Elias Moreno | Editor
July 17, 2023
The historical analysis focus area, taught by Aris Cedeño– GSP’s executive director– is an insightful reflection of culture. “The class is about influences and geography and how it shapes us not only in the past but in the future.” Cedeño said. The focus area is studying the book “Prisoners Of Geography” which opens a class discussion that synthesizes multiple perspectives, ideas, and themes from both students and instructors.
A key component of the class is the relationship between scholars and their instructor, the very head of the program. Cedeño insists that every student contribute to the conversation because he believes in learning as peers, himself included. “[Aris] tries to emphasize how he is learning from us just as much as we’re learning from him.,” Tyler Delk, a scholar in the focus area said.
Scholars are prompted to think, to ask questions, and to learn. Cedeño draws on his life experiences to help them understand new problems, new perspectives, and new cultures. The class has a carefree, personable atmosphere that takes humor as a segue for life lessons and deeper thinking.
As the class continues they will explore the nuances of other cultures around the world, and travel outside the classroom to apply their learning to real-life in the form of field trips and collaboration with the Cultural Anthropology focus area. The Historical Analysis focus area exemplifies the essence of GSP by teaching young thinkers how to think and explore.
Scholars take part in a form of Japanese yoga
