Identities: Crossing Cultural Boundaries
IUPUI Thematic Learning Community (TLC)

TLC Courses & Instructors:

• A104/A157 Introduction to Cultural Anthropology (Gina Sanchez Gibau) linked with U112 Critical Inquiry (Dawn Ramey)

• W131 Elementary Composition I (David Sabol) linked with U110 Freshman Seminar (David Sabol)

• Mathematics M001 instructor and consultant (Clay Hicks)

TLC Description:
The theme of Identities: Crossing Cultural Boundaries will dominate the curriculum through all the linked courses. Students will discover that all people have distinct and valuable identities. The variance in these identities not only will be explored and analyzed in-depth through the framework of identity, but also will be synthesized with the students' own thoughts and experiences to allow for new realizations about their own cultures. Students will have the opportunity to read common texts (Shadows in the Sun, Cultural Identities, & Taking Sides: Clashing Views on Controversial Issues in Cultural Anthropology), write common assignments, participate in cultural community events, and view cultures (including their own) from different academic disciplines-anthropology, composition, and math. The culmination of the students' semester-long exploration of diverse cultures will be showcased through group presentations at the Unity Day 2003 celebration on November 19, which is co-sponsored by Campus and Community Life.

Creating Community Connections:
Working closely with Frank Ross, Associate Director of Campus and Community Life, our TLC team has decided to offer a number of out-of-class opportunities for students to attend cultural events both on and off campus and to receive course credit for their attendance. Students will be required to attend the Faces of America production at the Madame Walker Theatre on September 4, and as a group will decide on an ethnic restaurant at which to dine on October 21. Students will also be working closely with each other to present Unity Day 2003 on November 19 to the IUPUI community.