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Program Objectives and Format

The Global Politics Summer School Syria 2008 focuses on "Global Shifts and Transitional Politics in the Middle East" and will take place at the Arab International University in Damascus from July 19 to July 30, 2008. The curriculum consists of four theory-based courses and one applied module in International Negotiation. The theory-based courses lend special attention to new concepts and actors in International Relations as well as risks and cooperation in the fields of diplomacy and political regulation. The practice-oriented module provides an excellent opportunity to explore these theories further by using innovative teaching methods such as role plays and simulation games. The emphasis of these modules is on discussion and cooperation among the participants.

The title “Global Shifts and Transitional Politics in the Middle East" sets the frame for this summer school. It follows the observation that globalization fundamentally changes the setting of International Relations by inducing power shifts between global players. At the same time, however, processes of globalization also have repercussions within states and societies when it comes to adapting to new challenges and crises. Thus, this summer school reflects on two essential topics. First, it looks at challenges and opportunities in the field of international diplomacy. Second, it focuses on the different transitional paths societies choose to take in order to cope with the challenge of globalization.

 In addition to this extensive and in-depth program, a rich and varied extracurricular program is envisaged during the Global Politics Summer School Syria. Participants will be invited to meet with decision makers and experts in the fields of politics, economics, and academia in order to discuss the current issues affecting global politics. Syria is increasingly being focused on by German development and education institutes; in 2007, many of these institutes opened branch offices in the „German House“ in Damascus. Along with visiting these organizations, which will acquaint participants with German education and development policies, Syrian organizations will also be toured, for example the highly distinguished Oriental Institute for Studies - a think tank in Damascus.

The Global Politics Summer School Syria aims to enable students to effectively analyze the problems of global politics at the beginning of the 21st century. To this end, students will explore the fundamental changes taking place in International Relations, such as the acceleration of the globalization processes, the shrinking sovereignty of nations, and the increasing relevance of international regimes and organizations, and new actors such as mass media. Furthermore, the project partners encourage participants to question the existing body of International Relations theory and to critically assess its potential for analyzing today's world. This analytical stance promotes participants to explore the current developments in global politics. On a more practical level, the summer school will also expand the students' abilities to make presentations, contribute to academic discussions, design research questions and write papers.

Overview of Workload and Credit Points

Students who successfully complete the Global Politics Summer School Syria 2008 earn the equivalent of four credit points according to the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) and are awarded a joint certificate of participation from the Arab International University and Freie Universität Berlin.

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