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Goucher Study Abroad, Summer 2009

• Goucher College Communication and Media Studies Department. ICA: Croatia and Slovenia. February 5, 2010. http://metelkova.goucher.edu/

This link is to a website I created as a part of a collaborative study abroad program, “Alternative Media and Culture in Croatia and Slovenia.” As a group of Goucher undergraduates, we traveled to Ljubljana, Slovenia, to document an alternative, volunteer-based community called “Metelkova.” There was little to no representation of this unique community outside the heart of the city itself and definitely nothing to serve as a guide for English-speakers. Our goal was to do justice to Metelkova and the people within its walls by conducting oral interviews, recording audio and video, writing reflective and historically relevant pieces, and taking photographs to document the culture. Along with my partner, Ross, I took all the information that was collected and synthesized it into a user-friendly, creative, engaging website. We continue to receive feedback from people all over the world, so that ultimately makes our efforts worthwhile and personally fulfilling.

Z on TV – Popular Culture Blog

• Baltimore Sun. Business, Culture, and Craziness on Television. Blog Homepage. 4 February 2010. http://weblogs.baltimoresun.com/entertainment/zontv/

This is a link to a website I find absolutely brilliant. David Zurawik, who works at the Baltimore Sun (among other places; he’s quite a multi-tasker), was my professor last semester for a class called “An Examination of Popular Culture.” This class was life-changing for me because it provided me with critical methods that could aid in the study of how we communicate through major media outlets. Zurawik talked a lot in class about how we must challenge hegemonic structures and continue to question the modes of communication that are so often utilized. I enjoy reading entires in his blog not only because I find the general content entertaining and relevant (plus, he’s hilarious), but also because I like to see exactly how he is able to engage the audience by creating a space for collective, public dialogue.

The Allegheny-Kiski Valley: Adopt an Artifact

• Historical Society, Allegheny-Kisky Valley. Homepage. February 5, 2010. http://www.akvhs.org/Adopt%20Artifact.htm

The Historical Society of Allegheny-Kiski Valley has taken the concept of engaging an audience to any entirely new level through the implementation of a program called “Adopt an Artifact.” Open to students of all ages, entire classes, home-schooled or “cyber” students, and/or Boy and Girl Scout Troops, this unique program simultaneously promotes community involvement, academic learning, and the development of practical skills. I was incredibly impressed with this initiative since the organization employs a “hands-on” approach, encouraging those involved to conduct their own research by using an artifact as their primary source. I would love to translate this idea within the scope of Goucher College. I believe some variation of this program would be a perfect way to excite all levels of involvement in Special Collections and Archives. (Thank you, Stephanie, for bringing this to my attention! I am extremely grateful).

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