Global Learning Program takes flight

The Origins of Liberal Education Global Learning Program (GLP) Tutorial, led by Mirzam Pérez (Spanish) and Aysha Pollnitz (History), spent spring break in Europe. The two faculty leaders, one language assistant (Italian), and 15 first-year students examined liberal education and its origins together on campus for the spring semester and then traveled, toured, and studied together in Italy and Spain for the duration of spring break for further investigation of the course theme.

While in Europe as a GLP Tutorial, the group analyzed visual arts, architecture, and public spectacles. Together the group interrogated global development of liberal education and reflected on whether ancient texts offered new perspectives on contemporary debates about the value of the liberal arts and sciences.

For part two of the same group's travels, the group will head to Mexico for nine days at the end of the spring semester where the students will visit: Teotihuacan Pyramids, Chapultepec Castle, Basilica de Guadalupe, and many other tours and excursions. In total, the cohort will travel for just over three weeks to various sites and countries which compliment the theme of the course.

It is the leadership of a talented interdisciplinary pair of faculty and these extensive travel experiences that make the Global Learning Program a rich opportunity for First-Year Grinnellians. The Center for International Studies is pleased to coordinate the GLP. We look forward to the second GLP Tutorial, "Tolerance and Intolerance: What is Enlightenment Today?" travels, which will take place in one stint, between May 22 and June 16.