Summer Programs in International Affairs
In recent years, the International Studies Program has sought to create summer foreign study opportunities that enable students to enroll in substantive international affairs courses abroad. Although most of these programs also offer some language, the main focus is on courses on the politics, culture, economics, and international relations of a particular region. The courses are taught in English, and they are mainly taught by foreign professors who thus bring a non-U.S. perspective to understanding the region’s affairs (and its relations with the United States). Courses taken with these programs can be used to meet course requirements for the advanced classes in the I.S. major for both the “regional tracks” and the “global affairs tracks”. The length of these programs range anywhere from three to eight weeks and typically offer up to six hours of course credit.
Currently we have in place arrangements for four programs, and they are listed below. The first and second programs are with European “International Summer Universities,” in which WVU students attend a program with students from throughout Europe and beyond. All students live among other international studies and, given, the global mix of students the language of instruction is English. The third and fourth programs are WVU Faculty-led programs. These are specifically organized by the International Studies Program and other WVU Departments, with courses taught by both WVU and foreign faculty. In the case of all four programs, students enroll in WVU summer courses. The four programs are:
Marburg, Germany ISU Program. This program offers a three-week curriculum on European international affairs. The subject of the 2009 program will be Germany’s Role in Europe. Historical and Current Perspectives in Culture, Politics and the Economy with a focus on how European international affairs continue to be shaped by the pivotal position of Germany. English and German language versions of the seminar are offered, and they are taught by European professors. This course is supplemented by a German cultural course, and the program includes excursions to cultural and political sites in the region. For further details, click on the above link to the University of Marburg ISU and browse through the section on program information and accessing downloads.
Tartu, Estonia ISU Program. The program offers an intensive three-week program on the international relations of Eastern Europe. This year’s topic is European and Russian Foreign Policy and Security Challenges in the New Millennium. It will consist of three modules addressing the implications of (1) the enlargement of the European Union, (2) NATO enlargement and European stability, and (3) evolving Russian foreign and security policy. The program involves studies at other venues, including the nation’s historic capital city, Tallin, as well as an excursion to the city of Narva on the Russian boarder. For further information click on the above University of Tartu ISU Program link and look at the section on “academic programs on socials sciences”.
Strasbourg Program in European Law and Institutions . The WVU Political Science Department offers an intensive three-week program in Strasbourg, France. Although originally designed for Political Science majors in pre-law and legal studies, International Studies majors with interests in diplomacy, international law, and European affairs have also found the program attractive. Two courses are offered. The first, taught by WVU Professor John Kilwein, is Comparative European Legal Systems and examines the legal systems and processes of Britain, France, and Germany. The second course, European Union Law and Institutions, is taught by Professor Patrick Dallot of the University of Strasbourg and examines the evolution, structure, and processes of the European Union. Along with visits to EU institutions in Strasbourg, excursions are provided to EU institutions in Luxembourg and Brussels, Belgium.
Buenos Aires Program in Latin American Affairs. This is a new WVU faculty-led program developed by the Department of Foreign Languages in collaboration with International Studies, Political Science, and Economics. It is a one-month program located in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Although introductory and intermediate courses in Spanish language will be offered, International Studies majors can also elect to take two substantive courses in Latin American affairs, both of which will be taught in English by faculty from the Fundacion Ortega y Gasset in downtown Buenos Aires. These two courses are Politics and Society in Latin America and Globalization, Business and Economy in Latin America. Each is a three credit course. They will be complemented by excursions and cultural activities in and around Buenos Aires, the political, economic, and cultural center of Argentina.
Finally, International Studies majors can take advantage of the international program offerings of the Amizade Global Service-Learning Consortium, which is based at WVU in partnership with the WVU Office of International Programs and the WVU Center for Civic Engagement. Service-learning is an educational approach that integrates service with local community organizations and courses on related topics and disciplines. Amizade’s summer offerings usually include programs on “Community Development” with opportunities to work on local projects in Latin America and/or Africa. Also of special interest to I.S. majors, particularly those with interests in conflict resolution, is their Northern Ireland Program on Peace and Reconciliation Studies. For further information on this program click on the above Amizade website link, as well as the regularly updated Amizade course offerings at the study abroad website of WVU Office of International Programs.
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