Yerevan State University Administrator Mnatsakanyan Visits Fresno State

Staff report

The Armenian Studies Program hosted Ms. Naira Mnatsakanyan, Deputy Head of the International Relations Office of Yerevan State University (YSU), for a weeklong study trip, January 25-29. ASP Coordinator Barlow Der Mugrdechian commented that visits to the United States by YSU faculty and staff is important in maintaining a relationship between the two universities.

Mnatsakanyan visited Fresno State to gather information and materials relating to the establishment of an American Studies program at Yerevan State University. The initiative has been supported by the United States Embassy in Armenia, which has donated nearly 300 books to Yerevan State University.

The American Studies program is projected to open in Fall of 2010 and will attract students who are eager to learn more about the United States. After opening first for graduate students, it will then be broadened for undergraduate students as well.

While in Fresno Mnatsakanyan attended several classes including a class on American literature and a course on Political Science, which provided insight into some of the methodological techniques used in American classrooms. She observed a different classroom style, with students that are more engaged, and asked more questions, than a comparable classroom in Armenia.

Mnatsakanyan also visited the Henry Madden Library where she was able to consult books and journals on the subject. She commented on her visit to the Library saying, “It’s great.” She was impressed by the ease of obtaining and ordering books and by the technological opportunities, for example students may borrow a notebook computer while in the Library. Printers and scanners are also available for students and there are also student volunteers who assist other students.

Mnatsakanyan will conclude her visit to the United States with a visit to UCLA.