Balkans:
Statebuilding and Human Rights in Kosovo, Macedonia, and Montenegro

Coursework

To understand state building in the region, the program focuses on case studies of two countries plus one international protectorate in the process of becoming a state. The program’s interdisciplinary coursework addresses these issues while providing students a solid foundation in the region’s history, politics, and cultures.  For the seminar, students are required to submit a state-building and human rights journal, with observations and reflections on those issues in all locations visited, and a final analytical essay and oral presentation answering one question posed in the journal and approved by the Academic Director.

During the 10-day community action project, students participate in various activities within the Roma community in the spirit of social reciprocity and mutual respect.  Emphasis is placed on community needs and applying individual talents and skills to provide service to benefit the host community.  Students complete a social-action reflection paper discussing what they learned about the Roma community and about reciprocity and international assistance.

The following syllabi are either from a recent session of this program or for an upcoming session. Because courses develop and change over time to take advantage of dynamic learning opportunities, actual course content will vary from term to term.

The syllabi can be useful for students, faculty, and study abroad offices in assessing credit transfer. Read more about credit transfer.

For Graduate Students

Community Action Project
(PRAC-5000 / 2 credits / 60 field hours)

State Building and Human Rights in the South Balkans Seminar
(EURO-5000 / 6 credits / 90 class hours)

For Undergraduate Students

Community Action Project
(PRAC-3000 / 2 credits / 60 field hours)

Participation in various activities within the Roma community (10 days). Emphasizes community needs and applying individual talents and skills to provide service to benefit the host community.

State Building and Human Rights in the South Balkans Seminar
(EURO-3000 / 6 credits / 90 class hours)

Case studies of three countries: Montenegro,Kosovo, and Macadonia. Additionally, a visit to southern Serbia helps illustrate the complex regional relationships impacting state building. Topics may include the efforts of watchdog NGOs and the judicial system to stop corruption in Montenegro, Serbia's role in the regional dynamics, the state-building process in Kosovo, and the impact of the Ohrid Peace Framework on interethnic relations in Macedonia.