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Community Action Project

Faculty Endorsements

“For a large introductory course (with an enrollment in the hundreds), it is difficult to find projects that provoke students to actively engage with the fundamental ideas and ideals of anthropology. The Community Action Website does that for my class.”

Yin Lam, University of Victoria

“The project challenges students to think beyond the traditional confines of a large introductory class and to critically examine ethical issues relating to the practice of anthropology and global citizenship. Many found it to be a deeply empowering experience.”

J. Dwight Hines, University of California, Santa Barbara

“The Community Action Website Project allowed my students to exchange ideas with students from across North America on important social issues. Students appreciated the opportunity to see how peers craft their own perspectives. Students also came to appreciate the power of anthropology to “make a difference” in today’s world.”

Karl Schmid, York University

“Public Anthropology’s Community Action Website engaged my students with the potential of anthropology as an activist discipline. They loved it.”

Carolyn Nordstrom, University of Notre Dame

“Studies have shown that a significant number of students show limited improvement in the key measures of critical thinking, complex reasoning and writing during their college years. The Community Action Period is perfect for improving these skills and intellectually empowering students. I plan to stick with it for years to come.”

David G. Kerr, University of Montana

Recognition in University Publications:

“Anthropology Students Make Professor Burrell Proud.”

College of Arts & Sciences Newsletter, University of Albany (SUNY)

“Prof. Wesson showcases the ability of Vermont students to learn effective writing skills while being active global citizens.”

News and Events, College of Arts and Sciences, The University of Vermont

“Anthropology’s Erin Stiles receives National award”

Nevada News,University of Nevada (Reno)

What Deans Say About the Project

“Dear Diana, I thought I would tell you that your students are garnering attention. The VP of Student Affairs University of British Columbia has now written and said ‘wonderful accomplishment’ and will ensure that it is noted at the next board meeting. Congratulations.”

Cynthia Mathieson, Acting Dean University of British Columbia (Okanagan)

“It is wonderful to see him [Garry Kerr] getting much deserved national attention” for his teaching.”

Christopher Comer, Dean of University of Montana’s College of Arts and Sciences

“Kathy, it is excellent to see Western Washington students rise to the challenge and perform so well nationally. It does credit to our university and to you.

Dr. Steven VanderStaay, Vice Provost for Undergraduate Education, Western Washington University

“I want to take this opportunity to congratulate both you and your students for the recent recognition of their academic accomplishment. Your winning students are a credit to themselves, their professor, their department and York University.”

Dr. Martin Singer, Dean, Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies, York University

A List of Schools That Have Participated in the Community Action Website Over the Past Several Years

Agnes Scott College
Bloomsburg University
Brigham Young University
California State University, Northridge
Central Florida University
College of DuPage
Colorado Mesa University
East Carolina University
Eastern Washington University
Florida International University
Florida State University
George Mason University
Hamline University
Hawaii Pacific University
Houston Cmmunity College
Hunter College
Indiana University
Kent State University
Los Angeles Southwest Community College
Macalester College
MacEwan University
Michigan State University
Montana State Univeristy
Montclair State University
Northern Arizona University
Okanagan College
Plattsburgh State College
Rutgers University, Newark
Southern Illinois University, Carbondale
Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville
Southern Methodist University

Sam F. Austin State University
San Francisco State University
Sul Ross State University
Syracuse University
University of Albany (SUNY)
University of Binghamton (SUNY)
University of British Columbia, Okanagan
University of California, Berkeley
University of California, Riverside
University of California, Santa Barbara
University of Central Florida
University of Cincinnati
University of Delaware
University of Florida
University of Georgia
University of Guelph
University of Idaho
University of Illinois, Chicago
University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign
University of Iowa
University of Kentucky
University of Louisville
University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
University of Missouri
University of Montana
University of Nevada, Las Vegas
University of Nevada, Reno

University of New Hampshire
University of New Mexico
University of North Carolina, Charlotte
University of North Texas
University of Notre Dame
University of Oklahoma
University of Saskatchewan
University of South Carolina
University of South Florida
University of Toronto, Mississauga
University of Vermont
University of Washington
University of Windsor
University of Wisconsin, Madison
University of Wisconsin, Stout
University of Victoria
Utah State University
Utica College
Vassar College
Washington State University
Western Washington University
Wichita State University
Wilfrid Laurier University
William and Mary College
York College (CUNY)
York University