Application Deadline for Global Classroom: Capstone in International Development and Conflict Management

Course information

Course #:  GVPT356-0201 & PUAF689L-0101: Capstone in International Development and Conflict Management
Room:  1101VMH
Time:  Weds 9:15-11:45 (subject to Registrar approval)
Prerequisites: Undergraduates: GVPT354, junior or senior in good standing; Graduates: prior coursework in international development or conflict management.
Admission: By instructor approval only; requires application
Offered by: The Minor in International Development and Conflict Management
Taught by: Dr. Stacy J. Kosko (University of Maryland) & Dr. Brian Polkinghorn (Tel Aviv University)

This “blended format” (part traditional, part online) course pairs 10 University of Maryland students in International Development and Conflict Management and the Maryland School of Public Policy with 10 Tel Aviv University students in the International Program in Conflict Resolution and Mediation.  Students spend the bulk of the semester collaborating in teams comprised of equal numbers of UMD and TAU students, working to research and produce creative, viable, sustainable solutions to major contemporary development problems in a context of protracted, violent armed conflict.  Students develop applicable hard skills, practical knowledge and issue expertise.  In their teams, they engage in stakeholder analysis, project development, results-based thinking, professional writing, and ethical reflection on the ends and means of international development.

To apply

Interested students should submit (1) a resume, and (2) a brief statement (300-500 words) addressing the following questions:

• Why are you interested in this Global Classroom course?
• What features of this course attract you?
• In what ways are you suited to handle the challenges that a blended-format course and international collaboration can present?
• Why do you feel you would make a constructive contribution to this Global Classroom initiative?

Applications should be emailed to MIDCMinfo@umd.edu by 5:00 pm on Tuesday, October 28, 2014. By applying, you are committing to follow the parameters of the course as outlined above. In particular, this will entail (1) taking the initiative to acquire the necessary technology or to utilize the facilities and resources that are provided, and (2) making appropriate efforts to interact and work collaboratively with your project team, including scheduling meetings to accommodate time differences. Decisions will be made and students notified by Friday, October 31, 2014. Click here for more details.