International Institute

We provide cross-cultural learning opportunities open for everyone.

Focus Series

Join us as we explore our 2022 theme: Global Education
All events will be held via Zoom and are free and open to the public.

Each year, the International Institute coordinates a campus-wide focus on one cultural region of the world or global theme. Launched in January 2004, the Focus Series features films, presentations, displays and performances allowing students and community to explore the culture, politics, economics and history of the featured region and its relation to the rest of the world. Instructors in many departments introduce materials related to the theme, and encourage their students to participate in these varied learning opportunities.

The Series sponsors talks by faculty from colleges and universities, leaders in area community organizations as well as other experts speaking on a wide variety of topics about the focus region. These presentations are videotaped and the DVDs are available to students and instructors at Schoolcraft’s Bradner Library.

The Focus Series is supported by a generous grant from the Alexander and Rachel Liberacki Fund and Schoolcraft Student Activities. 

Previous Focus Regions
  • 2004: Middle East
  • 2005: Latin America
  • 2006: Africa
  • 2007: Europe
  • 2008: East Asia
  • 2009: South Asia
  • 2010: Middle East
  • 2011: North America
  • 2012: Latin America
  • 2013: Russia & Environs
  • 2014: Caribbean
  • 2015: Southeast Asia
  • 2016: Immigration & Immigrant Communities
  • 2017: Environmental Challenges in a Changing World
  • 2018: Spirituality and Religion in Today’s World 
  • 2019: Exploring Physical & Mental Health Issues in a Global Environment
  • 2020: Language & Communication Around the Globe
    • Fall 2020 Special Topic (Intersectionality Matters)
  • 2021: Human Rights Around the Globe

Winter 2022 Events

Friday, January 28, 2022 | 12:00-1:00 p.m.
Dr. John Brender “Chinese New Year: History and Traditions“

In this lecture, Dr. Brender will discuss the history and traditions associated with Chinese New Year

Friday, February 11, 2022 | 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Dr. Arifa Javed, “Film- Essential Arrival”

Join us as Dr. Javed screens her film, Essential Arrival, a film that educates American students about the Indian diaspora here in Michigan highlighting their religious and cultural life and their contributions to the American society.

This is a GlobalEYEzers event and is co-sponsored by the SCII Focus Series, Student Activities and the Asian Students Association

Thursday, February 17, 2022 | 12:00 – 1:00 p.m.
Dr. Volia Siankova, “Media/Journalism in Belarus”

What if once in the morning you get up and find out that there is no Internet signal on your devices. In desperation, you switch on the TV where only recent statistics on the amount of harvested crops and vegetables are broadcasted. It’s not a sequel to Orwell’s novel 1984, it’s something that really happened in Belarus in 2020. Since that time the concept of media and journalism in Belarus is a pretty complicated issue to discuss. In this presentation, Dr. Siankova will to show you the impact of social media on protests during the election campaign in Belarus and point out some aspects of life without freedom of speech.

Monday, March 14, 2022 | 10:00 – 11:00 a.m.
Dr. John Brender, “Cultural Values and Identity”
Thursday, March 31, 2022 | 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Dr. Anu Taranath, “Beyond Guilt Trips: Mindful Travel in an Unequal World”

Dr. Taranath brings both passion and expertise to her work as a speaker, facilitator and educator. A Teaching Professor at the University of Washington for the past 20+ years, she invites people into conversations about global issues, race, gender, identity, and equity. In this presentation, Dr. Taranath will be sharing insightful lessons in cultural competence from her award-winning book, Beyond Guilt Trips:  Mindful Travel in an Unequal World.

Thursday, April 21, 2022 | 2:30 – 3:30 p.m.
Jesse Deer In Water, “Dangers of FERMI: The Day We Almost Lost Detroit“

Jesse is Cherokee (Deer Clan), and a leader in CRAFT: Citizen Resistance at FERMI Two.

This presentation is co-sponsored by: The Department of Sociology, The Native American Student Organization, and Student Activities