Hye Sharzhoom Armenian Action
Denise Altounian
Andrew Esguerra
Tatevik Hovhannisyan
Marine Vardanyan
Staff Writers
Photo: Barlow Der Mugrdechian
The Armenian Studies Program is often highlighted for its achievement in the community, for the scholarships it offers, and for its recognized professors. However, the classes offered are at the core of the Program. These classes connect students to the rich and vast history of the Armenian people, whether through literature, language, or history. Three such classes being taught this semester are Armenian Studies 10-Introduction to Armenian Studies; Armenian Studies 108A-Armenian History I; and Armenian 148-Masterpieces of Armenian Culture.
Armenian Studies 10-Intro. to Armenian Studies
There is no more effective way of immersing yourself into the study of the Armenian people than by taking Armenian Studies 10. As a foundational course for the Armenian Studies Program, Professor Sergio La Porta has provided great insight on the history of the Armenian people, their cultural highlights, the immigration of Armenians to America, and the first generation’s flourishing in the San Joaquin Valley and specifically in Fresno.
Armenians Studies 10 includes lectures that focus on specific topics, such as the Armenian alphabet, screenings of videos, such as the Armenian Genocide documentary The River Ran Red, and readings from texts about and by Armenians-for example an excerpt from My Name is Aram by William Saroyan.
“I enjoyed learning about different perspectives of Armenian history and culture that aren’t always accurately portrayed in the modern media. It made me more open-minded in how I perceive history,” said junior Armen Arikian about his experience in the class.
This course is an interesting combination of all things Armenian, enticing students who may have heard little or nothing of the Armenian people, to begin to ask more questions. For those with more in depth questions regarding Armenian literature, language, history, and culture, there are opportunities to take an upper division advanced course offered by the Armenian Studies Program each semester.
Armenian Studies 108A-Armenian History I
The Armenian civilization is one of the oldest in the world. The mountainous land holds remarkable history, as Armenia was the first country to accept Christianity, and has experienced many disasters, wars, and revolutions. This Armenian history course covers these topics in great depth, as well as covering the origins of the Armenian people.
The course is taught by Professor Der Mugrdechian, who explains Armenian history in detail, making it impossible to get lost in the complicated and profound history. The course is a survey of Armenian history from the origins of the Armenians to the medieval period.
“Armenian history is definitely something I did not know much about, but it is interesting how Armenian history ties in with Persian and Roman history,” said student Greta Bell.
Although students find this course challenging because of the long period of history covered, they enjoy the knowledge they gain about the culture.
Armenian 148-Masterpieces of Armenian Culture
“Armenian 148 has allowed me to learn about my Armenian culture from a totally new perspective. Armenians have such a rich literary tradition that I would have otherwise never been exposed to it,” stated Denise Altounian, describing her experience in the course.
Dr. La Porta’s class is enlightening because of both the content and the teaching method. The masterpieces covered in this class include the oral traditions, such as that of the Armenian patriarch Hayk. The class features a number of genres, allowing something for everyone: epics, medieval religious poetry, and modern Armenian literature.
Whether you start the class with some familiarity to the works or with none at all, you will leave the class with a newfound understanding.
Dr. La Porta is an exceptional professor, who incorporates humor, sharing his own experiences, and encouraging class discussions. He creates an inviting atmosphere for students to feel comfortable to share their opinions and thoughts on the pieces being discussed. It is a class that teaches students to appreciate great literary works and learn why they have earned the honor of being called “masterpieces.”
Although this was just a glimpse of the courses offered to Fresno State students by the Armenian Studies Program, it is easy to understand why the Program has achieved so much attention. The Program, and these courses, brings the Armenian culture into the lives of the fortunate students on the Fresno State campus.