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The IFDS 2010 seminar offerings have been announced. Please scroll down this page to see our coming seminars. Detailed seminar information will be available by September. Please check back at that time.
africa |
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Botswana and South Africa
Contemporary Regional Issues in Botswana and South Africa
In this seminar participants will gain an understanding of how democracy and good governance in Botswana and South Africa have led to the establishment of a remarkably stable and nonviolent socio-political and economic environment in each country. We will also examine the continuing challenges, paying particular attention to public health/HIV AIDS, management of natural resources, as well as political and economic considerations. Examination of the developments and struggles that characterize this region will take place in the context of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and its mission to improve “the standards of living and quality of life, freedom and social justice; peace and security for the peoples of Southern Africa.” |
May 24 – June 3
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Ghana
Challenges of a Developing Nation
See first-hand this young nation’s progress toward stability while analyzing the issues that continue to challenge the development process. Participants will leave the seminar with an understanding of how the following issues operate in the reality of contemporary Ghana: economic decay, globalization, political instability, health care, gender inequality, and Ghana’s relationship to the African Diaspora.
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June 13-24 |
Morocco & Spain
Exploring the Coexistence and Challenges of Neighboring Cultures
In our current world climate there is symbolic meaning to the Strait of Gibraltar, which separates Africa and Europe, Morocco and Spain, the Muslim and Western worlds. This seminar explores the links between Morocco and Spain on a variety of levels: the rich cultural and historic heritage from the Al Andalus era, the intersection of the “developing” and “developed” world, and the global impact of terrorism and increasing animosity between historically Muslim and Christian societies.
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May 24-June 4 |
asia |
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China
Economic Development and Urban Transformation
The economic reforms ushered in by Deng Xiaoping opened the gate to years of double-digit growth in China. This economic growth has led to the rapid development of Chinese cities, none more than Shanghai. Host of the 2010 World Expo with the theme of "Better City, Better Life," and poised to regain its former glory as one of China's most important global financial and shipping centers, Shanghai is the ideal setting for examining the intersections of economic growth, social change, and urban development. Speakers from public policy institutes, universities, and the private sector will discuss current economic trends such as the impact of the 2008 global economic crisis and devaluation of the Chinese currency, as well as the challenges of migration and displacement, cultural preservation and development, and urban planning for sustainability. Participants will also have the opportunity to visit the World Expo as part of the seminar. |
June 9-18 |
Japan
An Interdisciplinary Look at Contemporary Japan
This seminar offers participants a chance to view the mosaic of contemporary Japan through multiple lenses. Set in Tokyo, the seminar combines presentations by experts in Japanese society, modern history, art and music, business and economics, and language and culture with faculty led field trips into the city. The seminar is designed to help participants transcend stereotypical views by inviting them to examine Japan's sense of itself, its place in the evolving geopolitical landscape of Asia, and the allure of Japanese popular culture at home and abroad. |
June 22 – 30 |
Korea
Understanding Contemporary Korea
Korea metamorphosed rapidly from an agrarian nation into the world's tenth largest economy, and since the late 1980s, democracy has progressively taken root. This seminar aims to go beyond existing stereotypes to explore the dynamism of modern-day Korea and its place in the evolving regional and international geopolitical and geo-economic landscape. Special focus will be given to examining relations with North Korea, Asia, and the United States. Participants will also gain an understanding of the future direction of change and development. |
June 28-July 7 |
Thailand
Human Rights in Thailand: Military Coups, Social Movements, and Rule of Law
Thailand has experienced 18 coups and has had 18 constitutions since the absolute monarchy was overthrown in 1932. The result has been a highly unstable legal order. At the same time, Thailand has been signatory to a number of human rights conventions. How are human rights viewed in Thailand, what have been the obstacles to human rights work, and how has this affected the development of Thailand's social movements? This seminar approaches these questions by examining the non-governmental organizations, the government bodies designed to promote human rights, and those at the grassroots level who have been affected by government projects (the Pak Mun Dam), government policies (slums and communities living illegally in forests), and private companies (gold mining). Participants are invited to become engaged in a dialogue with all involved parties, and to help strengthen Thailand's human rights mechanisms. |
July 11-23 |
Tibet (China)
Religion, Ecology, and Identity in Tibet
Tibet enchants the world with its sublime landscapes and the awesome spirit of its people. From many accounts of travelers and spiritual seekers especially since the early twentieth century, Tibet has been described as a civilization with paradise-like qualities in both spiritual and ecological terms. In the 21st C., this pristine image of Tibet is well sustained while it meets critiques from scholars who allege that such image is the result of non-Tibetans' archetypal fantasy, a collective nature of human religiosity. Tibet, real or imagined, is the focus of this seminar. In both empirical and intellectual fashions, our seminar will weave in and out of the current cultural reality and our own imagination of Tibet while our mindscape absorbs the landscape of Tibet through travel and interactive lectures and discussions on the topics of religion, ecology, and identity with scholars and students of Tibetan Studies in Tibet and China. |
June 11-23 |
australia |
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Australia
Climate Change: The Reefs and Waterways of Australia
Climate change and its impact on national water supplies is situated to dominate future global challenges and conflicts. Whether it is rising, depleting, or heating up, the effects are already felt on coastlines and in semi-arid regions around the world. Australia, the driest inhabited continent, yet with some of the wettest areas on earth, is a country where drought and floods occur simultaneously, with dramatic results. This travelling seminar takes you to two unique and vastly different parts of Australia - the Murray Darling Basin and the Great Barrier Reef - to explore from multiple perspectives the ecological, political, and social challenges of water management at a time of growing crisis. |
July 20-30 |
europe |
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France
Religious Diversity in France: Jews and Muslims, Anti-Semitism and Islamophobia
This seminar approaches religious diversity in France through a focus on two religious minorities: Jews and Muslims. The objective is not only to consider how French Jews and Muslims interact with each other, but more centrally, to look at how Jewish and Muslim individuals and communities define themselves in the context of secular French society, with its Catholic (or ex-Catholic) majority and its republican policy of laicité. We will also look at how Jews and Muslims, and Judaism and Islam are viewed by others. What is the influence of international conflicts on local perceptions? How does anti-Jewish sentiment take shape in contemporary France? How does anti-Muslim sentiment take shape in contemporary France? What parallels can we make, what contrasts can we draw? |
June 3-9 |
Ireland
After The Celtic Tiger: The Politics and Sociology of Ireland
The phenomenon referred to as The Celtic Tiger or Ireland's Economic Miracle transformed the Republic of Ireland from one of the poorest countries in Western Europe to one of the wealthiest. With the imminent demise of the Tiger, what now for Ireland in the 21st century? Examine Irish society as it has evolved in relation to this phenomenon, analyze the country's historic and cultural traditions, and explore the problems associated with rapid political, socio/cultural, and economic change. |
June 27 – July 4 |
Italy
Crossing Borders: Contemporary Italy and its Mediterranean Neighbors
Cultural, artistic, political, economic, and social exchange within the Mediterranean region has been a significant factor in shaping Italy for millennia. This seminar analyzes contemporary Italy in the context of its complex relationships with its neighbors on the Mediterranean. Participants will examine how issues such as economic imbalances, migration, and security concerns intersect with the rich cultural, artistic, and numerous other exchanges also taking place. Participants will also gain an understanding of how Italy is cooperating with other Mediterranean countries to create balance and stability in the region. The seminar will take place in Rome, Naples, and Procida; a small island off the coast of Naples. |
May 25-June 2 |
Russia
Social and Political Challenges of the New Russia
By the beginning of this decade, many had written off Russia as a failed experiment in post-communist transition. But the last ten years has seen a remarkable about-face: a strong president credited with putting more cash in his citizens' pockets; a growing economy fueled by robust consumer spending and oil and gas profits; and a military recently battle-tested in a controversial war. But Russia's success has come at the expense of domestic civil liberties, democracy, and rule of law. This seminar investigates the social and political challenges facing the new Russia and critically examines Russia's identity in the reality of the world today. Through visits to sites of interest and through lectures from experts in political science, sociology, history and culture; this seminar gives participants a firsthand sense of Russia in the new millennium. |
May 22-29 |
Spain + Morocco
Exploring the Coexistence and Challenges of Neighboring Cultures
In our current world climate there is symbolic meaning to the Strait of Gibraltar, which separates Africa and Europe, Morocco and Spain, the Muslim and Western worlds. This seminar explores the links between Morocco and Spain on a variety of levels: the rich cultural and historic heritage from the Al Andalus era, the intersection of the "developing" and "developed" world, and the global impact of terrorism and increasing animosity between historically Muslim and Christian societies. |
May 24-June 4 |
latin america |
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Chile + Argentina
Challenges and Possibilities for Recent Latin American Democracies: Politics, Culture, and Economic Integration
This seminar analyzes and compares Chile and Argentina's contemporary realities in social, economic, political, and cultural terms. In doing so, it examines the profound changes that both countries have experienced in terms of economic growth, cultural representations, and social equity after coming out of a long and oppressive military regime. Special emphasis is given to new trends after a long period of relative democratic stability. |
May 31-June 10 |
Mexico
Contemporary Creative Mexico
In the last several decades, Mexican creative work has shifted away from the stereotypical elements that much of its fame has rested upon. This seminar takes participants into the contemporary creative scene of the late 20th and early 21st centuries, focusing on newer artists, writers, and creators. Participants leave with a strong sense of who's who, what new tendencies and themes are emerging, and how Mexican creative work dialogues with the nation's larger intellectual, political, and social issues. Lectures are held in the quaint and quirky city of Guanajuato. |
June 5-12 |
Nicaragua
Revolution and Neoliberal Reform in Nicaragua
This seminar focuses on the political, social, and economic reality of contemporary Nicaragua. It contrasts the revolutionary and post-revolutionary periods, putting emphasis on issues such as the situation of women, the work of NGOs, and access to food and land for the poor. This seminar is an excellent opportunity to learn about the effects of the counterrevolutionary war on Nicaraguan society, the role of the U.S. in the country's history, and international development efforts in the Central American region. |
June 28-July 5 |
Peru
A Fusion of Identities: Examining Peru's Complex Past, Present, and Future
To say "Peru" is to conjure up many different images relating to its ancient history (Precolumbian) and its more recent troubled history (Shining Path, Fujimori, Cocaine Industry). Experience Peru's present and how changes have affected Peruvian's perceptions of themselves and their country. Explore how its expanding economy impacts poverty and equality. The seminar takes place both in Lima and in Cuzco, and includes a trip to Machu Picchu. |
May 28-June 6 |
middle east |
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Jordan and Jerusalem
Middle East Conflict and Cooperation
Beginning and ending in Amman, this seminar includes a journey to Jerusalem. The seminar approaches the Middle East from the perspective that cooperation not only exists, but in many areas is rapidly becoming the regional norm. After a historic overview of the major sources of conflict in the region, the seminar shifts gears to reviewing real life examples of how conflict management has evolved into ongoing cooperation in areas such as environmental protection, education, economic development, and interfaith dialogue. |
June 6-15 |
Jordan
Middle Eastern Women: Tradition, Development, and Change
This seminar explores the dynamic roles of women in contemporary Arab society. From its internationally recognized Queen Rania, to the country's on-going dilemma over how to deal with so-called crimes of honor, Jordan, and it's vibrant capital Amman, provide a unique setting to ponder how Arab women, Muslim and Christian, religious and secular, modern and traditional, rich and poor, are defining and re-defining their place in society. Through lectures with prominent female academics; meetings with politicians, activists, artists, and business women; and site visits to different economic development projects seminar participants have the opportunity to probe many of the interesting paradoxes defining women's lives in modern Jordan. |
June 17-23 |
Turkey
Identity, Community, and Culture in Contemporary Turkey
While Turkey's unique position at the crossroads of East and West has endowed it with a long and rich history, the nation still struggles to define itself. The modern Republic of Turkey has become a mostly urban, secular society in which individual and national identity is tied to the notion of Turkish ethnicity. However, concepts of identity, community, and culture are being challenged and redefined by the accession process to the EU, regional and domestic conflict, and globalization. Through lectures, site visits, tours, and hands-on cultural experiences, participants gain insight into these shifting concepts. |
June 22-July 3 |
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