2010-2011 Williams Fund Recipients

Oregon – A Natural and Cultural History

Bitty Roy, Biology
Josh Roering, Geological Sciences

Combining field studies in the Willamette Valley, the Coast Range and Basin and Range near Burns, this course offers students a full immersion into a study of Oregon’s physical, natural and cultural History. Fulfilling science and history requirements, the course will require substantial writing, interdisciplinary thinking and analysis.

From the Mexican Border to Oregon: Immigration, Education, and Politics in the 21st Century

Edward Olivos, Education

Structured in a seminar format, this course is designed to have students examine and study firsthand the complex social, cultural, legal, political and economic factors that relate to immigrant families and students in the United States. Fieldwork for this class will be done in the San Diego/Tijuana border region and in Oregon.

Latin Roots in Oregon

Gabriela Martinez, Journalism and Communications
Lynn Stephen, Anthropology and Ethnic Studies

This two-course sequence focuses on Oregon’s Latino and Latin American population by broadening the historical understanding of these populations.  By first educating students about the diverse histories of Latinos in Oregon, then teaching students how to collect oral histories and produce audiovisual programs, it will foster a dynamic and creative collection of research, teaching and community engagement.

Teaching Systems Physiology as a “Way of Knowing”

Susan Verscheure, Human Physiology
Gary Klug, Human Physiology

Equipping students with an understanding of how science works and how observations can be turned into conclusions, this class for students whose career goals lie in the medical and health-related sciences enables students to come to understand that science is a way of knowing, not simply a set of facts and principles.

 Reacting to the Past

Ian McNeely, History
Mary Jaeger, Classics

Through historical simulation – a rigorous immersion in the arguments, issues, texts, personalities, politics and twists of fate related to an historical event of lasting import – this class offers students a chance to wrestle with ethical and political dilemmas and understand them in all of their deep and multi-faceted complexities.

Microbial Studies In Ecological Restoration: Collaborative Research Opportunities for Undergraduates

Matt Orr, Central Oregon Programs

By adding a microbial component to coursework on ecological restoration, this class enables students to conduct original research through the UO Central Oregon Programs that is not hampered by weather conditions in the field. The course also will broaden the range of community interactions that students must consider, while also illustrating the growing importance of collaborative research.

Environmental Leadership in Action

Peg Boulay, Environmental Studies

Through structured community service, a team of students enrolled in Environmental Studies will be trained in community organizing and event management skills and work with community volunteers, learning in the process to improve leadership skills. Combining the theories of leadership with techniques for visioning, strategic problem solving, conflict resolution and ethics, students will graduate with skills they can immediately apply to environmental challenges.