Indiana University East’s Sociology, Anthropology and Geography department, in collaboration with Mindful Explorations, presents a virtual lecture via Zoom from 5:30-6:30 p.m. on Monday, March 7.

The title of discussion is “Inequalities and Diverse Complexity of the Global South” with an additional topic of discussion on the reflection of the Global Classroom Experiment. Registration is available online.

Marcelo Moura Mello

The discussion will be presented by Marcelo Moura Mello, assistant professor of anthropology at the Federal University of Bahia in Brazil.

Mello holds a Ph.D. in Social Anthropology by the National Museum, Federal University of Bahia. He is also associate researcher of the Centre for Afro-Oriental studies of the same university, and associate researcher of “The Colour of Labour: the racialized lives of migrants.”

Since 2010, Mello’s research interests have focused on Guyana, where he did fieldwork among East Indians and about the worship of the Hindu goddess Kali. He also has research experience with quilombola (Afro-Brazilian) communities in Southern Brazil.

In addition, Mello will weave the experiences from the recently concluded Global Classroom Experiment, which focused on the diversity and inequalities of Brazil and the Global South.

The Global Classroom Experiment began in fall 2021, when Mello’s class in Anthropology of Ethnicity and Nationalism partnered with IU East Associate Professor of Sociology Wazir Mohamed’s class on Race and Ethnic Relations. Students had the opportunity to bond and collaborate with international students throughout the semester because of the partnership.

“The topic ‘Inequalities and Diverse Complexity of the Global South’ is chosen to serve as a timely reminder that the world is much more diverse and complex than the proverbial black/white divide,” Mohamed said.

The Global South mostly comprises countries of the former colonies. Now, neocolonial enclaves of the global economy present a rich mosaic of diverse colors, languages, classes, and other dimensions used as dividing markers of the human family—one person from another, and one country from another, Mohamed said.

Megan Rockwell is a senior sociology major from Charleston, South Carolina. An online student said she enjoyed her unique experience with the Global Classroom.

“I gained a deeper understanding of global issues surrounding race and ethnicity. America has its own experience with race, but it is not as unique as one might imagine,” Rockwell said. She noted that movements like Black Lives Matter are global and have impacted many countries in their pursuit for equality.

The Global Classroom required students to overcome communication obstacles, but Rockwell praises the support she received.

“The barriers of language were, at first, daunting; but with the help of translators and Professors Mohamed and Mello’s guidance, we all learned new things, and some of us left with lasting connections,” Rockwell said.

Cheyenne Jorden of Richmond is a junior majoring in sociology. She valued the connections she made and the knowledge she gained throughout the experience.

“The Global Classroom was a great experience to learn about Brazilian culture firsthand. Throughout the course, I was exposed to new perspectives and valuable insights regarding the culture and diversity of Brazil,” Jorden said. “Overall, the Global Classroom was valuable to my academic experience because it shaped my mindset of the world around me.”

This event is hosted by the IU East Center for Faculty Development. Sponsored by the IU East Sociology, Anthropology and Geography Department and Mindful Explorations, courtesy of the William H. and Jean R. Reller Endowment.