THE HOFSTRA
HEMPSTEAD, NY VOLUME 93 ISSUE 13
CHRONICLE
TUESDAY March 31, 2026
KEEPING THE HOFSTRA COMMUNITY INFORMED SINCE 1935
New Peace Corps Prep program BTS’ most anticipated comeback yet: ‘ARIRANG’ set to start Fall 2026 NEWS
By Katelyn Buchalter ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR
Hofstra University plans to implement a new Peace Corps Prep program for the Fall 2026 semester. The new Peace Corps Prep program will allow undergraduate students of all majors to earn a Peace Corps Prep Certificate. The program will prepare students for international volunteer service and expand their cultural awareness. Members of the Peace Corps typically assist with international projects in education, health and agriculture development. Students who participate in this program will spend time taking at least three courses related to one of the six Peace Corps sectors: education, health, environment, agriculture, youth in development or community economic development. “I think the program will give students a world view, and I think it will encourage students to look beyond the borders of the United States,” said Scott
Brinton, assistant professor of journalism and Peace Corps Prep coordinator. “The curriculum is designed to kind of steer students toward classes that would … improve foreign language skills [and] improve their sense of the world beyond the borders of the [U.S.]. It’s a
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
interesting,” said Jake Schettini, a sophomore sports media major. “I really didn’t know much about it before going to the meeting, but I think it would be a great learning experience for whoever decides to make the commitment.” For around two years, mem-
“The curriculum is designed to ... improve their sense of the world beyond the borders of the [U.S.]. It’s a lot about culture; it’s a lot about cultural understanding.” lot about culture; it’s a lot about cultural understanding.” During a panel discussion on Wednesday, March 11, Brinton, along with several other faculty members, highlighted their experience working with the Peace Corps. “I think the program is super
bers of the Peace Corps often serve in a designated country. During the panel, Brinton spoke of his time in Bulgaria, while other panelists spoke about their time in other countries, like Russia and Guyana.
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Photo courtesy of Scott Brinton
Scott Brinton met his wife of 35 years during his time serving for the Peace Corps in Bulgaria.
Photo courtesy of Creative Commons
According to Billboard, BTS earns their 7th No. 1 Album on the Billboard 200 chart with ‘ARIRANG.’
By Kimberly Lopez ASSISTANT ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR
Back when BTS announced their hiatus on June 14, 2022, for mandatory military service and solo projects, it seemed like it would be forever until their 2025 return. Time eventually flew, with the group announcing their comeback album “ARIRANG” on Jan. 15, to be released on Friday, March 20. “ARIRANG” is named after “Arirang,” a 600-year-old Korean traditional folk song. The song almost functions like a national anthem due to its themes of resilience and cultural identity for Korean people. When the album title was announced, fans immediately realized its significance, setting the tone for possible album themes and meanings. In the lead up to the album release, the track list was released with early looks at songwriters and producers. This was nothing new, as it’s something most K-pop groups do leading up to a new album. What was new, however, were some of the col-
laborators BTS worked on this album with. Some artists credited included Teezo Touchdown, Tame Impala, JPEGMAFIA and Mike WiLL Made-It, who were either listed as producers or writers on the tracks. Artists like these made non-ARMY – the name of BTS’ fandom – audiences excited for the album. The album contains pop, rap, hip-hop, trap and even some elements of rock sprinkled throughout. Upon first listen, some tracks left much to be desired, but others were instant ear worms. Some listeners have complained that the album is too “westernized,” misuses African American Vernacular English and is a downgrade compared to the rest of the group’s discography. I don’t think people have a right to decide whether this album is too “westernized” or not Korean enough. It is BTS’ culture. That aside, the complaint doesn’t really ring true. The album title itself shows BTS’ appreciation for their culture; plus, they sample the actual “Arirang” folk song on the first track.
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