Vancouver Island University’s Clemente course preps for fall
The Clemente Course in the Humanities, first offered at Bard College in the U.S., grew out of the disturbing fact that many low-income residents have had limited access to college education and no opportunity to study the humanities. Since its introduction to Vancouver Island University, the course teaches literature, philosophy and art history to people at risk of homelessness, physical and mental illness and addiction. The Clemente concept is based in part on the belief that the humanities are key to fostering citizenship.
We speak with Mark Blackell, professor of liberal studies and political science at Vancouver Island University and academic coordinator for the Nanaimo Clemente Program.
