Dates: May 6, 7, 9, 12, 14, 16
Times: Please see time slots below. (Schools have the option
to participate in only one session or, for the 11 am session, all six days*.)
Grades: 7 - 12
Topics: Current Events, Geography, Social Studies
Cost: $250 for members,
$300 for Non-Members per conference*
Note: Any school that cancels a reserved spot within ONE WEEK before the
beginning of the videoconference will be required to pay half of the conference
cost, except in the case of an emergency.
South
America, a region rich in culture, diversity, and history, is also a region
riddled with tensions between the indigenous and the ruling governments, the
farmers and the oil-rich, the rural and the urban. In this videoconference series,
students have the opportunity to explore the poorest and one of the most dynamic
and politically charged countries on the continent: Bolivia.
When Evo Morales, an Aymaran Indian, took power in 2005 as the first indigenous
president in Bolivia, he brought sweeping reform that jolted the entire world.
Nationalizing oil reserves, redistributing land, redrafting the constitution,
and overhauling the educational system stand among his heavyweight policy changes,
which have largely trickled down to alter the way many Bolivians live day-to-day.
Through this live interaction, North American students get to know their Bolivian
counterparts and the way their lives have been altered by regime change and
ubiquitous social tension. This is all the more relevant to American students
as they explore the friction that has characterized recent U.S.-Bolivian relations
and as they examine their own experiences with livelihoods, culture, and a changing
social fabric.
*Please note: The 11:00 am EDT sessions are reserved for schools
that can participate in ALL SIX conferences. The 1:00 pm EDT sessions are open
to all schools, with a limit of one interactive conference per school. Due to
the fact that this is an international program, special rates apply.
Sessions are filled on a first-come, first-serve basis. Please be aware that
we will begin confirming your requests the week of March 24, 2008.
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Tuesday, May 6: Cultural Introduction
(La Paz)
In this “breaking the ice” session, students will
discuss and share their traditions, music, dance, and values, getting
to know one another on a personal and cultural level.
Available time slots: 9:00 am EDT | 11:00 am
EDT | 1:00 pm EDT en Español
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Wednesday, May 7: Politics, Language,
& Inclusion (La Paz)
Students back home will explore the rising role of the indigenous population
in La Paz, after President Evo Morales mandated that native languages
be taught in schools and secured a powerful political role for previously
marginalized native Indian tribes. Students will discuss their daily lives
in school and in the city as a lens through which to explore the dynamic
political climate.
Available time slots: 11:00 am EDT | 1:00 pm
EDT
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Friday, May 9: Legends of Lake Titicaca
(Copacabana)
Lake Titicaca, the world’s highest lake at roughly 12,500 feet above
sea level, harbors ancient creation stories, in addition to myriad legendary
tales of lost treasure and submerged civilizations. According to tradition,
Lake Titicaca is the birthplace of creation and holds a sacred place in
the history of the Inca and civilization as a whole. Students will talk
to their peers about the stories behind the lake and how they relate to
their culture and life today.
Available time slots: 11:00 am EDT | 1:00 pm
EDT
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Monday, May 12: Indigenous Culture
Today (Broadcast from Tiahuanaco)
By discussing the history and traditions of this lake town, students will
get a glimpse into today’s culture of a people living in what some
scholars deem to be the “oldest city in the world.”
Available time slots: 11:00 am EDT | 1:00 pm
EDT
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Wednesday, May 14: Marvels of Nature
(Broadcast from Salar de Uyuni)
North American students will explore the Salt Flats of Bolivia, the only
spot on Earth Neil Armstrong didn’t recognize from space. An expert
on the land will be connecting to students to guide them through one of
the most spectacularly unique marvels of the world. Please note that
this conference will not include Bolivian students.
Available time slots: 11:00 am EDT | 1:00 pm
EDT
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Friday, May 16: Health & Traditions
(La Paz)
This session gives students a chance to discuss how they care for their
bodies, whether through modern or traditional means. Students will learn
about each other’s cultures and traditions by discussing the meaning
of well-being in their respective communities.
Available time slots: 11:00 am EDT | 1:00 pm
EDT
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What to expect from The PULSE
Back to List of Spring 2008 Programs
