Wittenberg Magazine P.O. Box 720 Springfield, Ohio 45501-0720
Phone: (937) 327-6141 Fax: (937) 327-6112
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Around Myers Hollow
The Road Less Traveled
A series of trade routes connecting major civilizations with China since antiquity, the Silk Road inspired eight faculty members to study its roots and reflect on its historical significance this summer. Sponsored by the Freeman Foundation and led by Marcia Frost, assistant professor of economics, the two-week trip marked the first time any of the more than 160 Wittenberg Freeman grant recipients traveled to this area of China. “The experience has allowed us to talk about and have more confidence in our understanding of this area, which we have since been able to share in a tangible way with our students across disciplines,” Frost said. Joining Frost were Ty Buckman, associate professor of English; Lawrence Gwinn, associate professor of economics; Ralph Lenz, professor of geography; Jennifer Oldstone-Moore, associate professor of religion and director of East Asian Studies; Olga Medvedkov, chair and professor of geography; Don Reed, chair and professor of philosophy; and Stephen Smith, professor of sociology/anthropology. The group met in Xian at the eastern terminus of the Silk Road where Chinese civilization first began and flowered. Participants then traveled to Jiayuguan, an oasis town along the northern route, followed by stops in Dunhaung, Turpan, Urumqui and Hotan, a southern route oasis town, among other areas. The group also drove 11 hours to Kashgar, the westernmost town in China today and the major crossroads of the north-south and east-west Silk Road routes. “The entire trip was eye-opening in ways none of us had anticipated,” Frost said. “Our travels have enriched our teaching, and our students have gained from our experience.” For more information on each professor’s specific study in the region, go to www.wittenberg.edu/magazine.
Wittenberg Magazine P.O. Box 720 Springfield, Ohio 45501-0720 Phone: (937) 327-6141 Fax: (937) 327-6112 |
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