The primary aim of the project is to increase dialogue between faculty working in different fields, and to increase communication between university academics and members of the broader public. Too often the artificial divides between disciplines and between “town and gown” sectors of the population restrict the production of knowledge and can even lead to misinformation and mistrust. In this project we engage in interdisciplinary research on the UW campus, encourage children, teachers, and parents to express their life experiences and understandings through film, writing, and discussion, and provide avenues for those who work closely with children to share their insights with academics and others and to gain support for their views. In addition, we are committed to disseminating our research findings to a broad audience beyond the academy through writing and public speaking.

For more information, please see the project website at www.reclaimingchildhood.org.

Gaming, IMing, Internet: Onboard or Overbored?
Kids Speak Out about Living in the Digital Age

Monday, April 30, 2007 • 5:30 – 7:00 pm • Download e-Flyer
Town Hall Seattle • 1119 Eighth Avenue (at Seneca Street)

Moderated by Katharyne Mitchell (Geography and Simpson Professor in the Public Humanities)

Watch the video in Windows Video, QuickTime Video or listen to the MP3.
From virtual reality games to the internet to instant messaging to MP3 players, technological devices have become part of our everyday lives. What is the impact of these new forms of technology on the social life and self-awareness of young teens? Come hear middle school students talk about their experiences in a friendly, youth-oriented forum. Parents, teachers, and others are invited to participate in the discussion. Read Seattle Times article

Constructing Childhood: A Multi-Media Installation

April 24-June 23, 2007 • Allen Library, Room 381L, 3rd Floor • Download e-Flyer • Read University Week article

Constructing Childhood is a multi-media installation exhibiting work by young people reflecting on their experiences of childhood. Using a three-dimensional model of a swing-set as an art platform, Artistic Director Cheryll Hidalgo includes two and three-dimensional visual art, poetry, essays, soundscapes, spoken words, and video/film by teens in the exhibition.

Constructing Childhood Open House events:
Saturday, May 12, 2007 1:00 – 4:00 pm
Saturday, June 2, 2007 1:00 – 4:00 pm

To arrange for other viewing opportunities of Constructing Childhood, including school and after school groups, please email rchild@u.washington.edu, or call (206) 543-3920. Sponsored by the Simpson Center for the Humanities at the University of Washington and the University of Washington Libraries.

Symposium: "International Education: From Multiculturalism to Cosmopolitanism?"

Friday, May 4, 2007 • 1:30 – 4:00 pm • Download e-Flyer
Petersen Room, 4th Floor of Allen Library

International education is all the rage. Bi-lingual initiatives in schools, foreign exchange programs, and increased funding for "global" education are but a few examples of increased interest in this pedagogic philosophy. But what exactly does it mean? And why is it the center of attention now? In this symposium we bring together university academics, policy makers, teachers, and parents to discuss the implications of this new turn in educational policy and practice.

The Reclaiming Childhood Project and the Simpson Center for the Humanities gratefully acknowledge the support of UW's Center for Advanced Research Technology (CARTAH) for providing the equipment to digitally document the activities of the project.