CALL: Study Abroad Course in the Caucasus (crdcgmu.wordpress.com)

Today I received this letter for a call for student prgramms in Feorgia (Tbilisi) ...

I always enjoy reading your blog and following the latest events in the South Caucasus. My name is Bram Houben and I am a recent graduate of the Institute for Conflict Analysis and Resolution (ICAR) at George Mason University in Arlington, Va. Throughout my studies I have focused on the South Caucasus and worked on several projects in the region.

At the moment, I'm working together with one of my professors to provide other students the exciting opportunity to participate in a study abroad course that will take place in Tbilisi next summer. To truly reach students worldwide I would like to ask you, if at all possible, to share this exciting announcement on your blog.

Please click on this link for more information about the course or visit crdc.gmu.edu.

I would really appreciate the opportunity to share this course with your blog audience.
Thank you so much and please let me know if you have any questions or if you want me to compose a specific posting to put on your blog.

Sincerely,
Bram Houben
Center for World Religions, Diplomacy and Conflict Resolution (CRDC)
Institute for Conflict Analysis and Resolution George Mason University
Office Phone: (703) 993-4473
Office Fax: (703) 993-1302
crdc.gmu.edu

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CONFLICT RESOLUTION IN THE SOUTH CAUCASUS
NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS
SPACE IS LIMITED - DEADLINE DEC 10TH – APPLY TODAY!
May 27th- June 5th, 2011 3 CREDITS $3695 w/o Airfare

DESCRIPTION: This exciting new program brings you to the heart of conflict in the South Caucasus. The course will take place in Tbilisi, Georgia with lectures by a variety of specialists, including academics and practitioners. Formal sessions are complemented by various site visits, governmental and non-governmental, to encourage a more comprehensive understanding of the multifaceted issues affecting societies in conflict.
The program aims to provide context for understanding the change that the South Caucasus has experienced during the past years, opportunities for understanding conflict tensions surrounding inter-community relations, and the aftermath of wars involving South Ossetians, Abkhaz, Russians, and Georgians, as well as the conflict over Karabakh. Related dynamics in the North Caucasus and globally will also be considered.

INSTRUCTOR: Dr. Susan Allen Nan will lead this program. Dr. Nan is a scholar-practitioner of conflict resolution whose main focus is on the South Caucasus. She also works on evaluating conflict resolution initiatives and community conflict resolution approaches. She has engaged long-term in conflict resolution in Eurasia, as well as contributing to a variety of initiatives in Eastern Europe.

APPLICATION PROCESS: In order to be eligible for the course in the Caucasus, participants must submit a CV (or resume), a personal statement of no more than one page explaining why they want to participate and a photocopy of their passport to Program Director, Bram Houben at ahouben@gmu.edu

PROGRAM FEE & DETAILS: $3,695.00
Program fee includes double-occupancy hotel lodging; daily breakfast; most other meals; in-country ground transportation; airport transfer; emergency evacuation insurance; pre-departure orientation; cultural excursions; course trainers and speakers costs; Tuition for 3 Credits (CONF 399*/695); but NOT international airfare. 

ELIGIBILITY: Conflict Resolution in the South Caucasus is open to all Mason and Non-Mason bachelors, Ms and Ph.D students as a 3 credit course and to non-students as a professional development seminar. Mason students can take the course as CONF 385*/399*/695 (Other options may be available – check with your advisor).
*Please check with your advisor

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Master Students graduating in the Spring 0f 2011 are still eligible to walk during the May Graduation Ceremony while enrolled in this class.

CRDC website
CRDC International Courses webpage

DR. SUSAN ALLEN NAN IN THE NEWS
The roles of conflict resolution scholars in Georgian-Abkhaz and Georgian-South-Ossetian conflict
Susan Allen Nan Faculty Page
Interview Susan Allen Nan





Susan Allen Nan, Assistant Professor at the Institute for Conflict Analysis and Resolution at George Mason University, commenting on the different approaches of presidential candidates Obama and McCain to Russia and the challenges in the US Russia relationship following the outbreak of violence in Georgia and South Ossetia. Nan contends that McCain's rhetoric has been inflammatory, with name-calling that leaves little room for a productive Russian response while Obama's rhetoric has been just as strong, while leaving the door open for negotiation and collaboration. Interview conducted on September 24th, 2008. Video courtesy of Al Jazeera English.