure to cultures outside of the United States. Facilitator Dean Fairbanks (Department of Geography & Planning) shares statistics that show trends in how many Chico State students are studying abroad and in which countries. Faculty on the panel include Dr. Lee Altier (College of Agriculture), Dr. Jacque Chase (Department of Geography & Planning), Dr. Chiara Ferrari (Department of Media Arts, Design, and Technology), Dr. Chunyan Song (Department of Sociology), Dr. Steve Lewis (Department of History), and Dr. Asa Mittman (Department of Art & Art History). Presentation Time: 51 minutes | View Now

CSU, Chico International Recruitment

Steven Wildhaber & Bethany Pinegar
Office of International Studies, CSU Chico

William Dantona
Department of International Development, CSU Chico

Dean Fairbanks
Department of Geography & Planning, CSU Chico

Chico State faculty and administrators from a variety of disciplines discuss their experience recruiting abroad. These professionals have spent portions of their careers traveling the world, recruiting students to attend Chico State. They also encourage Chico State students to study abroad. The benefits of internationalization includes diversity in the student population, diversity in student experiences beyond the U.S., enriched learning experiences for all, increased funding for student-centered missions, and positive local economic impact. The panel also considers reasons international student enrollment has dropped in recent years, as well as where and why Chico State students study abroad. Presentation Time: 52 minutes | View Now

Challenges in Education: A Glance at What is Going on Around the World

Carla Varas
Teaching Excellence and Acheivement (TEA) Program
Panel of International Educators, CSU, Chico

This presentation features teachers of English from five different countries. All of them are fellows of the Teaching Excellence and Achievement (TEA) Program, sponsored by the U.S. Department of State Bureau of Education and Cultural Affairs (ECA) and implemented by IREX. These educators share the challenges they face in providing a quality education in their countries, including large class size, teacher training, low motivation, and lack of technological success. The speakers: Manu Gulati, India; Marvin Picado, Nicaragua; Olga Tarasenko, Ukraine; Manushak Petrosyan, Armenia; and Assia Feroudj, Algeria. Presentation Time: 49 minutes | View Now

CSU Chico Internationalization

Dr. Dean Fairbanks
Department of Geography & Planning; Member, Study Abroad Advisory Committee, CSU, Chico

Dr. Dean Fairbanks reports on a survey of CSU, Chico faculty about international students and about CSU, Chico students who have been part of the Study Abroad program. He notes a number of benefits to the presence of international and Study Abroad students on campus: diversity in student population, diversity in student experiences beyond the U.S., enriched learning experience for all, increased funding, and local economic impact. Questions were asked about whether faculty are familiarizing themselves with international students in their courses, whether they adapt teaching methods to the presence of international students, and what they need to succeed in better assisting these students. Presentation Time: 46 minutes | View Now

Hmong Lives: Searching for Answers

Dee Thao
CSU, Chico Graduate

Dee Thao is a graduate of CSU, Chico. In 2012 she visited the refugee camp in Thailand where she was born, as well as her uncles in Laos. This presentation starts with her award-winning film, “Searching for Answers,” about her search for her family’s roots. After the film is shown, Ms. Thao discusses her experience and answers questions from the audience. Presentation Time: 45 minutes | View Now

The European Refugee Crisis & EU Response: Lessons from Teaching Abroad in the Czech Republic

Dr. Jennifer Wilking
Department of Political Science & Criminal Justice, CSU, Chico 

Dr. Jennifer Wilking draws on her experience teaching in the Czech Republic to look at the refugee crisis in Europe and the response by the European Union. She provides background for the refugee crisis, including the reasons so many people are fleeing their home countries. She also identifies the refugees’ destination countries. Dr. Wilking then looks closely at immigration in the Czech Republic, where 4.7% of the population are immigrants. Presentation Time: 52 minutes | View Now

Traveling the World: A Tool to Promote Languages, Cultures, and World Peace

Dr. Char Prieto
Department of International Languages, Literatures, and Cultures, CSU, Chico

Travel connects us all with different languages, cultures, and identities. Based on her travels around the world, Dr. Char Prieto illustrates that travel, as a pedagogical tool, facilitates personal growth, deconstructs cultural barriers, and embraces all races and nations. She believes traveling also increases exposure to international languages, peace, respect, and understanding among nations and cultures. Dr. Prieto shares her experiences from her travels to Europe, Asia, and Latin America. Presentation Time: 33 minutes | View Now

Establishing Renewable Energy as the Standard in Sub-Saharan Africa

Dale Word
Computer Science Department, CSU, Chico

There are 600 million people in Sub-Saharan Africa without electricity. After retiring from teaching at CSU, Chico, Dale Word has joined Off-Grid Electric, an international company with its headquarters in Tanzania that is bringing off-grid electricity sources to Africa. These sources include solar energy, LED lighting, lithium batteries, plug and play, and ultra-efficient appliances. Word uses data to show how the ability to provide electricity is starting to have a positive effect on the lives of people in that part of world, including quality of life, education, business opportunities, health, and information access. The company also runs an Off-Grid Academy that has resulted in 800 jobs for Africans in their local communities. Presentation Time: 51 minutes | View Now

A Call for a Linguistic Revolution

Dr. Denise Minor
Department of International Languages, Literatures, and Cultures, CSU, Chico

In this presentation, Dr. Minor makes the case for declaring Spanish as a co-official language alongside English in California. Depending on the source, demographers now maintain that between 39% and 41% of California’s population is Latino. Linguists say that about 85% of Latinos speak English at least proficiently, and educational statistics show that tens of thousands of Californians have learned Spanish as a second language. How can this co-official language proposal work? Dr. Minor uses the French-English bilingualism of Quebec as an example, as well as the Hawaiian-English agreement in Hawaii. Presentation Time: 47 minutes | View Now

The Role of Democracy in International Law

Dr. Adam Irish
Political Science & Criminal Justice Department, CSU, Chico 

Dr. Adam Irish explains how countries that can be defined as “democracies” exert both positive and negative effects on international law. The positive effects from democracies to international law include increased transparency, a role for human rights, and power/leadership that is not concentrated in one person. On the other hand, ratification of a treaty might be stalled by a country such as the United States, where treaties can be debated in Congress for a long time – and, ultimately, can be voted down. For example, the U.S. Congress never ratified the Kyoto environmental treaty. Presentation Time: 49 minutes | View Now

Mexico's Faltering Democratic Tradition

Dr. Stephen Lewis
History Department, CSU, Chico

For 71 years, starting in 1929, Mexico was ruled by one political party, Partido Revoluncionario Institucional (PRI). As Dr. Stephen Lewis explains, elections were held, but the outcome was not in doubt. PRI exerted almost complete control over the news media until the mid-1980s, as most newspapers relied on government advertising for over half their income. However, starting in 1976, reforms began and opposition parties arose. The 1982 election featured seven Presidential candidates. In 1997, the PRI lost its absolute majority in the Mexican legislature for the first time. In 2000, for the first time, the President did not appoint his successor. Dr. Lewis concludes that, unfortunately, Mexico’s democratic consolidation is in jeopardy today. Presentation Time: 47 minutes | View Now

The Internet as Transnational Religious Space

Dr. Daniel Veidlinger
Comparative Religion and Humanities Department, CSU, Chico

Daniel VeidingerThe internet has been used as a tool to learn about religions from the beginning. However, according to Dr. Daniel Veidlinger, now there are many people throughout the world using the internet as a tool to practice religions. He tells of how people join together in online “churches” and attend these churches virtually. These gatherings of religious believers are facilitated through online video stream, audio stream. and/or written religious messages. This is not a strictly Christian phenomenon. Dr. Veidlinger provides website links for virtual practice of various religions – among them Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, and Judaism. Join in the exploration of this new religious frontier. Presentation Time: 49 minutes | View Now

Fidel Castro: The View from the Global South

Dr. Stephen Lewis
History Department, CSU, Chico

When Fidel Castro died in 2016 at the age of 90, thousands of people mourned and thousands of people celebrated. Dr. Stephen Lewis begins his presentation by stating, “No one else in the Western Hemisphere, in the second half of the 20th century, did more to shape world events than Fidel Castro.” He goes on to discuss the way the Global South – Latin America, Africa, and India – views Castro and his legacy. He includes a brief timeline of Cuban history from 1899 until Castro led the revolution that deposed Cuban dictator Fulgencio Batista. Presentation Time: 51 minutes | View Now

Gold Boys & Emerald Girls: Reflections on Teaching and Cross-Cultural Exchange in Taiwan

Dr. Rob Davidson
English Department, CSU, Chico

Cross-cultural teaching brings its own special rewards and challenges, an experience in which politics, culture, and language become fascinatingly intertwined. Dr. Rob Davidson spent the 2015-2016 academic year teaching in Taiwan as a Fulbright U.S. Senior Scholar. In this presentation, Dr. Davidson reflects on teaching creative writing, American literature 1492-present, and contemporary Asian American literature in a cross-cultural environment at Tunghai University in Taichung City. Presentation Time: 47 minutes | View Now

Leaving the European Union

Dr. Jason Nice
History Department, CSU, Chico 

In 1973, the United Kingdom joined the European Union (EU), an economic and political partnership that has grown to 28 European countries. In 2016, the people of the United Kingdom voted for their country to withdraw from the EU. (England and Wales voted for withdrawal; Scotland and Northern Ireland, against.) Yet, in a 1975 UK referendum on whether to leave the EU, 67% voted to remain. Dr. Jason Nice provides an historical context to explain this dramatic change in public opinion. Presentation Time: 49 minutes | View Now

The Interaction of Religion, Science, and Technology as a Global Issue

Dr. Greg Cootsona
Comparative Religions and Humanities Department, CSU, Chico 

Dr. Greg Cootsona’s presentation is divided into three parts. He begins by focusing on the so-called “irreconcilability” between science and religion. Second, he discusses the extent to which ISIS is both a reaction to the advent of modern science and a stunningly effective use of its technology. Dr. Cootsona concludes by elaborating on “how recent moves by the Trump administration that affect the global environment correlate with scientific and religious attitudes.” Presentation Time: 49 minutes | View Now

Global Policy Series: U.S.-Israeli Relations

Dr. Jed Wyrick
Comparative Religions and Humanities Department, CSU, Chico 

Dr. Wyrick discusses the role of Israel in U.S. Foreign Policy and in the 2016 Presidential election from a historical perspective. He begins with the 19th century birth of Zionism – the political movement that supported the re-establishment of a Jewish Homeland in the territory defined as the historic Land of Israel. He explains how that area of the Middle East was divided up in many ways and ruled by many different nations since the early 20th century. Dr. Wyrick looks at a number of historical events, including the creation of Israel in 1948 (which resulted in 700,000 Arab refugees), the 1967 war and the growth of Israeli settlements in the West Bank. He concludes by sharing the positions of Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump regarding U.S. relations with Israel. Presentation Time: 54 minutes | View Now

Global Policy Series: The Environment

Dr. David Hassenzahl
College of Natural Sciences, CSU, Chico

Dr. Dean Fairbanks
Geography & Planning Department, CSU, Chico

Dr. James Pushnik
Biological Sciences Department and Director, Institute for Sustainable Development, CSU, Chico

Three CSU, Chico professors discuss different aspects of global environmental issues: (1) the role of uncertainty in environmental decisions; (2) human/environment relationships; and (3) recent international climate negotiations and commitments. These different approaches to the subject of global environmental crises touch on such issues as biodiversity loss, over population, pesticide pollution, species extinction, and soil degradation. In addition, the 2015 Paris Climate Agreement that emerged from the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change is discussed. Presentation Time: 52 minutes | View Now

Global Policy Series: U.S.-Russia Relations

Dr. Kate Transchel
History Department, CSU, Chico 

Are the United States and Russia on a collision course leading to another “Cold War”? Dr. Kate Transchel, an expert in the history of Russia – including the former Soviet Union – provides a historical perspective to increasing tension between the two countries in the 21st century. In fact, the subtitle of her talk is “America’s New Cold War?” Dr. Transchel provides background on Russian President Vladimir Putin and describes what she calls Putin’s return to historical patterns in Russian history, many of them going back to Peter the Great in the 18th Century and continuing through Soviet communism. Building on this background, she looks at the increasing tension in U.S.-Russian relations today. Presentation Time: 45 minutes | View Now

Global Policy Series: U.S.-Korea Relations

Dr. James Matray
History Department, CSU, Chico 

Dr. Matray points out that the 2016 Presidential candidates said very little during their campaigns about U.S. foreign policy toward Korea, yet the United States has historically been very involved in policies that affect that country. In fact, he maintains that the U.S. has always been the country with the most influence on Korea. This started with the division of Korea into North and South in 1945, which was a U.S. proposal that was accepted by the Soviet Union. The South Korean government was created by the U.S. in 1948, and U.S. troops fought for over three years in the Korean War, 1950-1953. This influence continued with U.S. support of various dictators in the 1970s and 1980s. Through all of this, both the South Korean and North Korean governments still dream of reuniting the country. Presentation Time: 45 minutes | View Now

Honoring Cesar Chavez's Legacy: Economic & Social Prosperity for Latinos/Latinas in Rural Communities

Chasity Maldonado-Medina
Regional Supervisor, Farmworker Institute of Education & Leadership Development (FIELD)

This cultural exchange program is financed by the U.S.CSU, Chico alumna Chasity Maldonado-Medina discusses her work with FIELD, an organization whose mission is “to promote economic and social prosperity in rural communities for Latinos, working people, and their families.” This work is very much tied into the legacy of Cesar Chavez – part-way through her presentation, Ms. Maldonado-Medina shares a video of a talk by David Villarino, the President and CEO of FIELD, who is also Cesar Chavez’s son-in-law. She weaves together the story of Chavez’s life with her work. She expresses admiration for her clients. For example, many of the people she works with spend 10 to 12 hours a day in the fields and then spend two or three hours a night in school so they can earn their high school diploma. Presentation Time: 45 minutes | View Now

The Whole World Under One Sky: Gender Roles

Moussa Tamboura
Niko Mikeladze
Baira Bogaeva
Alisher Komilov
Emdadul Haque
Veronika Bebekh
Elias Banze
Svetlana Yutsevichutene
August Latey-Young
Fatin Yato
Maurely Rodriguez
International Representatives from TEA (Teaching Excellence & Achievement)

Young educators from 17 countries who are part of the TEA (Teaching Excellence & Achievement) program share information about gender roles in their cultures. This cultural exchange program is financed by the U.S. State Department and implemented by International Training Programs at CSU, Chico in cooperation with IREX in Washington, DC. The educators, divided into four groups, each give a brief presentation about the current roles of men and women in their countries: (1) an all-African group (Burina Faso, Ivory Coast, Mali, Mozambique); (2) a group from Russia and adjacent countries (Kazakhstan, Mongolia, Russia, Uzbekistan); (3) a group from countries in four continents (Belarus, Cambodia, Ecuador, Georgia, Sudan, Venezuela); and (4) a group from South Asia and Africa (Bangladesh, Ghana, and India). The session ends with questions from the audience. Presentation Time: 47 minutes | View Now

Insurgent Poetics: Indigenous Cultural Revitalization in Contemporary Latin America

Dr. Hannah Burdette
Department of International Languages, Literatures, & Cultures, CSU, Chico

“Our word is our weapon” is a saying of the Zapatista movement of indigenous people resisting the dominant culture in southern Mexico. Dr. Hannah Burdette states that several issues have created indigenous social movements in Latin America, including environmental concerns, self-determination, ongoing effects of imperialism and colonialism, relative invisibility in society, and the threat of linguistic death and cultural assimilation. Of those, she focuses on the last issue, as she points out that language is one way of cultural revitalization. To that end, Dr. Burdette defines the role of literature by contemporary indigenous authors as “insurgent poetics.” She uses the term to get at the interplay between poetics and politics. Presentation Time: 51 minutes | View Now

Living the Legacy of the Cimarron: Race & Rebellion in Cuba

Georgina Herrera
Cuban Author

Dr. Sara Cooper
CSU, Chico & Editor, Cubana Books

Born in 1936, renowned Cuban writer Georgina Herrera has the perspective of living in Cuba both before and after the Cuban revolution led by Fidel Castro. She notes that the Afro-Cuban underclass to which she was born has been subject to “five centuries of atrocities,” including slavery. She adds that wars for independence did not necessarily liberate the Afro-Cuban people. Ms. Herrera calls herself a “cimarrona.” This term, she explains, is for a person who one day finds herself in a new place, in a position to search for her liberation. The major themes of Ms. Herrera’s writing include gender, Afro-Cuban history, and the African legacy. She states that she has used language as a weapon, both defensive and accusatory. Ms. Herrera is best known as a poet, but her work is not limited to one genre - she has written poetry, plays, film and television scripts, radio dramas, and a memoir. Presentation Time: 47 minutes | View Now

Some Absurdities of this World: A Cultural Voyage into Rwanda, Uganda and Banglades

Kanta Hara
International Student from Japan, CSU, Chico

Kanta Hara, an international student at CSU Chico, explains that a brief encounter in the Philippines changed his life. He was a freshman at Japan’s Waseda University and completing a tour of that country when he came upon a girl, perhaps seven years old, holding a baby and begging for money. He began to question how and why this would happen. This led Mr. Hara to get involved with helping the street children in Bangladesh. He then traveled for three weeks through Rwanda and Uganda. Rwanda is infamously known for the genocide of 1994 in which 800,000 people were slaughtered by members of another tribe. As Mr. Hara visited one of the sites of these murders and saw the mummified bodies there, he thought to himself, “This world is absurd. The value of a life depends on where you were born.” In Uganda, he learned of the thousands of child soldiers recruited during that country’s long civil war and tells of his interview with a girl who was a soldier. He finishes his presentation with some haunting questions. Presentation Time: 50 minutes | View Now

Life Doesn't Come with Subtitles

Dr. Julia Kobrina-Coolidge
Moderator, International Languages, Literatures & Cultures, CSU, Chico

Nadia Akulova
Melisse Boyd
David Briggs
Joseph Ettinger
Nikki Giuseffi
Panel of CSU, Chico Graduate Students

Five graduate students from the CSU, Chico Teaching International Languages (TIL) program offer insights about their field of study. Dr. Kobrina-Coolidge introduces the program with some observations on the multiple advantages of learning one or more languages in addition to one’s native language and how this is a key to experiencing the world’s diversity. The students then comment on why they feel it is important to study other languages, discuss strategies they have found useful in learning new languages, and share how they plan to use their language studies in attaining their career and life goals. Presentation Time: 54 minutes | View Now

Thinking Beyond Borders: Micronesia

Lorry Marvin
Sacramento Regional Recruiter, Peace Corps

Although Lorry Marvin is a Peace Corps recruiter, the focus of this presentation is “how geography can shape culture.” For two years, Marvin and her husband served on a remote island that is part of Micronesia. The nation of Micronesia, formed in the 1990s, includes more than 300 islands spread over one million square miles of ocean (a total land mass smaller than the state of Rhode Island). Marvin and her husband were there to teach English, at the request of the Micronesian government, so that the country, home to 17 languages, has a common language to use for trade. The island where the couple served is less than one square mile in size; the perimeter can be walked in 45 minutes, and the population is 300. The people on the island have no concept or words for “time,” “crime,” or “stranger.” Crime is unheard of and everyone knows the same people from birth to death. Marvin shares interesting anecdotes from the lives of these very isolated people. Presentation Time: 44 minutes | View Now

One MobileProjector per Trainer

Matt York
Project Director, Founder of Videomaker Magazine, CSU, Chico

Matt York had an idea – he wanted to bring technology to the least-developed countries in the world through battery-powered video equipment. His idea has mushroomed into a humanitarian organization that includes 1,500 local trainers in 65 different countries. The staff of One MobileProjector per Trainer travels to isolated, challenging environments to benefit communities by teaching them to produce videos about such subjects as health and hygiene, literacy, and agricultural techniques. York gives three examples of the use of this technology: a literacy program in Ethiopia, Mozambique, and Nepal; family planning education in Guatemala; and hygiene and sanitation principles for Eritrean refugees in Ethiopia. Presentation Time: 47 minutes | View Now

The Anarchy of Globalization: Local and Global, Intended and Unintended Consequences

Dr. Michael Perelman
Economics Department, CSU, Chico

Dr. Michael PerelmanDr. Michael Perelman is an internationally-known economist who was in the process of writing his 21st book at the time of this lecture. In this presentation he discusses his thoughts and research regarding globalization – specifically free trade agreements, and their especially negative impacts on people and on nature. He is very concerned with the local effects of globalization or, as he puts it, “where deals are made and the people most negatively affected are not part of the deal.” He uses as examples the international free trade agreements NAFTA and TPP, which he says give up more and more power to corporations. He is concerned that these examples of globalization will continue to increase outsourcing of jobs, promote the use of GMOs in agriculture, and lower the tax base (including money for higher education) as hedge fund corporations hide their assets at such places as the Cayman Islands. Presentation Time: 53 minutes | View Now

Christian Maps, Jewish Monsters: Creating a Grotesque Past and a Horrifying Future

Dr. Asa Simon Mittman
Art and Art History, CSU, Chico

Christian Maps, Jewish MonstersDr. Mittman discusses how ancient maps portray Jews as monsters and how these perceptions continue to influence the world today. Much of the presentation is focused on maps originating in England and their depiction of Christians and Jews. Presentation Time: 49 minutes | View Now

Irish Traditional Music with Molly’s Favorite

Tim Applebee & Molly’s Favorite

Irish Traditional Music with Molly’s FavoriteCeltic musician Tim Applebee leads a discussion about past and present Irish music. This fun-filled learning experience features the local Chico band “Molly’s Favorite.” Highlights include polkas, hornpipes, jigs, and reels. The music is accompanied by a slide show that includes scenic and historic views of Ireland. The band has been performing traditional Irish music for 15 years – in cafes, at weddings, and at special events. Presentation Time: 49 minutes | View Now

Cultural and Educational Glances from all over the World

International Panel
Teaching Excellence and Achievement Fellows Program

Representatives of a group of teachers from 20 different countries share their cultural and educational backgrounds, as well as their impressions of American education. They are participants in the Teaching Excellence and Achievement Program, co-sponsored by the U.S. State Department and IREX (International Research & Exchanges Board, a nonprofit educational organization). These educators came together in Washington, DC, traveled to Northern California, and spent four weeks at CSU, Chico, where they took courses and gained field experience in Chico schools. Panelists and their countries include Ana Cuevas (Chile), Sylvia Awada (Egypt), Tina Bergiashvili (Georgia), and Aliya Kurmanova (Kazakhistan). Presentation Time: 50 minutes | View Now

Self-studies in Rural Teacher Education

Dr. Ann Schulte
Education Department, CSU, Chico

Dr. Bernadette Walker-Gibbs
Deakin University, Australia

Dr. Schulte, an American, and Dr. Walker-Gibbs, an Australian, met when Dr. Schulte spent a year’s sabbatical in Australia. They connected around their shared profession in preparing student teachers to become educators in rural settings. They are each contributing to a book on teacher preparation for rural teaching because they believe there is a lack of research about preparing students for rural settings. The book will address the challenges faced in rural communities in attracting teachers who understand the complexities and opportunities of living and working in rural – and sometimes very remote and isolated – areas. Presentation Time: 59 minutes | View Now

Drugs, Disappearances, & Mass Graves - Mexico's National Nightmare Comes to Reyna Grande's Hometown of Iguala, Guerrero

Dr. Steve Lewis
History Department, CSU, Chico

Reyna Grande’s book, “The Distance Between Us,” was chosen as the 2014-2015 CSU, Chico Book in Common primarily because of the author’s compelling story and the questions it brings up about immigration issues. Sadly, Grande’s home town of Iguala, Guerrero, made news for another reason – it was the scene of a massacre of 43 students from a rural teachers’ school, or “Normal School.” On September 14, 2015, these students were handed over by a corrupt police system to a drug gang, or “narcos,” who murdered them. The search for these students led to the discovery of several mass gravesites in the Iguala region. As a specialist in Mexican history, Dr. Lewis gives background about the state of Guerrero, its tradition of popular struggle, and its Rural Normal Schools. Presentation Time: 50 minutes | View Now

A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to ...

Jennifer Gruber
Interim Coordinator, Study Aboard Office, CSU, Chico

CSU, Chico Students
Study Aboard Panel

Jennifer Gruber of the CSU, Chico Study Abroad Office introduces and moderates a panel of international students who share their insights about studying, living and discovering a whole new world of cultural experiences overseas. The students studied abroad for an entire academic year in Costa Rica, Thailand, Germany, or Brazil. They share amusing stories about how they embarrassed themselves, got lost, etc.; however, they managed to learn from those experiences. Undaunted, all of them plan to continue their travels after graduation. This presentation was part of Chico State’s “International Education Week” celebration. Presentation Time: 30 minutes | View Now

A Year Down Under: Summary of my Sabbatical

Dr. Ann Schulte
School of Education, CSU, Chico

Dr. Ann Schulte spent nearly a year’s sabbatical in Australia to study rural education in that country. In doing so, she learned about teacher preparation for rural Australia. She also pursued exchange opportunities with Deakin University in Warrnambool, as a visiting scholar there, and learned about Australian Culture. In this presentation, Dr. Schulte shares her experiences at very remote rural schools, as well as her cultural observations and information about the indigenous Aboriginal people. She also shares, through her photos, some Australian habitats and wildlife. Presentation Time: 45 minutes | View Now


A Day in the Life of a Peace Corps Volunteer

Jennifer Clowers
Peace Corps Recruitment Supervisor

In 1961, President John F. Kennedy established the Peace Corps as a way for Americans to do humanitarian work in other countries. The organization is run by the U.S. government and is still very much alive, as can be seen by Jennifer Clowers’ presentation about her two and a half years working in West Africa. Her presentation focuses on the cultures of Guinea and Niger, the daily life of a Peace Corps volunteer, and the rewards of serving overseas. The mission of the Peace Corps is to promote world peace and friendship. Presentation Time: 45 minutes | View Now

Made in Thailand

Dr. Tony Waters
Sociology Department, CSU, Chico

Dr. Daniel Veidlinger
Comparative Religion & Humanities Department, CSU, Chico

Sara Whitchurch
Student, CSU, Chico

Over the last ten years CSU, Chico faculty Dr. Daniel Veidlinger, Dr. Tony Waters, Dr. Rob Burton, and Dr. Lee Altier have taken students to Chang Mai during the summer through the Thailand Program. As a result, Thailand has become one of the most popular Study Abroad destinations for Chico State students. In this presentation, Dr. Waters, Dr. Veidlinger, and student Sara Whitchurch share their experiences learning, studying, and traveling in Thailand during the summer program. Ms. Whitchurch illustrates her talk with slides that depict the beauty of the country and its rich cultural heritage. Presentation Time: 44 minutes | View Now

Experiencing Sustainability Abroad

Dr. Jacque Chase
Geography and Planning Department, CSU, Chico

Olivia Van Damme
Geography and Planning Department, CSU, Chico

In this presentation, Dr. Jacque Chase and Chico State student Olivia Van Damme share stories and experiences about their time in Florianopolis, Brazil. Both discuss the importance of sustainability in Florianopolis, and how Americans could learn from the residents of that city. They share their insights about how one study abroad program, through its setting and curriculum, teaches about sustainable practices. Dr. Chase and Ms. Van Damme also point out some of the similarities shared by Florianopolis and Chico. Presentation Time: 46 minutes | View Now

Leisure and Social Life in Turkey

Dr. Muge Akyildiz
Visiting Post-Doctoral Scholar

In this presentation, Dr. Muge Akyildiz, from Anadolu University in Turkey, discusses leisure and social life in that country, specifically about Eskisehir, which is her hometown. She describes and shows slides about cultural events, her university, food, night life, and many other topics about life in Turkey. Later in the presentation, Dr. Akyildiz discusses leisure services for people with disabilities, which is her research topic at Chico State. Presentation Time: 45 minutes | View Now

Crossing Boundaries: Farmworkers Breaking the Silence

Efren Sanchez-Delgado
Graduate Student, Masters of Public Administration, CSU, Chico

Second-year graduate student Efren Sanchez-Delgado shares his summer experience at Colorado Legal Services under the Migrant Farm Worker Division. Sanchez-Delgado covers topics including: conditions of employment, health and security in the workplace, civil rights, immigration, and H2A workers. He shares a video about migrant workers conditions. Sanchez-Delgado concludes by sharing his plans for future contributions to the cause. Presentation Time: 49 minutes | View Now

(Challenges of) Democracy in China

Dr. Jennifer Wilking
Political Science Department, CSU, Chico

Dr. Wilking’s presentation is based on three questions: What are the prospects for democracy in China? What bodes well for democratization in China? What might inhibit democratization in China? She notes that after the Tiannamen Square pro-democracy uprisings in 1989, some scholars predicted that China’s regime would be gone within several years, but that regime is still in power. Dr. Willking looks at the many factors that can lead China to either transition, or not, to democracy – among them, religious philosophies, economic conditions, the people’s orientation toward power and authority, the perceived level of stability, and political culture. Presentation Time: 49 minutes | View Now

AquAlliance: Defending Northern California Waters

Jim Brobeck
Water-Policy Analyst, AquAlliance

AquAlliance: Defending Northern California WatersJim Brobeck from AquAlliance explains why it is inefficient to use Northern California water to grow orchard crops in the San Joaquin Valley. He provides examples of problems that will continue if threats are ignored and offers ideas to prevent future water issues. Presentation Time: 47 minutes | View Now

Israeli Life and Leisure in the 21st Century

Dr. Michael Leitner
Recreation, Hospitality, and Parks Management Department, CSU, Chico 

Dr. Leitner’s presentation is based on the book he and Sara Leitner edited, “Inside Israel: Israeli Life and Leisure in the 21st Century,” and on his experiences living in Israel three times, for one year each time. While 80 percent of the country’s 8 million people are Jewish, Dr. Leitner points out that many of the activities on religious holidays are quite secular there. For example, Yom Kippur doubles as “National Bicycle Day,” with no motorized vehicles allowed on the streets, and jelly donuts are eaten as part of the celebration of Hanukah. To illustrate the importance Israelis place on having leisure activities available in public places, Dr. Leitner shows photos of the extensive recreational facilities at public beaches – shade structures, volleyball courts, folk dancing groups, and carts that serve as miniature lending libraries. Presentation Time: 41 minutes | View Now 

The Writer’s Voice: Creative Non-Fiction

Dr. Daryl Farmer

Faculty, Department of English, University of Alaska-Fairbanks

 

Dr. Daryl Farmer reads from and discusses “Bicycling Beyond the Divide: Two Journeys into the West.” His book follows him on his 5,000-mile journey through the diverse populations and ever-changing physical and social landscapes that make up America. In 1985, Dr. Farmer traveled by bicycle through 11 Western states and the Canadian province of British Columbia. He wrote his book 20 years later, using the notes from the journal he kept while “on the road.” His story takes place in the context of the world of the mid-1980s and also in the context of his current perspective. He is the recipient of Barnes and Nobel’s Discover Great New Writers Award.

 

Presentation Time: 1 hour, 11 minutes