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Enriching the Lives of Mature Adults |
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Why are we studying immigration?In 2004, OASIS participants were surveyed extensively to discover what topics they found most compelling and would like to explore in depth in new humanities programming. As a result of this process, OASIS learned that participants are interested in the history and study of immigration in America. With the United States currently accepting immigrants at a faster rate than in the 1850s, immigration and the problems immigrants encounter are a visible part of our current society. Because some OASIS participants are themselves immigrants and many more are the children of immigrants, they are interested in how immigrants create a new identity in a new country. Specifically, they want to know: • What kinds of problems did their ancestors face when coming to America? • How did those problems compare the problems immigrants faced as a whole? • What problems do today’s immigrants face? • What is the history of immigration to this country? • How did the immigration process change in the 20th century? • What is the history of their own ethnic heritage in comparison to the history of other ethnic groups? • How did the different ethnic groups find their American identities? How did the project get started? OASIS listened to its participants, and set out to create a multi-disciplinary humanities look at American immigration. To create a program of study, OASIS asked a team of American humanities scholars from around the country to meet in St. Louis in August 2005 with staff, center directors and OASIS participants to brainstorm approaches to this enormous topic. That group determined that the most valuable way of exploring the topic was from multiple angles, and those angles resulted in the five core courses on immigration history, literature, film, food and culture. Other approaches exist to this topic, but OASIS had to limit the scope to five of the best. In an effort to bring the best possible humanities themed project to its participants, OASIS submitted a grant application to the National Endowment for the Humanities to obtain funding to make it happen. The grant was approved in August 2006 and officially began in October 2006. The Immigrant Experience project debuts nationwide in January 2008. What is the purpose of the program?The goal of The Immigrant Experience is to enable participants to think deeply and creatively about the different themes of the immigrant’s experience in America and to continue their learning beyond the formal classes. Every aspect of this project has been conceived to further learning rather than merely prescribe one interpretation or one set of facts. What is the program? The Immigrant Experience includes a number of elements, including the five core courses on immigration history, literature, film, food and culture with corresponding texts and films; all additional immigration-related courses offered in the various OASIS centers around the country; tutoring and other volunteer opportunities; and this website. How do I participate? Check your local OASIS center catalog for program information and register early for classes and events related to immigration. If you aren't an OASIS member, you can join now - membership is free. You can also find links here to related websites and information. Photo credit: Food will win the war - You came seeking feedom, now you must help to preserve it - Wheat is needed for the allies - waste nothing. C.E. Chambers. 1917. Courtesy of the Library of Congress. |
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