INTERNATIONAL CONNECTION
John Kennedv. assistant professor of political science.prepare his PowerPoint lecture for his political science class Mondav afternoon in the Dole Human Development Center. Kennedy tapes his lectures, which will be broadcast to Monadishu University in Somalia later this semester
Course opens link with Somalian university
KU professor posts political science lectures online, students communicate via Internet
BY JEFF DETERS
jdeters@kansan.com
Abdi Gutale wanted students at Mogadishu University in his hometown of Mogadishu, Somalia, to have the opportunity to learn about social science research methods.
Gutale, a graduate student in international studies, approached John Kennedy, assistant professor of political science, about opening a link between the University of Kansas and Somalia.
This fall, Kennedy's "Political Science Methods of Inquiry" class is broadcasting class lectures to Mogadishu University.
Kennedy's lectures are recorded and then uploaded to the Internet where Mogadishu students can watch the lectures.
Kennedy said the goal of the class was to educate Somali students on research methods so that the students could better understand and eventually research and solve problems in the region. Kennedy said this was the first time that Mogadishu University has had contact with a university in the United States.
"This class is kind of contributing to a greater connection," Kennedy said.
About 30 students in Kennedy's class correspond with the 10 Mogadishu students via e-mail. But that is a problematic task. Kennedy said that there were only a few places in Somalia that have Internet access, and areas that do, such as Mogadishu University, are of rather slow speed.
Justin Platte, Overland Park junior, is a student in Kennedy's class. Platte is majoring in political science and hopes to go to law school. He said the class has been beneficial to him because it allows him to communicate with students from another country.
"I think it's good that KU is doing this because we're keeping our international focus?" he said.
In an effort to keep the class cost at
a minimum, Atomic Dog Publishing donated about $1,000 worth of books to Mogadishu students. Gutale said that the class had been so well-received that more Mogadishu students want to take the class next semester.
"It's slowly changing perception of education and American people," Gutale said.
Kennedy said he wasn't sure if they would continue the correspondence with Mogadishu next semester.
John Kennedy lectures in his political science class Monday afternoon in the Dole Human Development Center.
Adam MacDonald/KANSAN
DOLE INSTITUTE
Doctoral student offers insight on Iraq
Officer speaks about last year's experiences at Camp Victory Baghdad
Major Andrew Harvey discussed his time in Iraq as a political-military intelligence officer at the Dole Institute of Politics on Wednesday night.
Harvey spoke about the current situation of the Iraqi government and the results of the studies he completed about the progress and future of the country.
Harvey is a political science doctoral student. He has been active in the service since 1986, and spent the duration of 2006 in Iraq. He is now working for the Department of Joint and Multinational Operations in Fort Leavenworth.
Major Andrew Harvey, political science doctoral student, shares experiences from his assignment at Camp Victory Baghdad. Harvey spoke Wednesday night at the Robert J. Dole Institute of Politics. He is working in the Department of Joint and Multinational Operations CGCSE Fort Leavenworth.
MEDIA
Critics cite Bill O'Reilly as racist TV host says comment taken out of proportion, blames media
FULL STORY PAGE 3A
Bill O'Reilly, host of the TV show "The O'Reilly Factor," criticized the liberal group Media Matters for America for publicizing statements he made on his radio show last week.
O'Reilly made remarks about a famed
Harlem restaurant in New York, where he dined with civil rights activist Al Sharpton recently, O'Reilly said that he "couldn't get over the fact that there was no difference" between the black-run Sylvia's restaurant and others in New York City.
After making the comment, O'Reilly said Media Matters took particular comments out of context and blamed O'Reilly for being racist.
FULL AP STORY PAGE 4A
CRIME
Michael Vick tests positive for marijuana Falcons quarterback to face random drug tests, electronic monitoring
Michael Vick, the Atlanta Falcons quarterback who is awaiting sentencing in a federal dogfighting case, was placed under tighter restrictions yesterday after testing positive for marijuana.
A federal judge has restricted Vick to
Vick faces up to five years in prison for the dogfighting case, which began April 10 after authorities who were conducting a
his house between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. and ordered him to submit to random drug testing and electronic monitoring.
drug investigation on Vick's cousin raided his property in Surry County and siezed dozens of dogs. Vick is scheduled for sentencing on Dec. 10.
FULL AP STORY PAGE 7B
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SHOW ME THE MONEY
Congress listens to request for $190 billion to buy supplies for troops overseas
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