Brown Leadership Institute (Session 2) - Leadership and Global Engagement

The world is a complicated place and global leaders must address a dizzying array of domestic and international issues on a daily basis. Their actions are informed by their country’s vital national interests including economics and security, as well as ideological considerations. In this course, we will apply the foreign policy tenets of realism and idealism to better understand the actions of nation-states. Exploring how such factors impact global leaders decision-making and how these decisions impact international relations is vital as the world becomes increasingly interdependent and unsettled. In this course, students will examine complex international issues including security and terrorism, global trade, human rights, nuclear proliferation, environmental challenges, and other issues related to international relations. Through an experiential curriculum that includes case studies, simulations, role-plays, deliberations, panel discussions, and group projects, students will learn about the major actors in world affairs. Specific case studies will include analysis of United Nations interventions, global response to terrorism, nuclear proliferation of North Korea and Iran, Global Climate Change as well as other topics relevant to current hot topics. Interactions with experts and scholars from Brown’s Watson Institute for International Studies will further increase student’s working knowledge of key global issues. As a capstone, students will use their knowledge, skills and creativity to prepare an Action Plan to engage a pressing global issue. Most importantly, students will leave the course able to discuss and deliberate complicated issues with people from diverse backgrounds, experiences and points of view. This course is ideal for students interested in international relations, diplomacy, and global affairs. Please Note: This course is part of the Leadership Institute, a two-week academic program that helps students cultivate the knowledge, skills, and attitudes associated with effective and socially responsible leadership. This unique program consists of three integrated elements: academic content, leadership development, and the Action Plan. Our students are thoughtful and compassionate youth who are interested in social issues and creating positive change. Participants can look forward to full days in a community of engaged and curious learners. Application process includes: online application, essay, transcript, application fee. Accepted Pre-College students may apply for Dean’s Scholarships, awarded to students who demonstrate financial need and academic merit. Need is determined by considering several factors, including family income, family size, number of siblings in college, and housing expenses.