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New World Journeys |
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This presentation by Dr. Vasquez on cultures in the Americas awakens curiosity into the origins of our present day foods, stuff, words and customs. Dr. Vasquez' seminar takes the audience on the fantastic journey that led to today's rich mix of peoples and cultures. She brings complex cultural histories down to earth by describing them in terms we all understand: the histories of foods, landscapes, lifestyles, customs, crises and celebrations. The humor and compassion of her presentation draws the audience in to explore difficult issues and realities of history with courage and sensitivity. New World Journeys is an exploration of the cultural mixes, clashes, and transformations that have led to the makeup of the modern day Americas. Dr. Vasquez brings a varied background to this presentation. She draws both upon her academic work as a scholar of New World Religions (she is one of the founders of this field of study) and upon her family history and story telling craft, to weave an experience that is personal and fun, while being deeply informative. Difficult issues such as prejudice, stereotypes, and oppression are handled handled with grace and humor, inviting curiosity and honest reflection. In the end, she asks us all to explore "the mystery of who we are". |
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| "That you know your stuff is a foregone conclusion which bears no further comment.
Your truly special contribution is the way you communicate, whether you are teaching, discussing ideas, or having
a personal chat. You intrigue your listeners with your discursive narrative style, leading them down paths they've
never followed and whose endpoint is unknown. Then, when you arrive at your destination, all are satisfied and
even delighted. Meanwhile, the journey has been enlivened by your humor, warmth, charm, and honesty, the travelers
sustained by the depth and richness of your insights". - Patti Van Tuyl,
Program Officer National Faculty Atlanta, GA "Dr. Vasquez' scholarly credentials and life experiences brought not only depth to the programming, but breadth as well. Her ability to relate complex cultural traditions, history and beliefs to an incredibly wide range of audiences astounded us. At a Gallery Talk/Lecture geared to the adult learner, Dr. Vasquez enraptured the standing-room-only audience so completely that one woman was moved to tears at Dr. Vasquez' eloquent discussion about Mexican religious and cultural beliefs. Her ability to access the audience's own experiences and to connect the values found in Mexican and American culture was profound. People stayed late after the talk, hungry for more information and connection." - Carol Redner Snapp, Curator of Exhibitions and Collections, Art Center of Battle Creek Dr. Vasquez' work is fascinating, and the love she has for it permeated our classroom as the students and I began to really learn and understand many heretofore unknown (to us) concepts and ideas about the Maya and Aztecs. She held thirty sixth graders spellbound with dynamic lectures, discussions and slide shows about those peoples. She was a real gift to us. - Ms. M. Nelson, 6th Grade Teacher, Mapleton Elementary School, Boulder, CO "Irene, almost single-handedly, has created the area in religious studies referred to as "New World Studies". As a teacher she falls within the category of a genius. For her, teaching involves trying to find "where the students are situated", to orient ones self within that milieu, and then to listen- listen to the styles and rhythms of that place and situation and from within it teach students "to know how to learn, and to learn how to know". - Charles H. Long, Professor- History of Religion and Director, African American Research Center, University of California |
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| Fee: $500 plus travel |
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