News and Ideas
Currently Viewing: Spring 2008
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WPR to air interactive programs designed to create a greater understanding of Islam
Wisconsin Public Radio (WPR), in partnership with UW-Madison, has received funding from the Social Science Research Council (SSRC) to develop a series of interactive radio programs intended to encourage public discourse on Islam.
The $90,000 grant will allow WPR, several UW-Madison international studies programs and UW-Madison's Division of Information Technology (DoIT) to develop the Inside Islam: Dialogues and Debates project, which will include live one-hour interactive radio programs followed by live interactive blogging by listeners and University of Wisconsin scholars.
The series will be part of the "Here on Earth: Radio Without Borders" program hosted by Jean Feraca weekdays at 3 p.m. on WPR's Ideas Network. According to Feraca possible topics include Islam and democracy, the secular imperative, women and law, and gender and sexuality. The programs are slated to begin airing in September 2008, with programs to follow throughout the academic year.
Nine other universities, including Harvard, New York University, University of Chicago and the University of California at Berkeley, also received SSRC grants to support a variety of projects designed to create a greater understanding of Islamic issues.
For more information:
Jean Feraca
Distinguished Senior Broadcaster
Wisconsin Public Radio
(608) 263-1233
jean.feraca@wpr.org
New service-learning Web site empowers students to solve Lake Superior issues
High school students are challenged to find solutions to complex environmental issues with the help of a new service-learning Web-based curriculum. Connecting the Coast, http://connectingthecoast.uwex.edu, guides students through an investigation of research on environmental issues compiled by the Lake Superior Binational Program. Students are encouraged to design, complete and evaluate a service-learning project that addresses a community concern about the environment.
The Web site was designed by Cathy Techtmann, education coordinator, Cooperative Extension, at the Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center in Ashland, with support from the Wisconsin Coastal Management Program, Lake Superior Binational Program and Environmental Protection Agency. Northland College and a local citizen advisory group provided additional support.
For more information:
Cathy Techtmann
Education Coordinator
Community Resource Development
Cooperative Extension
(715) 685-2671
catherine.techtmann@ces.uwex.edu