The principal organizer of this summer's program is the Walker Institute of International and Area Studies.  It is located on the fourth floor of Gambrell Hall at the University of South Carolina.  The Walker Institute was founded in 1961 as the University's center for international-related research, travel, and consultation.  It also facilitates visits to the Columbia campus by internationally known scholars and practitioners.  The Walker Institute normally has international scholars in residence, with its own faculty and Graduate Assistants involved in research projects abroad.  The Institute also has developed an ongoing program of academic exchanges with similar academic centers in the United States and abroad which allows students and faculty access to facilities and contacts elsewhere.  The Institute has developed a regular series of publications, colloquia, public lectures, and international conferences.

OBJECTIVES AND REQUIREMENTS

The purpose of the Study of the U.S. Institutes is to strengthen curricula and improve the quality of teaching and understanding around the world about the creation and implementation of U.S. foreign policy.  The Institute provides a survey of the historical and global context, of U.S. foreign policy and the policymaking process, and examines the role of society and domestic politics in the contemporary practice and formulation of U.S. foreign policy.  The Institute's multi-faceted and diversity-based approach will illustrate the complexity and dominant patterns in U.S. foreign policy and introduce key academic debates and contemporary issues that exist.

During the six-week institute you can expect to meet with a variety of experts and practitioners involved in the U.S. foreign policy process.  In addition to the Institute's core faculty and staff, a variety of government, media, and business leaders will deliver lectures and participate in academic panels as part of the Institute's curriculum.  At some point during the 6-week program, you will be asked to present your own perspectives on U.S. foreign policy as part of a formal panel or roundtable.

SCHEDULE

Our program has two parts: an intensive, four-week academic seminar at the University of South Carolina, and a two-week study tour designed to reinforce the academic content of the seminar.  The study tour consists of 6 days in Washington D.C., 5 days in New York City , and 5 days in Santa Monica, CA.

Most days in Columbia will have two sessions: 9:30 - 11:30 in the morning, and 1:30 - 3:30 in the afternoon.  There may be changes in meeting times to accommodate guest lecturers or site visits.  In order to get the most out of the Institute and to facilitate discussion, you will be expected to read the required texts and/or articles prior to each day's seminar session.  Additionally, you should read the articles assigned for the first class session prior to the first meeting on June 11th.  You will receive all the additional required reading material upon arrival.  Ample free time has been scheduled to allow you to use the library, prepare for seminars, and explore the city. 

Your first official meeting will be a welcome reception hosted by the Walker Institute on June 11th from 9:30 - 11:30 am at Faculty Lounge in Gambrell Hall, Room 428.  The academic program begins June 11th at 1:30 pm in Gambrell Hall.

QUESTIONNAIRE

In order to facilitate room assignments and other details and special needs associated with your visit, we need you to provide us with some personal information.  Please fill out the questionnaire and return it to us along with a short biography as soon as possible.  The best way to send us this information is via fax or e-mail.  (FAX # 1-803-777-9308 or E-mail us at: maria@sc.edu)