FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 29, 2004

CONTACT: Lisa Lacher, (515) 271-3119. lisa.lacher@drake.edu

DRAKE STUDENTS BRING HISTORY TO LIFE IN FIRST-YEAR SEMINARS

In an unusual course where students control classroom discussion and participation is mandatory, "Reacting to the Past" is a new first-year seminar program at Drake University that is literally bringing history to life.

The professors do not lecture for hours on end and the students are not required to copy notes from the blackboard until their fingers go numb. Instead, students deliver speeches and actively debate as a part of elaborate games where historical settings are recreated. Students take on the roles of key historical figures to learn about important moments in history, such as the French Revolution.

"The new class gives students an opportunity to participate in active learning and problem-solving," said John Burney, professor of history and dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at Drake. "A student will improve writing and public speaking skills while acting the part of the king at the French Assembly. The individual students and games are not entirely predictable, so each class is fresh and original."

The students will be fully engaged in the French Revolution game in class from now through Oct. 7. Classes meet from 12:30 to 1:45 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays in room 221 of Medbury Hall, 28th Street, just south of Forest Avenue. Burney and other professors teaching additional sections of the course meet each Thursday at 2 p.m. to discuss their classroom experiences. The meetings take place in room 131 of Howard Hall, 25th Street and Carpenter Avenue. On Thursday, Sept. 30, a Simpson College faculty member will attend the class and the faculty meeting to learn more about the program.

The teaching methods used in "Reacting to the Past" were developed at Barnard College of New York in 1995. In 2004 the project received the Hesburgh Award for its pedagogical innovation and unique benefits to students. Drake University is now one of 13 schools around the nation collaborating on the development of the method this fall.

"The students' enthusiasm is astonishing," Burney said. "They become so engaged in the historical events and ancient philosophies that the learning does not stop at the classroom door."

“In this class you can't be shy, participation is required," said Jenna Stinson, a first-year student at Drake. "The format of the class forces us to become involved with the information. I'll remember these topics for a long time to come because I didn't quickly memorize them just to pass a test."

Burney is one of four professors teaching Debating Democracy: The Struggle to Create Democratic Unity in France (1791) and India (1946) this fall. Also leading classes are William Lewis, professor of rhetoric and communication studies; Lisa West Norwood, assistant professor of English; and Elizabeth Robertson, associate professor of English.

The course first covers the French Revolution and will then move on to India in 1946, focusing on Mahatma Gandhi and the struggle he led for independence. Jennifer McCrickerd, associate professor of philosophy, also uses a “Reacting to the Past” role playing game to recreate ancient Athens in her ethics class.

- 30 -