This course developed from an initiative of the International Policy Students Association (IPSA) at the Ford School of Public Policy. It will be in two parts.
Section 1: Traditional Class Format (1.5 credits)
This seven-week, 1.5-credit course focuses on the evolution of a given country's economic, political and social institutions and policies, beginning with the historical origins of the country. Students examine why the country embarked on the development strategies in different periods and what the consequences of those strategies were. The course will progress to the current period and examine the pressing policy issues facing the country today and how the leaders are dealing with those problems given the internal and external constraints. The country to be studied will be selected in the early part of the previous fall term by the group of students who applied and were selected by IPSA and the faculty advisor for the study tour.
During the seven-weeks, students who will be participating in the second part of the course (the country tour) will choose topics to study and to be further discussed with policy makers in the country. They will also organize meetings with the relevant individuals in the country.
Part 2: Country Tour (1.5 credits)
This course is limited to approximately 20 students who are selected by IPSA and a faculty advisor during the previous fall semester. Those students who have completed PUBPOL674-001 and participated in organizing the trip (including fund raising), will travel to the chosen country during the U-M Spring Break and meet with individuals from a variety of institutions, based on their interests developed in the seven-week course. Upon their return, they will be expected to write a report and to produce web-site material and other deliverables for the Ford School in order to receive credit.
