Urban College of Boston Faculty Member Deborah Finkelstein, Named ACLS Community College Faculty Research Fellow
The American Council of Learned Societies (ACLS) recently awarded Deborah "Debbie" Finkelstein, an Urban College faculty member, as one of fifteen ACLS Community College Faculty Research Fellows.
The fellowship is a one-year pilot program for community college faculty in the humanities and social sciences.
"Supporting the research ambitions of community college faculty enriches humanistic fields in powerful ways," said Nike Nivar Ortiz, ACLS Program Officer in US Programs. "Community college faculty serve more than 40% of undergraduates in the United States, bringing invaluable perspectives that shape the future of the academy. ACLS is proud to recognize the vital contributions of these teacher-scholars to research, student learning, local communities, and the larger enterprise of the humanities as a public good." (Source: ACLS Awards 15 Community College Faculty Research Fellowships - ACLS)
Urban College is proud of Debbie's accomplishments and continued contributions to our students' success. Her work is incredibly valuable, a manifestation of the lifelong learning mantra that motivates our students, staff, and faculty.
Debbie's project, titled All The World's An Inside Stage, is an examination of the connections between William Shakespeare's "All the World's a Stage" monologue from "As You Like It" and the narrative structure of the television program "A Man on the Inside."
The study analyzes how Shakespeare's concept of the seven ages of man is reflected in the character Charles's life journey. By identifying narrative parallels, recurring themes, and symbolic representations, this research demonstrates the continued relevance of Shakespearean observations on the human experience in contemporary media.
The project will culminate in a scholarly paper, presentations at academic conferences, and various educational resources that facilitate understanding classical literature through a modern media lens.
Her fellowship occurs at The Folger Institute at the Folger Shakespeare Library in Washington, DC.
Debbie Finkelstein's passion for English and Theater, cultivated through her BA from Rutgers University and MFA from Goddard College, translates into dynamic teaching and professional development.
She's a seasoned presenter, sharing her expertise at national conferences like AWP and IEEE, and regional events including the New England Theatre Conference and the Mid-Atlantic Regional Conference on College Composition and Communication.
At Urban College of Boston, she serves as a General Education instructor and Higher Education Specialist, enriching the academic experience for students.
Congratulations, Debbie!
Urban College is honored to have you on our team, helping our students reach their goals.
If you’re interested in taking one of Debbie’s classes at Urban College, contact admissions today!
About Urban College of Boston
Urban College of Boston is a two-year private nonprofit higher educational institution accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE). Online courses are offered in English, Spanish, and Mandarin.
Urban College opens new pathways to opportunity through individualized, supportive, and multilingual education that prepares a diverse community of learners to pursue career advancement and transform their lives. Their multilingual community and affordable online classes provide a supportive learning environment that guides students every step of the way.