<p>Who’s going to PIE?! It sounds pretty fun, and the first year seminar seems like something totally different from all the other FYSEs. Plus we get to get into our dorms a day earlier, how can anyone not want to do it? Sadly though, I don’t know what and who exactly the program will consist of. It almost seems like a seminar for activist minorities, yet couched in more vague terms. Anyone know? Anyone going?</p>
<p>Could you please elaborate on PIE as I still have not received the forms. Would also like some details on the FYSE.</p>
<p>well, PIE stands for Project for Integrated Expression- which, for me, doesn’t tell me too much, but what I got from the letter was that it’s a week long retreat-like program where those invited discuss with peers and speakers topics such as civic engagement, the media, the Middlebury campus and town, and how one can actively engage in the community. The FYSE is called Independent Media and Democracy- (from the registration materials)</p>
<p>FYSE 1118 Independent Media and Democracy
In this seminar we will investigate the role community media can have in democratic dialogue through an exploration of the history of community media efforts in the United States over the past twenty-five years. We will study organizations such as Downtown Community TV in NYC, Appalshop in Kentucky, Street Level Video in Chicago, and Indy-media–an on-line collaboration of worldwide independent media. After completing a survey of national efforts, students will conduct site visits to community media efforts in Vermont, including CCTV in Burlington, the Vermont Independent Film Festival, and Middlebury’s own cable access station. During the second half of the term, students will work in partnership with local organizations to create a community media program idea that will be aired publicly. NOR (D. Ellis)</p>
<p>I love the idea about visiting all these great places. I think the whole program will be a great experience!</p>
<p>Hey Skybaker…thanx for the reply.</p>
<p>Look…I’m a student studying (or at least I was before my graduation) in the Intl. School in Myanmar (Burma). The post system in this country is terrible so I haven’t received a lot of mail from Midd…it’s probably still in the post.</p>
<p>So…could you explain a bit more to me? You’ve already got a letter asking you to choose your first year seminar topic? And how did you get chosen for PIE?</p>