UBThisSummer -- 'Fun With a Purpose' -- Continues in July

BUFFALO, N.Y. -- The UBThisSummer hit parade of intellectually, physically and socially engaging summer courses and activities continues in July. And once again, like a kid in a candy store, the most pressing question is choosing what you like the most.

"The whole idea of UBThisSummer is to present a mix of fun with a purpose," says A. Scott Weber, vice provost for undergraduate education. "It's all about intellectual discovery and enjoying yourself, as well as meeting some people you'd enjoy spending part of your summer with."

Although some of the classes and workshops are already filled, there is a wide selection of activities still available for adults and students of all ages.

"If you and your children are looking for something interesting to talk about when someone asks you how you spent your summer vacation, this is it," says Weber. "Whether you're into the sciences or the arts, international politics or sports, we have something to make your summer fun and productive."

The lineup of cool and rewarding things to do during your summer vacation includes the following workshops that are still accepting enrollment.

GROWN-UPS:

-- Given all that's going on in the world today -- from terrorism to countries struggling to overcome natural disasters -- consider joining Claude Welch for his "Human Rights Challenges in the 21st Century" afternoon seminar. Welch, who is director of UB's Human Rights Institute and a SUNY Distinguished Professor, analyzes the most salient human rights issues of the past 60 years and tries to understand obstacles to their resolution. Those taking the course will better understand how the United States has both helped and hindered progress toward global human rights goals, as well as the significance of human rights in American foreign policy.

-- Or look up in the heavens this summer and see the stars in an enhanced way. The astronomy course, "From Strings to Cosmos," includes telescope observations, discussions and social events with prominent practitioners in the field to give those attending a deeper and more knowledgeable appreciation of the seemingly limitless world around them.

-- "Islam in Europe: France and Spain" examines how past history has affected the contemporary policies of France and Spain. Instructor Jeannette Ludwig, director of French Language Programs in the Department of Romance Languages and Literatures, will take you through the essentials of Islam to key philosophical disputes, including the timely issue of Muslim immigration to Europe.

TEACHERS:

UBThisSummer has traditionally been a source of professional training for educators. The July lineup includes several avenues and opportunities teachers can take advantage of to expand their expertise and diversify their professional network in an informal setting.

-- "Race, Ethnicity and Gender in American History" is a multi-disciplinary workshop that explores race, ethnicity and gender as fundamental to the understanding of American history. Participants will be encouraged to re-investigate the most formative events in American history from the perspective of individuals defined through their race, ethnicity and/or gender.

-- "Web 2.0 in the Language Classroom" is a five-day workshop for the coolest language teachers that provides basic competence in the creating and postings of podcasts; the creation, organization and supervision of a class wiki; the production, editing and sharing of videos; and the set-up of a single or multi-user blog.

-- "Teaching Culture in the Spanish Classroom" addresses the challenges and issues when examining cultural aspects -- definition, assessment guidelines, materials -- of teaching the Spanish culture. The workshop will be conducted in Spanish.

STUDENTS:

The late June/July itinerary includes workshops and seminars for students of all ages, in the arts, science, technology -- and some courses that defy easy classification.

-- The UB Summer Strings Institute, a six-day intensive string workshop designed for players of high school age and above, starts June 25. Hosted by members of the UB Department of Music and Houghton College, the institute will include hourly lessons, chamber music coaching, master classes, contemporary music workshops, string orchestra rehearsals, faculty recital, student recitals and string orchestra concerts.

-- "Basic Drawing for High School Students" begins on June 27, and teaches observational skills using the basics of drawing such as tonal value, line, shape, volume and mass to create convincing illusions. Students will work with a variety of drawing media including graphite, charcoal and inks. They will produce a portfolio of finished drawings as well as a variety of sketches. This is for high school students of all levels -- whether beginner or more advanced students looking to enhance their pre-collegiate portfolio.

-- The Excelsior Scholars program aims to improve academic achievement and behavioral development in students in grades 6-9. The program tries to increase awareness and interest in local science and technology career choices and preparatory coursework toward higher education. The program takes advantage of the knowledge and mentoring ability of engaged and diverse community members.

YOUNGER STUDENTS:

-- "Field Ecology Adventures" is a five-day camp to be held Aug. 1-5 designed for children ages 8 to 12. Each day will focus on a different environmental theme including nature awareness, terrestrial studies, aquatic studies, wildlife ecology and survival skills. This thematic approach will encourage hands-on experiences and include a wide variety of nature adventures, hikes, games and skill-building activities.

-- "Move Your Power" is a one-week program aimed at children ages 8-10 that teaches civic engagement through fun, age-appropriate activities. Campers clarify their talents and resources through team-building activities, learn about community needs through site visits and service and decide how to use a portion of their registration fees to "move their power." The camp was designed after a children's book co-authored by Mara Huber, founding director of UB's Center for Educational Collaboration, and her then 8-year-old daughter Elena. This year's campers will be encouraged to immerse themselves in social entrepreneurship and parlay seed money into larger donations for the Tanzania Water Project -- an integral part of the CEC's Buffalo Tanzania Education Project in partnership with Buffalo Sunrise Rotary.

ATHLETES:

UBThisSummer also hosts a variety of sports camps for boys and girls of all ages and skill levels. Enhance your skills by working with a Division I coach and play on the fields used by the UB Bulls.

For more details, schedules and fees for these and other activities, visit http://ubthissummer.buffalo.edu/more.html.