to specialize. If the core course is not successful, then demand at the M.A. level is likely to go down. The docu- ment claims: “Minimum enrollment in any given year would be five students” (p 72). This factual claim has no basis in the real world, and is not defended or supported by any data. It is an “edu- cated guess,” presented as a fact, and not to be questioned as they just don’t know what the minimum would be, but must make up a number to shrug off the criticism that this programme has not demonstrated sufficient demand.

Lack of data is not an obstacle to this fantasy discipline. It confesses: “However, because the proposed M.A. in Island Studies would be unique in the world, it is difficult to quantify anticipated student numbers or to cite precedent.” If it is unique, it is impos- sible to cite precedents and this should add further caution to those worried

about UPEI racking up huge losses in this niche market. “Wide consulta- tion” from scholars who are inclined to support the idea because they also have an interest in the field is not the same as trying to justify this pro- gramme among those not inclined to suspend disbelief.

11) If the Minor programme had its first (and only?) graduate in May 2001, then it may be worthwhile tak- ing a closer look at it (academic review). Why are the numbers of minors currently registered in this Island Studies programme not revealed in the report at all? Is it not because it would be a great embarrass- ment to a fantasy programme that the only students really interested in it are fantasy students? -Written by a group of concerned UPEI professors.

SEXUAL HEALTH YOUTH SYMPOSIUM

Everything You Wanted to Ask About Sex and Then Some!

Women's Network PEI is hosting a Symposium on Sexual Health for Youth, and we want YOU to come!

Location: MacLaughlan's Best Western, Charlottetown Date: Saturday, October 27th Time: 8:30AM to 8:00 PM (approximately) For: Women and Men, aged 16-25

Why would you want to come?

Well...

.if you attend our symposium, you'll get to:

- talk about issues of sexual health you think really matter - help us figure out how to meet your sexual health needs - make your voice count!

- take home some complimentary gifts

- Decadent chocolate break!

All meals will be provided on site. Transportation and childcare costs are also available to participants.

For more information, please contact Melissa Doucette at Women's Network PEI. Call at 368-5040, or email at health@isn.net. Please respond no later than October 18th.

[4]

QUESTIONS and ANSWERS Regarding the M.A. Proposed in Island Studies at UPEI :

1) The establishment of an Island Studies M.A. will interfere with the introduction of my own equally deserving and relevant pet project, the Really Tall. People Studies M.A. Like the Island Studies program, Really Tall People Studies will be cross disci- plinary in focus; all arts faculties will work on as yet unidentified sorts of projects that would involve, at least tangentially, really tall people. All the professors will be working together, smiling and happy. And I| think when everyone gets to the end of all that research, they’ll have some really interesting bits of trivia about really tall people.

2) Tasmania has just gone to war with Iceland! What do we do? Who we do we call?!

3) The University cannot run a deficit. The Island Studies program is project- ed to run a deficit of over 200,000 dol- lars in the first three years. This money will be taken from the existing

Arts budget. Why should so much money be gambled on an untested pro- gram?

4) How many islands could there be in the world? Lets just study them all.

5) The Cadre welcomes all questions and answers regarding the proposed Island Studies M.A.

-Ed.

2

Discover Jap an!

The. ae Exchange and teaching Programme is looking for candidates to participate as assistant English teachers in a one year cultural exchange, beginning in July 2002. Live, work and experience first-hand the adventure of discovering one of the world’s most vibrant cultures. The programme includes a competitive salary, benefits, and transportation to and from Japan.

information session:

The Consulate General of Japan at Montreal, with the help of the Career Development Centre at UPEI is pleased to hold an

Date: Friday, October 19th, 2001 from 12:30 - 2:30 PM Place: Robertson Library Bidg., room 105

TO APPLY

—— forms can be obtained at your university placement center or downloaded from our website www.consuljpmtLorg

For more information: Tel: (514) 866-3429 Application deadline: November 23, 2001 (postmarked)