In her course, History 1519, "The Modern Balkans," Visiting Professor of History Maria N. Todorova says she attempts to show students the tools and background knowledge needed to address conflicts with "patience and diplomacy."
Todorova points out that the media can present the public with only a limited and non-contextual understanding of events.
"Only by having a systematic knowledge of the region can we reach conclusions ...which are not irresponsible," she says.
A. Nathaniel Chakeres '02, a student in Historical Studies A-12, also says he feels media coverage of the events in Yugoslavia is far from complete and reliable.
"I don't think we can really talk about the situation intelligently right now," he says. "The news is largely full of NATO-screened information and speculation on the part of journalists. Very little of what is out there is unaltered fact. When we criticize ...the decisions of military commanders when we don't have all the facts, we are shooting from the hip."
In the classroom, instructors attempt to fill in the gaps left by media coverage.
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