Fredman and Gulf South Studies Courses

In 2011, a generous gift from Andrew (A&S ’84) and Kerin Fredman to the New Orleans Center for the Gulf South (NOCGS) launched the Fredman Gulf South Studies Courses. All these courses are based on three essential components: place-based storytelling, service-learning, and economic impact.

Since the program’s inception, seven stellar Fredman Gulf South Studies have been developed, producing scores of short films, oral histories, and online articles.This past year, three courses were offered in collaboration with the School of Liberal Arts’ Communication and English departments, the Stone Center for Latin American Studies and Center for Public Service at Tulane, as well as four community partner organizations.

The Fredman Gulf South Studies Courses have affected many lives—inspiring former students’ career choices and developing an understanding of local policy and economic opportunity. Next year, an exciting new course will focus on water management, further adding to our students’ understanding of the region and their ability to affect positive social change.

History of Courses

In Professor Betsy Weiss’s “Media and Criminal Justice,” students conducted interviews and created videos for two prominent anti-incarceration grassroots organizations, Voices of the Experienced (VOTE) and Families and Friends of Louisiana’s Incarcerated Children (FFLIC). Distinguished journalists and investigative reporters visited the class and inspired students to pursue careers in journalism.

Students in Professor Sarah Fouts’ course, “Food, Migration, and Culture,”delved into the intersection of New Orleans’ long standing restaurant industry and growing Latinx community. They conducted field work with local Latinx restaurateurs and restaurant workers to create a new showcase exhibit of Latin Foodways in New Orleans, “New Orleans con Sabor Latino,” now on permanent exhibit at the Southern Food and Beverage Museum.

The longest running Fredman course, Professor Michael Luke’s “Journalism,” produced the 7th edition of the journal Krewe in partnership with Sophie Teitelbaum’s 9th grade English students at New Orleans Charter Science and Math High School. Already known for its original stories, this year’s edition of Krewe also showcased the participants’ artistic skills as they designed the layout and hand sewed and bound the journals.

Current Course Offerings

Spring 2020

COMM-2350-02
Media and Criminal Justice, Prof. Betsy Weiss
M/W 1:00pm-2:15pm
Newcomb Hall 202

ENLS-3620-01
Workshop Creative Writing, Prof. Michael Luke
W 5:00pm-7:30pm
Hebert Hall 125D

Fall 2020

COMM-2350-02
Media and Criminal Justice, Prof. Betsy Weiss
M/W 1:00pm-2:15pm
Newcomb Hall 202

ENLS-3620-01
Workshop Creative Writing, Prof. Michael Luke
W 5:00pm-7:30pm
Hebert Hall 125D

Fall 2019

COMM 2350-01
Media and Criminal Justice, Prof. Betsy Weiss
M/W 3:00pm-4:15pm
Newcomb Hall 201

ENLS 3620-01
Workshop Creative Writing, Prof. Michael Luke
W 5:00pm-7:30pm
Hebert Hall 210

Spring 2019

COMM 2350-01
Media and Criminal Justice, Prof. Betsy Weiss
M/W 3:00-4:15pm
Newcomb Hall 201

ENLS 3620-01
Workshop Creative Writing, Prof. Michael Luke
W 5:00pm-7:30pm
Gibson Hall 325