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Beginning in 1994, the Les Aspin Center began conducting
study abroad opportunities in Europe and Africa during
Marquette University’s winter break. Past programs have taken
students to Italy, Greece, Ireland, England, Kenya, Ghana, and
Tanzania. The LAC will continue its international
programming with a 2007-2008 winter-break opportunity to
study in the African countries of Kenya and Tanzania.
Course Description:
Democracy, Culture, & Public Policy
In this Spring term, Session 2 course, students will examine the
manner in which culture, values, and identity shape global and
domestic politics. Of particular interest is how they can inform
and guide public policy efforts to promote democracy, shape
periods of political transition and democratization, and provide
the foundation for creating policies that will advance the overall
welfare of the society.
This course is designed as an immersion experience that will allow students to integrate
theoretical models of development politics, culture, and values with first hand observations of
these variables in action.
In addition to lectures, readings, and site visits, students will interact with personnel from nongovernmental
organizations, government institutions, and various development agencies. Of
particular interest, this course will include an examination of the dynamic relationships between
governments, NGOs, funding agencies, and grassroots medical care providers addressing the
HIV/AIDS pandemic in Africa. The course may be taken for audit.
Presentations and Highlights
Students participating in this course will experience a variety of unique opportunities including:
- Visit governmental institutions including the Kenyan Parliament and the East African
Community (Arusha, Tanzania).
- Discussion with panel at United Nations Office at Nairobi (UNON).
- Visit Nyumbani Orphanage - Kenya
- Discussions with various Non-Governmental Organizations (NGO) on their role in
shaping communities and public policy.
- Wildlife Safari at Amboseli National Park (at the foot of Mt. Kilimanjaro) with a visit to
a Masai community. Focus is on environmental preservation and complex tribal issues as
they relate to culture and cultural rights, property rights, individual identity, and national
unity.
- Explore museums and cultural centers including the estate of author Karen Blixen, the
Bomas of Kenya, the National Museum, the National Archives, Giraffe Park and
Sanctuary, and many others.
- Visit and service work at community outreach centers in various communities including
Kibera and Kangemi (Nairobi).
Site Visits subject to change
Costs: $3,500.00 (direct expenses)
This course is registered as a Spring Semester course (Session 2 schedule). Therefore, there is no
additional tuition cost for students who remain under the 18 credit semester limit. The total cost
for direct program expenses is $3,500.00. Direct expenses include airfare, hotels, ground
transport in Africa, entrance fees, and Kenya and Tanzania visa fees (does not include acquiring
a passport). Students will be responsible for their own food purchases and personal expenses
while in Africa.
Important Notes and Dates:
October 19, 2007: Application Due (Note that there will be a rolling acceptance into this
program. It is recommended to apply as early as possible. Enrollment is limited to 16 students.)
Visit www.marquette.edu/aspin for application
November 9, 2007: $1,000.00 non-refundable deposit is due for accepted program participants
(this is for a non-refundable airline ticket). To be posted to Bursar account for MU students only.
January 3 & 12, 2008: Departure and Arrival are from Chicago’s O’Hare airport. All students
must make their own arrangements for drop-off and pick-up from O’Hare.
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