Looking for a course next semester?

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For those of you who haven’t finalized your schedules for next term, I’ve found a couple fantastic courses that will engage the Terryness inside of you!

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Considering…Volun-tourism? Check out HESO449B-001 Topics in International Service-Learning!

So I’m sure you’ve thought about going abroad to do development work at some point.  Walking across the campus every day, we see posters that encourage us to do good, international good, while having some fun and learning something new.  But are there unintended consequences to some of these projects in developing communities, many of them in parts of the world that have different cultures from ours?

This is a 3-credit, student-directed seminar course offered in January 2010 which will explore issues and considerations related to students going abroad for development or service work.  If you have an interest in international development or are considering going abroad for service-learning, please consider taking it!  To register, or for inquiries, please email isltopics@gmail.com.

International service-learning (ISL) programs that connect students with global service opportunities are gaining in popularity across campuses in North America.  The aim of this seminar is to develop your capacity to engage in ISL initiatives in socially responsible ways. The course will introduce ISL issues surrounding ethics, sustainability and intercultural sensitivity via case studies as well as communication with volunteers abroad.

For complete course description, visit UBC Student Directed Seminar: Topics in International-Service Learning

What about International Essential Medicines? Check out this seminar out!

Anyone interested in increasing access to lifesaving drugs worldwide is invited to check out a student-directed seminar course coordinated by Sonja Babovic next semester. HESO 449B 003 is a 3-credit course in Arts that will take a multidisciplinary approach to the study of ensuring fair access to essential medicines in developing countries.

This seminar will critically examine the role of universities, governments, non-governmental organizations and pharmaceutical companies in the effort to ensure worldwide access to needed medicines. Upon completion of the course, students will have knowledge of patent laws and relevant trade agreements, the effects of these on affordability of medicines in impoverished countries, aid measures already taken to improve access to drugs and other medical technologies, and challenges that remain at this time.
You can read more on the course website:

http://accesstomedicineseminar.wordpress.com/.

Interested in Canada’s role in developing nations? Then this seminar might be for you!

This seminar examines the impacts of various of Canadian actors on human security throughout Africa, focusing on, but not limited to, the Great Lakes and Sub-Saharan regions and compares it with Canadian perceptions of their international role. By examining Canadian policy options, the seminar analyzes Canada’s ability to act in the international arena and notions of Canadian self-identity. Students will apply their knowledge and work in small groups to plan a strategy to address Canadian involvement in Africa or an African region.

If interested in this course, please email contact@acacdrcongo.org with a one page paper describing why you are interested / your experiences with advocacy initiatives concerning the African continent, if applicable. Prerequisite: 65% standing in POLI 260 or AFST 350 or equivalent course.

Note: this SDS will count as three credits toward the International Relations major (List A, but not under the seminar requirement), Political Science major, and/or the African Studies minor.

Why take an SDS course?

I took an SDS course last year and it was one of the best classes that I have taken at UBC. The small seminar environment really allows more discussion and less teaching. I would recommend that every student take one and see how far your education can really go!

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terryman

Geoff is a 5th year student who studying a double major in Integrated Science (Evolutionary ecology, virology) and Political Science. He was the 'Wish' speaker at the 2008 Terry Talks and is passionate about university education, especially when it comes to interdisciplinary experiences. After graduation Geoff wants to find a job that allows him to meet people from all sorts of backgrounds and share stories. If your savvy enough you can follow Geoff on Twitter - user: gcosteloe.