International Travel & Study Abroad: Invisible Groups in a New Poland

Catalog description

This 3 hour Spring Break for the undergraduate and graduate students introduces students and faculty to Polish culture and Polish social policies and practices concerning those social groups that are disenfranchised, stigmatized, and disempowered, including the poor, the unemployed, the homeless, the elderly, victims of domestic violence, and people affected by substance abuse and mental health problems. In cooperation with the Institute of Sociology at the University of Poznan, students and faculty will examine the issues of multiculturalism, social integration, feminism studies, and determinants of social exclusion in the context of the economic and social forces that are shaping a new Poland. The trip includes guided tours of neighborhoods and social institutions and daily lectures and workshops with government officials, practicing social workers, and many of Poland's most prominent scholars in residence at the University of Pozman. The experience will challenge students to recognize how the recent political and economic transformation of the country has affected the entire society and how certain groups have paid a higher price. Students and faculty will also participate in cultural events to gain a greater understanding of Polish society. Prior to the trip, students will attend two pre-trip sessions, will be expected to become familiar with the literature on concepts in social policy and practices relevant to social welfare issues in both countries, and following the trip, meet for a post trip session. Counts as a CAS Global & Cultural Diversity course. Counts as a Local & Global Engagement course. Counts as a Understanding Global Perspectives course.