Two Event-Based Campus-Wide Learning Communities: On the Anniversaries of Brown v. Board and Origin of Species Walter Thomas Schmid Patricia H. Kelley University of North Carolina Wilmington

Focus of civically engaged higher education: Ideas and events that shape thought and passions of a whole people Fundamental public debates –Meaning of racial integration in American democracy, identity, law and society –Scientific, religious, educational, and public policy issues relating to evolution

Event-based campus-wide multidimensional learning communities at UNCW Brown v. Board of Education LC –50 th anniversary of decision (2004) –Semester-long learning community Darwin anniversaries (2009) –Bicentennial of birth –Sesquicentennial of Origin of Species –Multi-year Evolution Learning Community ( )

Purpose of campus-wide LCs Promote learning in and out of classroom Build synergy and civic engagement in students and faculty Promote creativity, research and innovative pedagogy Connect academia and society

Brown v. Board of Education 1954 Walter Thomas Schmid

Relationship to ADP “No case ever affected more directly the minds, hearts and daily lives of so many Americans.” Racism = deep roots in American history American democracy = extension of Jeffersonian ideal

Purpose of Brown v. Board Community Dialogue to explore the judicial, social and moral significance of the historical decision both in historical perspective and in its multidimensional aftermath. Increase awareness and critical discussion of: –Role of race relations in American history and society –History of students’ own local communities, lives –Ideal of citizenship, right of Americans to equal opportunity and active participation in all aspects of political, economic and educational life.

Development of B v. B Grassroots effort initiated by multidisciplinary group of faculty (Apr 03) Debated vision of effort (May-Jun 03) –Positive focus on overthrow of segregation –Critical focus on failure to end racism 40+ Faculty commit to courses (Sep 03) Plans developed for lectures, films and other events (fall 03) Regional publicity, kickoff (Dec 03-Jan 04)

Learning Experiences 43 linked classes Lecture, Film series Art inc. poetry jam, student films Student trip to Selma and Birmingham Civic Discoveries (student book) Closing Student Fair, speaker from SC

Evolution Learning Community Evolution: The Changing Shape of Life Patricia H. Kelley

Development of ELC Grassroots effort initiated by multidisciplinary group of faculty (2004) Organized subcommittees ( ) –curriculum, educational outreach, events/programs –brainstormed activities, programs, events Elected 3-person Executive Council (2005) Initial meetings with university administrators ( )

Relationship to ADP “The nation’s economic competitiveness, security, and prosperity depend in large measure on its scientific and technological innovation.” (ADP website) Anti-science = profound political issue Preservation of integrity of science necessary for democracy to survive

Policy issue: evolution education Evolution fundamental to science Attacks on evolution education widespread at national, state, and local level –Santorum amendment –“warning labels” in textbooks –Intelligent design mandates –Deletion of evolution from curriculum

Purpose of ELC Community Dialogue on scientific, social, and moral significance of evolution in all of its multidimensional aspects Increase awareness and critical discussion of: –Role of evolutionary principles in natural and social sciences –Relationship to philosophical, historical, artistic, and literary modes of reflection on life

Administrative support to date Chancellor Provost Deans Council Arts & Sciences Business Education Nursing Graduate & Research Sponsored Programs Centers Library University College Marine Science Honors Scholars Faculty Leadership Teaching Excellence Public Service

Resources allocated to ELC to date 5 faculty research grants 2 CTE teaching initiative awards Speaker support Speaker support –Paul Ewald, “Evolution of Infectious Diseases” –E.O. Wilson, “The Future of Life” –Mary Schweitzer, “T. rex Under the Microscope” Program administrator summer support and release time PhD student stipend Support for continuing education events

Future activities K-12 Teacher outreach Faculty workshops Galapagos Honors trip Cultural events Course development Public outreach events Visiting Darwin Scholars Inter-institutional collaboration

Challenges Resources Faculty time demands Fear of controversy