Culture-specific classes not what some think

Vision Staff Writer and DANIEL GINGISS They aren't just for minorities. Departments such as Asian and Middle Eastern Studies and Afro- American Studies are sometimes perceived as examples of campus separatism. But students studying in these departments say that is not the case. Though it may come as a surprise to some, most classes in these departments are very racially-mixed. David Stern, associate medieval Hebrew literature professor and undergraduate chairperson of AMES, said that although many students take courses about their respective cultures, the classes are not intended solely for such students. "There's nobody in the department who teaches his course specifically for students of the nationality of the subject," he said. "That's not the point of it." He said the students in his Hebrew literature class are mostly Jewish. But Christianity, Islam and other religions are also represented. In Afro-American Studies, both black and white students say they disagree with the notion that the courses cater only to black students. In some classes, black students are even in the minority. "There are more white people in my AFAMS classes than blacks," said College sophomore Asia Slowe. "I hate when people say that [the classes encourage separatism] because anyone can take an AFAMS course. "[The classes] focus on the African-American perspective, but that's not all they focus on." White Afro-American Studies students often say they take courses simply to learn more about African-American culture. "I only know what it feels like to be white," said College sophomore Caryl Feldacker, an Afro-American Studies major. "But I can understand or gain more of an understanding of where African Americans are coming from [through these courses]." "You can't go through life for the selfish seeking of your personal goals," said College sophomore Chris Greene, also an Afro-American Studies major. "I just thought that the biggest problem this country has is racism." Stern said courses in Asian and Middle Eastern Studies and courses in South Asian Regional Studies also allow students to learn more about "cultural-national traditions." "They allow students to explore these traditions intellectually, in relatively non-politicized and non-polemical frameworks," he said. "It fulfills a real purpose for people who are interested in the topics for reasons that are personal, but who want to explore them intellectually."

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