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SPRING AND SUMMER 2010 PROGRAM
SPP offers opportunities to Southeast Asia, Mexico, South Africa, and Oxford.
Find more information on each program below.
January 4 - 17, 2010
Application Deadline October 16, 2009
Program Details and Forms
Embracing Globalization as a Means Towards Growth and Development: A Case Study of South and Southeast Asia
Course Directors: Ramkishen S. Rajan, Associate Professor and Michal McElwain Malur, Director of External Programs, School of Public Policy, George Mason University.
Asia houses the world's largest population and some of the fastest growing economies in the world. While much has been said and written about China, one cannot ignore the dynamic Southeast Asian sub-region as well as India in South Asia. Southeast Asia consists of eleven countries that are geographically south of China and east of India -- Brunei, Burma (Myanmar), Cambodia, East Timor, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. Like China, India is rapidly globalizing its economy and taking steps to integrate with Southeast Asia. India also shares many cultural and historical links with its Southeast Asian neighbors.The SPP Asia Study Abroad program focuses on India and the most developed Southeast Asian country, viz. Singapore. Singapore is the financial and commercial hub of Southeast Asia and is also becoming a favored headquarter for many Indian businesses eager to expand overseas. The rapid evolution of Singapore from a modest trading post under colonial rule to a modern, prosperous, self-confident and sovereign nation must rank as among the more notable success stories of the second half of the 20th century. The opening up of the Indian economy and its rapid integration with the rest of Asia as well as global economy has generated a great deal of interest on the country. While India continues to struggle with issues relating to poverty and governance, its growth since 2000 has been one of the highest in the world and over the medium and longer terms India is in a demographic gift phase, reflected in rising working age population to total population ratio. This stands in sharp con
trast to many developed countries where the ratio has already begun to decline. If India successfully harnesses this supply-side potential she should be able to grow rapidly on a sustained basis over the next few decades and become a far more important player in the global economy.
The focus of this program will be to understand the trade and development experiences of India, Singapore and the larger Southeast Asian region, paying attention to the key economic and political economy policy challenges facing these emerging Asian countries in the 21st century.
March 6-14, 2010
Application Deadline January 29, 2010
Program Details and Forms
Transnational Trade and Governance: A Case Study of Mexico
Course Directors: Professor Robert Rogowsky, Director of Operations USITC, and Michal McElwain Malur, Director of External Programs, School of Public Policy, George Mason University.
Mexico is among the world's most exciting democracies and one of the most dynamic economies. Twenty years ago Mexico was an inward looking, less developed country in financial crisis, focused on guarding itself from its dominating northern neighbor. Today, Mexico is a vibrant, outward-looking member of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).
Mexico is America's third largest source of imports and second largest export market. It has entered into more than a dozen Free Trade Agreements with 40 countries, including the EU. With GDP growing consistently at 3 to 4 percent, Mexico has become the world's 8th largest exporter. It is a major destination for foreign direct investment. Mexico boasts an oversized portion of the world's richest people; yet, 40 percent of Mexicans live in poverty, and 20 percent in extreme poverty. It is home to world-class companies, while half the workforce labors in the informal economy. Half of all Mexicans are under 26 years of age. One million jobs must be created each year just to keep even with the growing workforce. Massive emigration disrupts communities, the drug trade is growing, and the justice system remains best avoided. Yet, new pockets of manufacturing are growing and technology-based industries are sprouting up. The emerging middle class fuels a robust democracy. Mexico offers perhaps the richest experience possible to a serious student of public policy.
May 16-28, 2010
Program Details and Forms
Course Directors: Dr. Maxi Schoeman, Head, Department of Political Studies, University of Pretoria,
South Africa; Thys van Schaik, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, School of Public Policy, George Mason University and
Michal McElwain Malur, Director of External Programs, School of Public Policy, George Mason University.
This study-abroad course examines the political, economic, social and security challenges confronting South Africa today. These include poverty alleviation, black economic empowerment, the HIV/AIDS crisis, education, land and the environment. The course also explores South Africa in its regional setting, with specific attention to issues such as Zimbabwe, regional integration through SADC (Southern African Development Community), efforts at peacekeeping and conflict resolution (Democratic Republic of Congo), and South Africa as a continental power driving NEPA (New Partnership for Africa’s Development). An examination of trade and investment issues affecting the country’s international position brings a global perspective.
Classes take place in Pretoria (on the campus of the University of Pretoria) and Cape Town (on the campus of the Business School of the University of Cape Town), 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 multi-faceted issues affecting the country and society. The program aims to provide context for understanding the rapid change that South Africa has experienced during the past fifteen years and the dynamic nature of the country as Africa’s emerging powerhouse.
July 25 - August 6, 2010
Program Details and Forms
Britain, the European Union and the Challenge of Globalization
Course Directors: Dr. Stuart Kewley, Adjunct Professor, George Mason University and the Continuing Education Department of Oxford University; Professor Desmond Dinan, Jean Monnet Professor, George Mason University, Michal McElwain Malur, Director, External Programs, School of Public Policy, George Mason University.
Immerse yourself in a two-week summer program in Oxford, England. This program examines some of the most pressing challenges of contemporary globalization in the fields of business, finance, trade, and development. It takes place in beautiful Mansfield College, Oxford University, with a one-day visit to relevant institutions in London. Participants hear new and different perspectives on pressing international issues.
Students must obtain approval from SPP prior to participating in study abroad opportunities through the Center for Global Education.
For more information, contact Michal McElwain at mmcelwai@gmu.edu 703-993-1577
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