Dr. Laurence Musgrove, professor of English at Angelo State University (ASU) in West Texas, has received funding from the 2023 Fulbright-Hays Seminars Abroad program to conduct research on the role of Buddhism in teaching and learning English in Taiwan this summer. The grant will cover travel and accommodation costs while Musgrove spends four weeks attending the Global Issues Animating Taiwan seminar.
Originally scheduled for summer 2020, the program was postponed to 2023 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the U.S. Department of Education, the forum, run by the Bureau of International Education and Foreign Languages, aims to "introduce attendees to Taiwan's rich cultural heritage through meetings with scholars, heads of business and politically active citizens. Seminar participants will be introduced to the country's current and future priorities, such as innovation, education reform, immigration and sustainability. (U.S. Department of Education)
Musgrove and other seminar attendees will complete a four-week virtual pre-departure orientation administered by George Washington University's Sigur Center for Asian Studies before departing for Taiwan. Once in Taiwan, they will attend lectures and participate in a number of immersive experiences to learn first-hand about Taiwan's culture as well as its history, society, religion, and more.
Commenting on the award, Musgrove said: “After a 30-year career in higher education as a writing program coordinator, director of general education and department head. I am happy to serve as a faculty member and focus on a research program that examines the cross-cultural value of Buddhism and its potential to improve teaching and learning in English Studies. (Angeline)
A central role of the program is to provide first-hand experiences for American educators to enhance their understanding of Taiwan and their ability to participate in and teach about Taiwan-related projects and topics.
Musgrove commented, "During this seminar in Taiwan, I will identify scholarly materials related to Humanistic Buddhism, also known as Buddhist Humanism, a non-theistic philosophical and psychological system of beliefs, values, and practices based on the inherent dignity of all people, the interdependence of human life and dedication to the well-being of all. (Angeline)
Musgrove has taught at ASU since 2009. During that time, he served as chair of the Department of English and Modern Languages from 2009 to 2019, and as of 2016 served as academic advisor for ASU. Oasis magazine Artistic and literary magazine.
"I will apply what I learn to the courses I teach at ASU in composition, literature, and creative writing," Musgrove added. “I will also share my learning with academic colleagues and through outreach through community conferences in San Angelo. (Angeline)
Musgrove is an accomplished poet, with works published by the Buddhist Poetry Review. He also has four books of poetry and a number of poems published in numerous journals dating back to 2004. Additionally, he has published several book chapters, short stories and cartoons, and is the editor of the poetry journal in Texas Poetry Assignment line.
Musgrove strove to integrate his understanding and practice as a Buddhist into his life as an educator. In a journal article Educational prospects, he wrote, “Buddhism itself is best understood not as a religion, but as a pragmatic theory of education with its corresponding pedagogy. » (35)
Expanding, he writes:
. . . writing teachers do not teach writing alone; they necessarily teach causation, impermanence and interbeing. They design assignments that help students understand (a) the causes and effects of language choices, (b) the beneficial progress that can occur in the writing process, and (c) the usefulness of engaging d other sources, reviewers and editors. They also teach suffering, equanimity and freedom.
(37)
The Fulbright Program, which includes the Fulbright-Hays Seminars Abroad Program, offers competitive, merit-based grants for international educational exchange for students, scholars, teachers, professionals, scientists, and artists. It was founded by United States Senator J. William Fulbright in 1946. It funds American scholars traveling abroad as well as international scholars who wish to visit the United States.
Français
Français
English