Black cowboys, Buffalo Soldiers and Barack Obama's presidential candidacy were among the topics Michael Searles, an Augusta State University history professor, discussed at the University of Muenster in Germany during his participation in a faculty exchange program May 17-31.

Mr. Searles, who is also known as "Cowboy Mike," said the students seemed intrigued by his lecture on black cowboys and Buffalo Soldiers (black regiments formed in 1866 to fight Indians):

"After I gave the lecture on black cowboys, I think it had some people, similar to when I give the lecture here, shaking their heads and saying, 'OK, my image of a cowboy may be partially correct but not completely correct,' because they realize there were Mexicans, American Indians and blacks who became cowboys."

The discussion of Mr. Obama's candidacy demonstrated how closely American politics is being watched in other countries, Mr. Searles said.

The seminar he led on the topic attracted twice the number of people expected, and many stood in the hallways outside the lecture room to listen, he said.

"The people of Germany are absolutely fascinated by this race in America and Barack Obama. I received a lot of questions during that seminar -- questions regarding his safety, whether he would be able to carry out the promises he has been making, his ability to raise funds," he said. "The questions were thoughtful and insightful. They were questions you would expect from someone who has been following this topic and discussing it."

While in Muenster, he visited several historical landmarks and noted the similarities and differences between German and American lifestyles. He said he plans to incorporate his experiences into his lectures at Augusta State.

"I'm the person who likes to draw from life experiences when I teach. It takes something that happened in the past and makes it present," he said. "So this opportunity has been beneficial for me and will be beneficial for my students as well."