IRP 711 - Summer 1999

PRACTICUM IN INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATION

Prof. Mehrzad Boroujerdi

E-Mail: mboroujerdi@maxwell.syr.edu
Web Page: http://faculty.maxwell.syr.edu/mborouje/

COURSE DESCRIPTION

The main purpose of this nine-week course is to familiarize you with the characteristics and the roles of international organizations and other non-state actors.   The course consists of two related components: an academic component and a practical component.  Our goal will be to bring these two components into an ongoing "dialogue" such that each informs or questions the other, thereby enriching both and providing students with a unique learning experience.

The first week in Geneva will consist of orientation activities (briefings, sightseeing, etc) as well as an overview of contemporary International Relations theory.   We will review the animating logic of the major theories in our field, and discuss their implications for International Organizations.  After the first week, the academic part of the course will continue with meetings two evenings per week.  In one of these weekly meetings (Tuesday evenings), we will hear guest lectures by practitioners working in various organizations in Geneva who will inform us about their respective organizations and the trajectory of their own professional careers. You are expected to actively participate in discussions with these speakers.  The other weekly meetings (Thursday evenings) will be held in the faculty residence where over dinner we will informally discuss the agendas and activities of those organizations at which students are working.  This may involve modest weekly reading assignments.   Two students will be responsible every Thursday for preparing the meal on that day.

After the first week, you will work full-time in internship placements for a period of eight weeks (June 7-July 30).  Internship placements have been assigned on the basis of availability as well as the interests and qualifications of the student.  Students will be supervised by a specific official in their organization, who will give the Practicum instructor a written evaluation of the student’s performance using a form provided by the instructor.  Please note that you are entirely responsible for maintaining your work schedule and for attending all guest lectures, seminar meetings and field trips organized by the instructor.  With the exception of the first weekend and the field trip to the European Council in Strasbourg (France), students will have all the remaining weekends at their disposal.  You can use the weekends to relax or to travel.

Students’ evaluation in the course will be based upon a combination of four factors:

1. The internship supervisor’s report (40%)
2. The student’s attendance at and participation in the orientation activities, as well as the weekly seminars and discussions (20%)
3. A final paper which will summarize the student’s internship experience and reflect on the organization in which they worked (20%)
4. A journal discussing and reflecting upon internship responsibilities, experiences, and contribution (20%)

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