ALL CLAIS PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOPS ARE OFFERED FREE OF CHARGE TO ALL K-12 EDUCATORS.

Please review individual announcements of workshops to determine applicability of content for standards at each grade level. 

Workshop - Strategies for Foreign Language Instruction

Wednesday, January 16
8 am - 3:30 pm
Wharton Middle Magnet School (1625 DB Todd Jr. Blvd, Nashville) 
REGISTRATION CLOSED

This workshop for teachers of foreign language will focus on instructional strategies and methods designed to enhance students' acquisition of a foreign language.  Presented by Dr. Virginia Scott and Chalene Helmuth.


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Workshop - The Maya, Ancient and Modern

Monday, February 4
9 am - 3 pm
VU campus 
REGISTRATION CLOSED - WORKSHOP FULL

This workshop will focus on enhancing understanding of the Mayan people, as they once existed in Mesoamerica and as they are today.  Vanderbilt professors will share their research on the ancient Maya, providing information on aspects ranging from archaeology to cultural and religious insight to the complex Mayan mathematical and calendrical systems.  They will also discuss the situation of the Maya as they live today in Mexico and Central America... 

POWERPOINT - The Ancient Maya, Arthur Demarest (part I)
POWERPOINT - The Ancient Maya, Arthur Demarest (Part II)

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Of Rage and Redemption: The Art of Oswaldo Guayasamín

Exhibition: February 7 - March 20, 2008   
                   Vanderbilt University Fine Arts Gallery
Workshop: February 27, 2008  
                   Sarratt Student Center 325 & 327

Oswaldo Guayasamín is one of Latin America's most celebrated and revered artists.  Through his paintings and sculptures, Guayasamín denounced the political oppression, racism, poverty, and class division in his native Ecuador and throughout Latin America.  CLAIS and the Vanderbilt University Fine Arts Gallery are pleased to host the first exhibition of Guayasamín's work to be shown in the United States for more than 50 years.

At this workshop, experts from both universities will share insight into Guayasamín’s art.  Themes will include the artist’s reproach of the mistreatment of indigenous people, his criticism of world events and foreign policy in the twentieth century, and human rights abuses in Latin America in the last few decades, as well as the artist’s technique and noteworthy influences.

Lori Catanzaro - Human Rights Abuses in Latin America (power point presentation)


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Workshop: The Push for a New Life: Emigration from Latin America

April 21, 2008
9 am - 3:00 pm
VU campus

Immigration is one of the hottest and most controversial issues most on the American political agenda today.  The effects of massive immigration, particularly by people originally from Latin America, are increasingly visible and commonplace in our schools, businesses, and communities.  The exponential increase in numbers of Latin Americans living in the United States raises the question – why have people in such large numbers chosen to leave their homes to relocate to communities in the U.S.?  It is a seemingly simple question with very complex answers.  

This workshop will explore the political, social and economic factors within Latin America which motivate Latin Americans to leave their countries of origin in search of a better future elsewhere.  Workshop is free of charge and open to all teachers, levels K-12.
REGISTRATION CLOSED

The People's Branch Theater presents

Death and the Maiden

by Ariel Dorfman

Performances: February 7, 8, 9, 13, 14, 15, 16
7:30 pm
Belcourt Theatre
Pay-what-you-can performance Feb. 13

This white-knuckle political thriller is a riveting intellectual and emotional tug-of-war.  Set in an unnamed Latin American country emerging from a totalitarian dictatorship, the play explores the after effects of repression on hearts and souls.  Believing that the good Samaritan who has just given her husband a ride home is the same man who tortured her, a woman ties the suspect to a chair and conducts her own interrogation, gun in hand.  Her husband doesn't know whether to believe his distraught wife or his persuasive new friend.  This powerful play examines the need for justice as well as the cost of the relentless pursuit of vengeance, showing that some wounds may never heal.

NOTE: This play contains adult situations and language.  This being the case, CLAIS will not offer professional development credit for attending performances but does encourage teachers and students to attend. 


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Central American maras, or youth gangs, are a serious problem throughout Central America, Mexico and the United States, threatening the public safety of the communities where they operate.  The increasingly visible activities of two large gang networks in particular, the Mara Salvatrucha (MS) and the 18th Street gang (Calle 18), pose a serious threat to the security of neighborhoods, businesses and schools throughout the United States. (MORE)

La República Dominicana, el pasado y el presente
June 23 - 30, 2008
Dominican Republic
Lori Catanzaro, Director
30 professional development points
Teachers of Spanish or teachers who use Spanish regularly in their classrooms may apply.
APPLICATION PROCESS CLOSED 
   
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Crossroads of the World: The Panama Canal

July 7 - 11, 2008
Vanderbilt University campus
Prof. Frank Robinson (History), Director
30 professional development points