Bard College's Clemente Course graduates first New Bedford class at the Whaling Museum
Course in the humanities for low-income residents of New Bedford was also sponsored by PACE, UMass Dartmouth and the Massachusetts Foundation for the Humanities
The New Bedford Clemente Course in the Humanities will celebrate the graduation of its first class at the Whaling Museum on Tuesday, May 30 at 6 p.m. Seven students will graduate from the program, a free, one-year, college-level course for low-income residents of New Bedford for college credit.
Since October, New Bedford students have been meeting two evenings a week at the PACE Head Start building to study the classics and great ideas of literature and poetry; philosophy; painting, sculpture, and architecture; and American history, while receiving instruction in writing. Tuition, books, child-care, and transportation are provided at no cost. Students who have participated at a high academic level earn college credits and are encouraged to continue on to a post-secondary degree. The course is based on the premise that the insights and skills offered by study of the traditional humanities disciplines can provide people who are living on the margins of society with crucial tools for gaining control over their lives.
The New Bedford Clemente Course is sponsored by Bard College in partnership with People Acting in Community Endeavors (PACE), the Massachusetts Foundation for the Humanities (MFH), and University of Massachusetts Dartmouth. The Academic Director of the program, Dr. Mark Santow, is an Assistant Professor of History at University of Massachusetts Dartmouth. The classes were taught by professors from the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth and Brown University. According to Bruce Morell, Executive Director of PACE, "bringing this educational opportunity to the New Bedford area is another step in the right direction in making New Bedford a city that embraces the concept of life-long learning."
If you were to visit any Bard College Clemente Course in the Humanities in the country, you would observe a group of 15 to 20 students sitting around a seminar table, deeply engaged in serious discussion with a first-rate professor. The professor would know how to strike a fine balance between conveying information and engaging the students in discussion about the great masterpieces of human culture. Together, they would be examining challenging primary sources, asking probing questions and making insightful comments. The atmosphere would be dynamic, but one in which decorum is maintained and all are treated with respect. And as the students left the classroom, you might notice that some of the discussions continue--evidence that the great ideas they are encountering have relevance and meaning in their lives.
This scenario would not be unusual in any college setting. But the students who participate in the Clemente Course are not typical college students. They are victims of poverty and primarily from minority backgrounds. Many have dropped out of high school; some are high school graduates who are either unemployed or are working at low-level jobs; some are students who have tried community college but were unsuccessful there for a variety of reasons; some are young adults who have already been involved in the criminal justice system, or who are at risk of becoming involved; some are adults who want to 'expand their horizons' and possibly continue their formal education; others are parents who hope to be able to help their children with their homework as they advance in school.
The Bard College Clemente Course is a national network of community-based, college programs located in 10 states and the District of Columbia. Over 200 students from around the country will graduate from Clemente programs this year. The two goals of the Clemente Course are to create a bridge to enrollment in higher education for economically disadvantaged individuals who typically have limited access to post-secondary education, and to promote the personal growth and enrichment of participants, thereby preparing them for fuller participation in the economic and political life of our society.
Dr. Santow, the Academic Director, praised the New Bedford graduates for their dedication and hope for the future. "Given the demands of work and parenthood, as well as the required time and effort, participating in the program demonstrated an extraordinary commitment by these students both to their education, and their role as informed, self-reflective citizens. Knowledge is power, and this community will benefit from the work these folks have done for years to come."
UMass Dartmouth provided critical support for the Clemente Faculty. According to College of Arts and Sciences Dean William Hogan, "the University is dedicated to providing educational services to the people of Southeastern Massachusetts, and we think that the Clemente Course can provide an educational step to higher learning for residents who currently face significant educational barriers."
"I am most grateful for this chance that allowed me to grow in my heart," reflected Clemente graduate Deborah Ramos. "I've grown in mind and courage, and I am not afraid to question what I don't understand. I extend a special thanks to all my peers, who like me made a commitment to meet every Tuesday and Thursday to join in this learning process, and reap what we have sown."
For further information on the Bard College Clemente Course nationally, call 845-758-7066 or e-mail dewsnapted@mindspring.com.
Since October, New Bedford students have been meeting two evenings a week at the PACE Head Start building to study the classics and great ideas of literature and poetry; philosophy; painting, sculpture, and architecture; and American history, while receiving instruction in writing. Tuition, books, child-care, and transportation are provided at no cost. Students who have participated at a high academic level earn college credits and are encouraged to continue on to a post-secondary degree. The course is based on the premise that the insights and skills offered by study of the traditional humanities disciplines can provide people who are living on the margins of society with crucial tools for gaining control over their lives.
The New Bedford Clemente Course is sponsored by Bard College in partnership with People Acting in Community Endeavors (PACE), the Massachusetts Foundation for the Humanities (MFH), and University of Massachusetts Dartmouth. The Academic Director of the program, Dr. Mark Santow, is an Assistant Professor of History at University of Massachusetts Dartmouth. The classes were taught by professors from the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth and Brown University. According to Bruce Morell, Executive Director of PACE, "bringing this educational opportunity to the New Bedford area is another step in the right direction in making New Bedford a city that embraces the concept of life-long learning."
If you were to visit any Bard College Clemente Course in the Humanities in the country, you would observe a group of 15 to 20 students sitting around a seminar table, deeply engaged in serious discussion with a first-rate professor. The professor would know how to strike a fine balance between conveying information and engaging the students in discussion about the great masterpieces of human culture. Together, they would be examining challenging primary sources, asking probing questions and making insightful comments. The atmosphere would be dynamic, but one in which decorum is maintained and all are treated with respect. And as the students left the classroom, you might notice that some of the discussions continue--evidence that the great ideas they are encountering have relevance and meaning in their lives.
This scenario would not be unusual in any college setting. But the students who participate in the Clemente Course are not typical college students. They are victims of poverty and primarily from minority backgrounds. Many have dropped out of high school; some are high school graduates who are either unemployed or are working at low-level jobs; some are students who have tried community college but were unsuccessful there for a variety of reasons; some are young adults who have already been involved in the criminal justice system, or who are at risk of becoming involved; some are adults who want to 'expand their horizons' and possibly continue their formal education; others are parents who hope to be able to help their children with their homework as they advance in school.
The Bard College Clemente Course is a national network of community-based, college programs located in 10 states and the District of Columbia. Over 200 students from around the country will graduate from Clemente programs this year. The two goals of the Clemente Course are to create a bridge to enrollment in higher education for economically disadvantaged individuals who typically have limited access to post-secondary education, and to promote the personal growth and enrichment of participants, thereby preparing them for fuller participation in the economic and political life of our society.
Dr. Santow, the Academic Director, praised the New Bedford graduates for their dedication and hope for the future. "Given the demands of work and parenthood, as well as the required time and effort, participating in the program demonstrated an extraordinary commitment by these students both to their education, and their role as informed, self-reflective citizens. Knowledge is power, and this community will benefit from the work these folks have done for years to come."
UMass Dartmouth provided critical support for the Clemente Faculty. According to College of Arts and Sciences Dean William Hogan, "the University is dedicated to providing educational services to the people of Southeastern Massachusetts, and we think that the Clemente Course can provide an educational step to higher learning for residents who currently face significant educational barriers."
"I am most grateful for this chance that allowed me to grow in my heart," reflected Clemente graduate Deborah Ramos. "I've grown in mind and courage, and I am not afraid to question what I don't understand. I extend a special thanks to all my peers, who like me made a commitment to meet every Tuesday and Thursday to join in this learning process, and reap what we have sown."
For further information on the Bard College Clemente Course nationally, call 845-758-7066 or e-mail dewsnapted@mindspring.com.
