Syrian Refugees in Houston: Thursday’s Show (October 15, 2015)

Millions have been displaced as a result of Syria’s civil war. While many have fled to Europe, some are also coming to the United States. And once again, Houston seems to be the ultimate destination for a number of migrants and refugees. We learn why on this edition of Houston Matters, as we talk with Ali Al Sudani, Interfaith Ministries of Greater Houston’s Director of Refugee Services. We also hear the story of refugee Yunis Gabow (first broadcast 4/28/14).

Also this hour: We talk with Mike Wintemute, Associate Vice Chancellor of the Texas State University System, about massive open online classes or “MOOCs.” Texas State is encouraging some students to take ten such courses and pass tests for college credit to essentially bypass their Freshman year and save tuition. We find out what form that encouragement takes, and which students Texas State, and schools like it, have in mind.

Then: In the age of Yelp and Amazon and Rotten Tomatoes and other online resources which aggregate hundreds or even thousands of reviews of just about anything from just about anyone, what role is left for local professional critics? We talk it over with University of Houston Professor of Communications Garth Jowett.

Plus: We preview this year’s Zine Fest Houston. For the third straight year, the do-it-yourself media and art event will be held at the Printing Museum in Montrose.