Lectures

One of the key components in developing the students' knowledge of their host country and the Short Course theme is the lecture program. Through dealing with a wide range of topics, these lectures are designed to provoke and stimulate both thought and debate among students, staff and lecturers. Such a wide range of views provides all with a more global perspective and challenges those present to adapt a more global ethic in order to attain more informed and accurate opinions on the world and it's peoples. On this page a number of lectures are outlined.

Economics; at the heart of every societies material development lies the economy. Lectures on economies have provided both a basic grounding in the economic problems faced by the host country and also specific examples such as the transition economy in Lithuania and the effects of war on Montenegro. At the same time students are encouraged to consider the effects of such economic development on social issues. Does greater wealth reduce or increase divisions within a country? What are the effects of westernisation on the traditions and cultures of a country? What are the effects on the community? Does the community become more unified or separated?

History; History plays a key role in all lectures and the Short Courses are traditionally located in areas rich in recent history and, consequently, still undergoing great change. From Turkey at the junction to three continents, Lithuania and its independence from the USSR to Israel and it's relationship with the Palestinian people, the Short Courses have taken place in areas of great relevance to the affairs of the world in recent times. The depth of history these places have to offer is enormous and all students have left their Short Course eager to learn more about these and other places.

Leadership. All Short Courses in some form or other aim to raise the students awareness of the importance of good leadership and the effect it can have. What qualities make a good leader? What are the different kinds of leader? What does it mean to be a good follower? Should a leader be loud and demanding or should they be good listeners willing to set the example? What kind of people make the best leaders and the best followers and why?

Language. A number of lectures \workshops on local language provide a fun and useful component of each Short Course. Apart from learning how to communicate with local people students often develop obtain an interest in languages and language groups they otherwise would never have been exposed to.
"Labas, mano vardas yra Mike, as esu is Airijos..."
"Hello, my name is Mike, I'm from Ireland."