This semester, SDCC’s World Cultures Program’s theme is Global Human Rights, starting this month with the Constitution.
From Sept. 14 to 25, a Constitutional Scholar’s Exhibit could be seen in the Library. The displays consist of a bookshelf containing Constitutional and Human Rights books, a hutch of artifacts and a glass case holding a Bill of Rights and a Declaration of Independence.
On September 15, there were more than 40 students congregating in one area of the dining hall, readying themselves for the Constitutional Jeopardy trivia contest, hosted by Sofia Laurein, of the history and political science department. “It’s one of the history department’s many contributions,” said Elizabeth Meehan, World Cultures co-director.
Students were told to form teams of 3 people or less, and each was given a scantron with which to mark their answers. Same teams were not allowed prizes for consecutive rounds, and the game consisted of two rounds, 25 questions each, and a tie-breaker round, if necessary. Each member of a winning team received a prize – a $5, $10, or $15 gift card to the campus bookstore. The rounds featured questions, such as, “Most of the delegates to the Constitutional Convention were…..?”
Winners for the first round of the game were as follows: for 3rd place, Arny Brenes, Amanda Botelho and Yvette Mapula took the prize. For the $10 prize, students Abner Villegas, Paulina Payan and Abigail Munoz hit the mark. Finally, in 1st place came Miguel Malone, Patrick Erhard and Michael Lopez.
For the second round, 3rd prize went to Leo Robles, Mary Garza and Steve Fahrney. 2nd place was awarded to Holly Bergen, Jose Rodriguez and Anthony Ortiz. Lastly, first place in the second round was achieved by Danny Villada, Bill Hammond, and Sicarna Devers.
Along with the cafeteria contest, students were invited to hear a lecture by speaker Myles Clowers, Professor Emeritus, history and political science department, which was held in D 121 A/B, on Sept. 17. Clowers spoke on Slavery and the Constitution and had a slideshow follow-along. His discussion included Letters From A Farmer In Pennsylvania, written by John Dickenson, The Liberty Song by Lesley Nelson-Burns, Slavery and the Declaration of Independence, the musical 1776, a book by Peter Stone and music and lyrics by Sherman Edwards, featuring the song Molasses, to Rum, to Slaves and a copy of the first draft of the Declaration of Independence.
Approximately 125 students attended the lecture, and around 25 of them had to stand because there weren’t enough seats. Many of them came for class, and could be seen taking notes. Liberal arts major, Faith Evans said, “It’s a bit much to digest at one time, but it is very valuable.”
For more information visit World Cultures, Room 2A or visit the online website for the World Cultures Program at www.sdcity.org/worldcultures.
