Danny Brassell is big on reading, but he is no book snob. The California State University, Dominguez Hills professor of teacher education pointed out that there are myriad forms of reading materials, from newspapers and magazines, to electronic readers as well as the Internet, emails and even text messages. It doesn’t matter to him what people read, he just wants them to get turned on to reading. “Reading doesn’t just mean it’s in a really old book,” said Brassell, a librarian’s son. “If people want to read Sports Illustrated on the toilet, that’s what they should be reading.” He also absolves readers from books they aren’t enjoying. “If you don’t like the first ... Read More
Journalism
Alumnus Thabiti Asukile Urges Recognition of Black Intellectuals
For California State University, Dominguez Hills alumnus Thabiti Asukile (Class of ’95, B.S. Africana studies), learning to read critically revealed deeper, more comprehensive insights into American history – including contributions of great African American thinkers. In learning more about American history, Asukile, who has an M.A. in African American studies from Temple University and a Ph.D. in American history from University of California, Berkeley, discovered a wealth of black intellectuals who had been forgotten or intentionally marginalized. “Today, it’s hard to know who the black intellectuals are, because they aren’t talked about in the media. Academic scholars know who they ... Read More
Amy Bentley-Smith: Making Headlines For the University
It could be said that with more than 10 years under her belt as a reporter and features editor for the Grunion Gazette in Long Beach, Amy Bentley-Smith, the winner of the Exemplary Achievement Award at this year’s inaugural Staff Awards of Excellence, has the pulse on all the news that fit to print—or post —about California State University, Dominguez Hills. “Covering events and city meetings, and writing profiles on local people for the Grunion taught me that it’s all about sharing, informing, and helping people feel connected with where they live,” she says. “They want to know about what’s going on or read about good things they or their neighbors are doing. In that way, you develop ... Read More
Gayle Elliott: Professor of Interdisciplinary Studies Brings Ethnic Literature to Life
When Gayle Elliott, lecturer of interdisciplinary studies at California State University, Dominguez Hills, shows a film to her students, she doesn’t just screen it, she invites one of the film’s stars to speak to her class. A Martinez starred in the 1989 “Pow Wow Highway,” the story of the struggles of Native Americans living on a modern-day reservation. The Emmy-winning actor is a regular visitor to Elliott’s classes when she shows “Pow Wow Highway,” and addressed students from her “Power of Myth” and Native American and Chicana/o literature classes again last month about his journey as the film’s protagonist and as an actor. Elliott says that while an instructor can help students ... Read More
Teen Journalists From China Visit CSU Dominguez Hills
Every summer and winter, high school students from Shanghai, China, visit the United States to learn English and the American culture. Last month, 40 students made California State University, Dominguez Hills their home for six days as part of the College of Extended and International Education’s American Language and Culture Program study tours. “We call them study tours because the students spend the morning portion of their day in English classes and after lunch they get to do something fun like Disneyland or the beach,” said Dr. Edward Milecki, director of international programs at the university. The students were taken to many famous Los Angeles hangouts such as Santa Monica, Venice ... Read More
