10/13/97
ATHENS, Ohio -- Ohio University will begin a new winter intersession program this December, offering juniors and seniors an opportunity to take courses during the six-week break between Thanksgiving and the start of winter quarter Jan. 5.
Many universities and liberal arts colleges nationwide offer similar courses that provide students with intensive course work for a short time over winter break, according to President Robert Glidden.
"For many students, the opportunity to study a single subject intensively for a short period of time is a welcome change of pace," the president said. "Furthermore, while the intensive approach may not be appropriate for some courses, it is preferable for others, and this allows students to make productive use of the winter break for academic purposes if they wish."
Seven courses will be offered in the pilot program on the Athens campus. Students at the Chillicothe, Eastern, Lancaster and Zanesville campuses will also be able to take some offerings through a new two-way, interactive video system. Compressed video uses T-1 telephone lines for a two-way audio and video class.
"This new program offers a chance to look at innovative learning experiences," said Tom Shostak, dean of Lifelong Learning. "It allows us an opportunity to use technology more creatively in the learning process."
The condensed 4-hour courses last two or three weeks starting Dec. 1.
The pilot program is primarily designed for juniors and seniors because residence halls housing freshman and sophomores will remain closed during winter break. Course selection was based on adaptability to a short, intensive period of study and with the aim of offering seniors some Tier III courses necessary for graduation.
The Tier III courses offered are American Conservation Management, Black Communication Styles, Social Crises in Health Care Policies, Sports Aesthetics, and Women and Leadership. Business Communication and Business Information Systems will also be offered.
For more information, contact the Office of Continuing Education at 614/593-1772 or 1-800-336-5699 (e-mail: ceworkshops@ouvaxa.cats.ohiou.edu).