Contact: Margaret Kovar
Photo by: Meggan Franks
Students searching for an unforgettable Spring Break can now register for Mississippi State's 2013 Alternative Spring Break.
During Spring Break, the participants will travel to the Mississippi Delta and gain an understanding of the rich history and culture of the area through blues, civil rights and Native American history experiences, all while earning three hours of history credit for the course taught by assistant history professor Jason Ward.
"We hope that this academic incentive increases student interest in service and also provides a model for other departments and university offices to sponsor similar programs in the future," Ward said.
Students will explore the Delta's facets of natural resource management, modern agribusiness, local fresh-food initiatives and high-tech manufacturing. They also will complete a range of service-learning projects with youth development programs, Mississippi River conservation groups, locally grown food initiatives and health education organizations.
Other activities during the week include canoeing the Mississippi River in handmade canoes with the Quapaw Canoe Company and Sunday worship experiences in both traditionally white and black churches.
"The Mississippi Delta Alternative Spring Break is an experience like no other. It exposes students to complex social, cultural and economic issues through community service and experiential learning. It is a life changing experience that transforms students into advocates for change," said Meggan Franks, MSU student leadership program coordinator.
In addition to the trip, the class will meet once a week during the spring semester, where students will read books and articles on the history of the Delta and write several papers that rely on their reading, research, and personal experiences during Spring Break. They also will meet with local, regional and national experts who will guide them in developing an even deeper understanding of a variety of historical and contemporary problems facing the Delta.
Interested students can register for HI 4990; Sec. 01; CRN 14492, Delta History Service & Experiential Spring Break. No prerequisites are required. Maximum enrollment for the course is 30. The cost of the trip is $200 and includes food, lodging and transportation.
For more information, contact the Maroon Volunteer Center at volunteer@saffairs.msstate.edu.