LEWISTON – A new course that will focus on concepts of ethnicity, immigration and identity will be offered at USM/Lewiston-Auburn starting July 6.

The course, “Ethnicity and Immigration,” will explore how ethnic identity is defined, why people emigrate and the importance of inter-group relations.

Through readings, films and class discussions, students will also address the notions of stereotyping, discrimination, assimilation, pluralism and trans-generational transformation of immigrant populations.

In addition, a significant aspect of the course will involve recording the “immigrant experience” through student interviews of immigrants as well as members of “settled” populations in the Maine community.

The instructor will be Mark Silber, PhD, cultural anthropologist and author of several oral history and photo-documentary books, including “Rural Maine,” “The Family Album,” “Racing Stock,” “Thoreau Country” and “Where is Rumford?” He also co-authored with his brother, Terry, “The Complete Book of Everlastings.”

The three-credit course (SBS 399) will meet from 7 to 9:30 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays, July 6 to Aug. 17. Registration is open for this and other summer session courses that begin next month at USM/L-A.

The complete summer session course guide is available on-line at usm.maine.edu/lac/schedules. Call 753-6500 for more information, advising assistance or to request a copy of the summer schedule.

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