Study Away Catalog / Semester & Year Programs / Featured Programs
Contemporary Global Issues of Democracy, Development, and Peace: the Norwegian Approach
Overview:
The Hedmark semester is a multidisciplinary study of Norwegian culture and society. The program focuses on Norwegian approaches to contemporary global issues, and includes in-depth work in one of the following major lines of study:
- Communication and the Media (fulfills the Communication minor at PLU)
- Democracy and Development in a Cross-Cultural Perspective
- Management of Natural Resources
- Religion and Life Philosophy
- Norwegian Language and Culture
- Traditional and Contemporary Music
Dates:
The program begins the third week in August and ends the second week of December (mid-term break in October.)
Location:
Hedmark University College has multiple campuses located in a lovely, historically rich region of Norway. Students are housed at the Hamar campus, with the exception of those students studying natural resource management. Hamar is a student-friendly city of 25,000 inhabitants.
Faculty:
Courses are taught by Hedmark University College faculty.
Academic Program:
16 semester hours of upper-division credit. Credits may be applied to Communication and Theatre, Global Studies, International Core, Political Science, and/or Scandinavian Studies, Line 2 Environmental Studies. Credit in other disciplines is possible.
Introduction: "The Norwegian Approach" This course provides the foundation for understanding the culture and society of Norway as a social democracy. Through case studies and site visits, students explore Norwegian public policy and its implications for sustainable growth and peace building throughout the world. A one-week excursion to sites north of Hamar is included in this first four-week course.
Special Topics Courses: Students select one of the six courses listed in the overview above. (Instruction is in English with the exception of the Language and Culture course which includes a beginning course in Norwegian language.)
Field Study: Each student participates in a practicum related to her or his academic field. Possible placements include development organizations, community centers, schools, and historical museums.
Research Project: This final project is an extended research paper connecting as aspect of Norwegian society of policy with the student's field study experience and academic interest.
Housing:
Apartment-style dormitories with cooking facilities, within walking distance of the campus.
Cost:
The fall 2008 PLU comprehensive fee covers this academic experience abroad (tuition and academic credit, housing, meal allowance, program-related excursions, international student identity card, supplemental study abroad insurance, resident permit/visa fees). Airfare is an additional charge. PLU financial aid applies.
Application Process:
Deadline: March 10, 2008. A $50 non-refundable deposit is due with the application. A $250.00 non-refundable program payment to confirm participation is required within 10 days of acceptance. Semester applications are available in the Wang Center for International programs.
For more information contact: Wang Center for International Programs (253) 535-7577 or e-mail: wang.center@plu.edu or sojourn@plu.edu (peer advising)
This semester program is an integral part of PLU's Norway Namibia Peace Partnership.
Pacific Lutheran University reserves the right to cancel a program at any time. Should circumstances require PLU to cancel a program, students will be notified immediately and confirmation deposits will be refunded.