It's not too early to start planning for a life-changing experience in Spain!
In May 2024, you will have the opportunity to participate in a powerful 10-day, 3 credit program/course.
Increasingly, polarization is acknowledged as a significant and dangerous problem in the United States and around the world. In an age of filter bubbles and echo chambers, how can we move towards a more pluralistic society where there is a greater focus on mutual understanding, respect and the common good? During the medieval era, part of what is now Spain was ruled by an Islamic civilization called Al-Andalus. Muslims, Christians and Jews collaborated and lived together relatively peacefully for hundreds of years. However, this history is also contested. What can today’s students learn from the history of this region of Spain? Using an interdisciplinary approach, this faculty-led study abroad course will help prepare students to be more effective, ethical leaders by introducing them to historical examples of conflict, cooperation and collaboration across difference in Spain. We will examine the history of this region with a specific focus on what we can learn about ethics and leadership across difference that is applicable to students and life today.
Ethics and leadership across difference will be explored from a wide range of disciplines, contexts, and professions. Students and the course facilitator(s) will work together to explore questions such as: How are values and ethics established in individuals, groups and organizations with different backgrounds and worldviews? What are the responsibilities of leaders to establish ethical climates in their organizations and communities? What are the responsibilities of followers and bystanders? Are there, or should there be, universal values and ethical principles in leadership? How does culture influence ethics and leadership? Why do ordinary people behave unethically? Why do good people do bad things? What are some helpful approaches to leading across difference in an ethical manner? How does this all relate to you, today?
This traveling learning community will connect formal knowledge with real world experiences. Student participants will return better prepared to unite communities across difference and have a positive and powerful impact on the Mason community, and beyond.
This will count as a Summer 2024 course and can apply to the School of Integrative Studies (SIS) leadership concentration or minor (counts as a required course or as an elective requirement), but you do not need to be in the leadership concentration or minor to be a part of this program.
Undergraduate credit will most likely be available through:
Graduate credit will most likely be available through:
For more information and a list of FAQs please visit:
https://lead.gmu.edu/spain/
For questions about the itinerary and the course please contact Nick Lennon, PhD at [log in to unmask]
Thank you,
Nick
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Nick Lennon, PhD
Director, Leadership Education and Development (LEAD)