About Mosaics
The American and Global Mosaics are intensive, interdisciplinary, semester‐long research programs designed around ethnographic fieldwork and immersion in domestic and global communities. Their objective is to encourage students to think reflectively about the diverse world in which they live as they engage in collaborative work with local, transnational, and international communities. The Mosaics provide opportunities for students to meaningfully apply what they are learning in the classroom, both theoretically and methodologically, to the world beyond – and to bring their experiences in the world back into the classroom. The Mosaics challenge students to ask significant and relevant questions of the people and communities with which they are working; to actively listen to what others say about their lives and realities; to reflect on their own lives, worlds, and perspectives; to design research that addresses the needs and interests of their partner communities; and finally to present what they have discovered in thoughtful, effective, and ethical ways to multiple audiences.
Students learn not only how to design and conduct research but also how to produce their findings and analyses in various forms: written research papers and reports; conference presentations, video documentaries, audio podcasts, and multi‐media websites. The design of a specific Mosaic program is driven by pedagogical and research concerns, and faculty interest and availability. Different Mosaic models have emerged, from a full semester of coursework taken by students with 2-3 faculty from different disciplines, to cluster courses, to a one credit course that integrates a "winterim" research trip.
What is a Mosaic?
Current & Upcoming Mosaics
Trinidad: Carnival - Race and Ethnic Diversity, Art, Music and Representation Spring 2015
Jerry Philogene (American Studies) & Patricia van Leeuwaarde Moonsammy (Africana Studies)
The Eco-Entrepreneurship Path Mosaic, Spring 2014
Helen Takacs (International Business and Management) and Emily Pawley (History)
Ghana & Sea Islands of SC: Transatlantic Slave Trade/Middle Passage Fall 2013
Lynn Johnson (African Studies), Jeremy Ball (History) & Joyce Bylander
Mediterranean (Im)migration Mosaic Spring 2013
Apply here. Marcelo Borges (History), Sylvie Toux (French & Toulouse) & Susan Rose
Morocco: Jewish and Muslim Religion and Culture
A Mini-Mosaic January 2-20, 2013 Prof. Shalom Staub
Natural History Mosaic Fall 2012
Marcus Key (Earth Sciences), Gene Wingert (Biology) & Ash Nichols (English)
Interested?
Find out more about past American & Global Mosaics, or request more information here.