Associate Professor of Theatre Craig Latrell and Michael Singer, '09 are visiting East Malaysia on an Emerson Student-Faculty grant concerning the effects of globalization on local cultures. Singer is interested in studying how industrialization is affecting the island of Borneo, whose rainforests are among the oldest in the world and whose shoreline serves as an incubator for the eggs of sea turtles. "Modern day Borneo presents itself as an example of the effects of globalizations, both positive and negative," wrote Singer in his Emerson grant proposal. While many of Borneo's coastal towns have developed into industrial centers and headquarters for global oil companies, a number of relatively isolated societies still exist. These village cultures represent primarily agrarian and traditional ways of life that are rapidly being eroded by various global forces such as multinational corporations. Singer wants to study how these residents regard, contribute to and resist the forces of globalization.
Created in 1997, the Emerson Foundation Grant program was designed to provide students with significant opportunities to work collaboratively with faculty members, researching an area of interest. The recipients, covering a range of topics, are exploring fieldwork, laboratory and library research, and the development of teaching materials. The students will make public presentations of their research throughout the academic year.
Created in 1997, the Emerson Foundation Grant program was designed to provide students with significant opportunities to work collaboratively with faculty members, researching an area of interest. The recipients, covering a range of topics, are exploring fieldwork, laboratory and library research, and the development of teaching materials. The students will make public presentations of their research throughout the academic year.
