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Meet Our Students
Janine Gauthier, Senior
Canadian Studies is the Opportunity of a Lifetime
"Two years ago, I moved to Plattsburgh and realized that this was the opportunity to realize the dream of a lifetime and obtain a bachelor's degree. As a former Canadian, I had traveled extensively throughout Canada and thought that my knowledge of that country would help me ease in to the academic requirements of the Canadian Studies program. My academic advisor, Dr. Prem Gandhi, made himself available to fit my own schedule and even went as far as helping me chose my courses for my study abroad semester at Laval University in Quebec City, Canada."
"The Canadian Studies Center personnel put out the red carpet to welcome me to the center and made me feel indeed, that I was special."
Fascinating Courses Gave Me a New Perspective
"My course in the History of Canada from 1867 with Dr. Sylvie Beaudreau this past Spring covered not only the history of Canada for that period, but gave me a geographic and a demographic overview of each province. The Canadian Foreign Policy course certainly broadened my views and respect for the great Canadian politicians of the 20th century. The intimate seminar format was appreciated by the students and was conducive to some exciting and stimulating exchanges. Through these, I have come to know how the relationship between the U.S. and Canada has evolved and how the future of the two countries is linked.
"My course on Canadian Inuit Art with Jacqueline Stoneberger made me discover the great Arctic and the beautiful people who live in Nunavut. From her own travel experience to that part of the world, she shared with us through pictures and movies some of the very different cultural habits and art of the aborigines. We also went on a two-day cultural field trip to Ottawa with her and visited the Canadian Museum of Civilization as well as the National Gallery of Canada where we had the opportunity to admire some of the most outstanding pieces of Inuit art ever produced.
"And finally, my very favorite Canadian course so far, has been without a doubt, the one in Canadian Fiction with Dr. Bruce Butterfield. We studied Canadian authors from Nova Scotia to British Columbia, in nine books, all very different, involving unusual and sometime exotic and far out situations. Dr. Butterfield contributed a passion, knowledge, and intensity which never wavered. I have retained a greater desire to know more and read more about Canadian authors."
I Have Gotten Attached to My Classmates Despite Our Age Differences
"I have gotten very attached to our little college and the people who study there with me. Even though I am of a much different age group than most of them, I have never had a negative experience with any one and went to Quebec in the fall for a semester at Laval University and am looking forward to being in Ottawa on the Killam Fellowship in 2005-2006."
Jake Goznikar, Junior
Jake Goznikar is a junior from Plattsburgh, New York, and he is majoring in Canadian Studies.
There are So Many Exciting Ways to Learn about Canada Here
"Before enrolling at Plattsburgh State in the fall of 2003, I had explored many other colleges and their program options. I chose Plattsburgh State's Canadian Studies Program for a variety of reasons.
"I was impressed with the wide variety of classes available, covering many different disciplines."
"One of the things I was immediately impressed with was the scholarship opportunities available through Plattsburgh State, several of which are offered only to Canadian Studies majors. In my prior exploration of schools, I found no others who had the numbers and variety of scholarship opportunities for my particular interests."
The Center for the Study of Canada is a Great Resource
"Another factor that influenced my decision to attend Plattsburgh State is their Center for the Study of Canada, which serves as the base for students in the major. Through this center, which is well known in the local community and in Canada, I have been able to easily connect with faculty and other students. The Center's staff is informed and helpful. They have been instrumental in helping me locate special study and workshop options, course offerings, and scholarship opportunities."
I Enjoy the Wide Variety of Interesting Courses Taught by Exceptional Faculty
"The factors that finally clinched my decision to major in Canadian Studies at Plattsburgh were the great course offerings and the reputation of the faculty that teach in the program.
"I was impressed with the wide variety of classes available, covering many different disciplines. This makes taking courses in my major more interesting. I have taken classes in Canadian History and a special topic course in Inuit Art. Through my coursework, I have even had the opportunity to travel to several cities in Canada!
"The Canadian Studies faculty is genuinely interested in the subjects and the students they teach. They use a variety of classroom techniques, and external learning environments to enhance their lecture materials. I have been able to really connect with the faculty because of the small class sizes, and the faculty's availability. If you e-mail or contact them, they respond!"
Jake's Advice for Prospective Students
"If you're looking for a great college experience, one with opportunities for scholarships, interesting courses and faculty members who are interesting and available, then may I recommend the Canadian Studies Program at SUNY Plattsburgh? It's a decision I'm glad I made."
Questions, Comments, Suggestions?
For further information about Canadian Studies at SUNY Plattsburgh, please contact:
Dr. Mark Richard
Coordinator, Canadian Studies Program
Office: Ward Hall 217B
Phone: (518) 564-2226
Fax: (518) 564-2300
E-mail: mark.richard@plattsburgh.edu