A&M International Faculty Receives Sasakawa Fellowship to Learn about Japan

A Texas A&M International University faculty member will soon learn more about Japan through a fellowship that encourages university professors to incorporate Japanese Studies into undergraduate curriculum.

Dr. Kimberly Folse, associate professor of sociology, received the Sasakawa Fellowship Award from the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU). The Fellowship enables participation in the National Faculty Development Institute on "Incorporating Japanese Studies into the Undergraduate Curriculum."

Dr. Folse will travel to San Diego, Calif. in June to participate in Institute activities which include four weeks of intensive seminars, lectures, readings and cultural activities focused on Japanese culture, literature, history, government, business and education.

"I feel honored to have been awarded this fellowship because it means that I will be able to bring home, to A&M International, a more enlightened perspective of an alternative cultural model of looking at the world. Knowing how other people think enhances our own, including our students', capacity to solve

problems and be productive citizens," Folse said.

Folse said she became interested in learning more about Japan because her son, who is an engineering student at the University of Texas at Austin, is currently studying in Ooita Prefecture, Japan.

"I teach a couple of courses in international culture and occupations and professions and I would like to incorporate what I learn to my classes," Folse said, "I'm also interested in the Japanese educational system and parenting practices."

At the Institute, Folse will be among faculty members at AASCU institutions who have the potential to impact undergraduate education through teaching or academic support services.

For further information, please contact the Office of Public Affairs and Information Services at 326-2183. University office hours are 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Journalists who need additional information or help with media requests and interviews should contact the Office of Public Affairs and Information Services at pais@tamiu.edu