EPGA Handbook 2008-2009 (PDF file)
last updated june 2008
TABLE OF CONTENTS
from the Department of Philosophy & Religion
This handbook has been designed to inform students about department, graduate school and university policies, procedures, requirements and regulations. Although much of this information is available in other sources, such as the American University Catalog, much of the information about the Department of Philosophy and Religion is not. By providing in one guide the essential information you will need in order to complete your MA, I hope to help streamline the administrative side of graduate school. Although the academic experience at AU will no doubt be challenging (but also rewarding), the administrative paperwork should be relatively painless as long as you know what to expect.
Therefore, I ask you to read this handbook cover to cover, as well as to familiarize yourself with the web sites listed in the table of contents. If you have any questions while reviewing the material, please contact either the graduate advisor, the chair of the department, or myself, the administrative assistant, for clarification.
Remember, it is your responsibility to make sure that you successfully meet degree requirements and deadlines. Details and checklists are included in this handbook to help you keep organized.
Again, welcome to the program. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask someone for help. I look forward to working with you over the course of your studies here at AU.
Sincerely,
Shelley Harshe
Sr. Administrative Assistant
Department of Philosophy & Religion
from the Division of International Peace & Conflict Resolution, SIS
Dear Graduate Students of Ethics, Peace and Global Affairs:
Welcome to American University! As you embark on this new interdisciplinary degree program in Ethics, Peace and Global Affairs, I hope that this graduate handbook can be a useful resource. This degree program bridges the School of International Service and the College of Arts and Sciences through International Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) and the Department of Philosophy and Religion. The program shares the invaluable resources of faculty from both schools, a wide range of courses and Tracks to follow, as well as a wealth of resources for internships and other opportunities in the field.
As you familiarize yourself with university procedures, course registration, and get settled into the program, please remember that we are here to assist you along the way. In addition to Professor Amy Oliver and Professor Julie Mertus (Co-Directors of the EPGA program) you may also contact Marley Crutcher, Graduate Academic Advisor, for answers to questions about degree requirements or building your degree. You may also contact IPCR graduate students through our website at www.aupeace.org and create a profile for yourself at http://www.aupeace.org/user/register. Finally, please get in touch with me, the IPCR Coordinator, for any questions you may have about careers and internships or other special opportunities for students.
Our students intern with a wide array of organizations and government offices in Washington, DC and abroad, and we keep students informed about conferences, scholarships, fellowships, internships and jobs through our aupeace.org website and IPCR listserv. If you have not yet been added to the IPCR Listserv (pcr-l), please send a request to peace@american.edu and we would be happy to include you!
If you have any questions, please feel free to call me directly at 202-885-1622, email or stop by the office in Clark 207!
Sincerely,
Rebecca Davis
Coordinator, International Peace and Conflict Resolution
The M.A. in Ethics, Peace and Global Affairs at American University offers an ethical response to contemporary global problems. The purpose of this interdisciplinary program, which is offered jointly by the Department of Philosophy and Religion in the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) and the International Peace and Conflict Resolution Division (IPCR) in the School for International Service (SIS), is to prepare students broadly in the practical application of ethical theory and policy analysis to approach difficult ethical choices in global affairs, and specifically to the dynamics of war and peace and conflict resolution. Hallmarks of the major include interdisciplinary inquiry; solid grounding in the foundational concepts and issues of both philosophical ethics as well as international affairs; practical applications of ethical and policy analysis to contemporary social problems in global affairs; and interactive teaching utilizing case studies, simulations, interactive exercises, and intensive class discussion.
In preparing graduates to be ethical and responsible leaders, this program directly supports the global vision of American University. The program builds directly on the intersections between the IPCR idea of “positive peace” and contemporary ethical theory. Students in the program select one of six different tracks—specially selected sets of courses in a content area of specialization—that they will pursue to advance their career goals:
Students may tailor their program in a more academic direction by writing a traditional Master’s thesis, or in more applied ways by completing a substantial research paper and undertaking an internship with an organization related to their intended career field.
For more on the history and philosophy of the International Peace and Conflict Resolution Program at American University, see the IPCR Field Statement.
PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
Core Courses: 12 credit hours
Foundation Courses: 6 credit hours
Research Methods: 3 credit hours
Research and Writing Requirements: 6 credits
Track Requirements: 12 credit hours (choose one of the following tracks)
You should fill out a checklist as you complete courses since, although we are here to assist you, it is ultimately your responsibility to make sure all degree requirements are completed.
In addition to the specific course requirements, you must:
Maintain continuing status in the program every semester (not including the summer) by registering in regularly scheduled courses, taking at least one hour of credit in a Master’s Thesis Seminar, paying a fee to maintain matriculation, or petitioning for a leave of absence from the program.
In addition, students must complete all requirements detailed above within three (3) years (per Academic Regulations). If a student is unable to finish the degree requirements within 3 years, the student must petition the school for an extension of candidacy, which also must be approved by the Dean’s Office. Failure to do so may result in removal from the academic program.
Writing
Requirements
Students in EPGA have several options for completing the
writing requirement (click here for a list), including
qualifying papers, a substantial research paper, and/or a thesis. Each of
these is discussed below.
Satisfaction of the University’s comprehensive examination requirement is met through satisfactory completion of qualifying papers, as described below. If you have questions or require additional information, please contact the Department of Philosophy and Religion, x2925 or philrel@american.edu.
To meet this requirement, students must successfully complete two (2) “Qualifying Papers” (one in ethical theory or applied ethics, one in global ethics or an approved philosophy course). Qualifying papers are expanded versions of, and/or developed from, term papers written for graduate philosophy classes the student has taken in the EPGA program. Writing qualifying papers provides students with an opportunity to improve their critical thinking as well as their research and writing skills beyond what is required for satisfactory completion of a course. The Qualifying Papers requirement is meant to provide students with the opportunity to expand their knowledge of a subject area in which they are already interested, about which they have already studied in some depth, and in which they can develop further understanding and expertise. Thus, the papers should reflect a significant deepening of the thinking and/or research from that evident in the original version of the paper.
Qualifying papers also provide a foundation for those students writing a Master’s thesis, facilitating the process of selecting an appropriate topic, obtaining approval of the thesis prospectus, and then researching, and finally writing, the Master’s thesis. Qualifying papers will also ensure a broader selection of writing samples for applications to doctoral programs, and provide opportunities for advancement in the profession, such as possible publication and/or presentation at professional conferences.
General Requirements for Qualifying Papers
Students must submit their first qualifying paper electronically to the
Department of Philosophy and Religion’s administrative assistant during
their second semester of coursework (timeline below). The department will
appoint a committee of two full-time faculty members for each qualifying
paper. No late papers will be accepted. Students who miss the deadline
will be required to take a comprehensive exam two weeks later.
Students, in mandatory meetings with faculty (see below), will work on developing
and finalizing the papers. Students must submit the final version of the
qualifying paper to the Department of Philosophy and Religion’s administrative
assistant by the due date, no exceptions. Qualifying papers, on
average, are from 20 to 25 pages in length, plus bibliography. Students
must successfully complete their first qualifying paper by the end of their
first year of classes and the second paper by the first semester of the
second year.
Grading of the for Qualifying Paper
Qualifying Papers receive a grade of either “Satisfactory,”
“Distinction,” or “Not Pass.” What differentiates
a satisfactory qualifying paper from one of distinction is that the latter
meets both committee members’ standards of “publishable quality.”
Very few papers merit this very stringent standard.
Timeline for Qualifying Paper Fall 2008
Tuesday, September 2, 5pm: Deadline
for electronic submission of qualifying paper to the Department of Philosophy
and Religion’s administrative assistant (email to philrel@american.edu).
No exceptions or extensions for any reason. Therefore, you would be wise
to turn in your qualifying paper before this deadline to make sure you do
not miss it.
Week of Monday, September 15: Students who met the September 2 deadline
will attend a mandatory meeting with faculty, scheduled by the department’s
administrative assistant, to discuss the qualifying paper draft. (Students
who miss the September 2 deadline will take a Comprehensive Exam based on
Spring 2008 courses on Wednesday, September 17, 9am-1pm).
Friday, October 3: Submit an electronic, revised version, along with marked-up copies you received from your committee members, to the Department of Philosophy and Religion’s administrative assistant (philrel@american.edu).
Week of Monday, October 13: Students attend a mandatory follow-up meeting with faculty on a date and time agreed to by the committee members and the student.
Monday, November 10, 5pm: Deadline for electronic submission of the final version of the qualifying paper to the Department of Philosophy and Religion’s administrative assistant (philrel@american.edu), along with marked-up copies you received from your committee members. Failure to meet this deadline disqualifies the paper from being considered for a grade of “Distinction.” Therefore, you would be wise to turn in your paper before this deadline to make sure you do not miss it.
Once your committee members have read the final version of your qualifying paper, they will submit a grade to the department’s administrative assistant, who will then notify you of the status of your qualifying paper (Distinction, Satisfactory, Not Passed).
Timeline for Qualifying Paper Spring 2009
Wednesday, January 21, 5pm: Deadline
for electronic submission of qualifying paper to the Department of Philosophy
and Religion’s administrative assistant (email to philrel@american.edu).
No exceptions or extensions for any reason. Therefore, you would be wise
to turn in your qualifying paper before this deadline to make sure you do
not miss it.
Week of Monday, February 2: Students who met the
January 21 deadline will attend a mandatory meeting with faculty, scheduled
by the department’s administrative assistant, to discuss the qualifying
paper draft. (Students who miss the January 21 deadline will take a Comprehensive
Exam based on Fall 2008 courses on Wednesday, February 4, 9am-1pm).
Friday, February 13: Submit an electronic, revised version, along with marked-up copies you received from your committee members, to the Department of Philosophy and Religion’s administrative assistant (philrel@american.edu).
Week of Monday, February 23: Students attend a mandatory follow-up meeting with faculty on a date and time agreed to by the committee members and the student.
Monday, March 23, 5pm: Deadline for electronic submission of the final version of the qualifying paper to the Department of Philosophy and Religion’s administrative assistant (philrel@american.edu), along with marked-up copies you received from your committee members. Failure to meet this deadline disqualifies the paper from being considered for a grade of “Distinction.” Therefore, you would be wise to turn in your paper before this deadline to make sure you do not miss it.
Once your committee members have read the final version of
your qualifying paper, they will submit a grade to the department’s
administrative assistant, who will then notify you of the status of your
qualifying paper (Distinction, Satisfactory, Not Passed).
Overview
Students may
choose the 6-credit thesis option. The thesis is expected to demonstrate
the student’s capacity to do original independent work. The thesis
length varies (depending on topic, thesis advisor’s advice, and similar
considerations) but usually ranges between 50-80 pages. The student must
register for six credits of PHIL 797 Master’s Thesis
Seminar, often spread out over the last year of the program.
The Thesis Committee
The thesis will be written and revised under the guidance of a graduate
committee of two (2) full-time professors from the Dept.
of Philosophy or IPCR. One of these professors
will be the director of the committee and will be the student’s
primary advisor for the thesis. The second professor will serve as an additional
reader. Usually, the committee members will be the same as the readers of
the Qualifying Papers. The full thesis committee is expected
to meet with the student at least once for the approval of the thesis topic
and once for the thesis defense.
Thesis Process
The following is a detailed explanation of the thesis process. The student
should complete the AU
Thesis Checklist to keep track of this rather long process.
Department Regulations and Procedures:
1. Compile thesis topic ideas: The student should meet with his or her advisor to discuss thesis topics and possible committee members. Usually, the student will choose one of the Qualifying Paper topics and expand on this for the thesis.2. Meet with a two-faculty committee appointed by the department: The department will arrange a meeting with the student and the thesis committee to discuss the thesis topic and work plan.
3. Obtain topic approval: Once both members of the committee have agreed on the topic, section 1 of the Thesis Committee Form must be filled out and signed by both. The student must bring this form to Battelle 120 to be placed in his or her student file.
4. Research and write the thesis: During the writing process, the student should keep the committee members updated on the status of his or her progress, providing drafts when appropriate. Keep in mind that the writing of a thesis is a process that will likely go through several revisions before final approval.5. Formatting the thesis: The University has set guidelines for formatting that must be used. This Guide to the Preparation of Theses and Dissertations also refers to A Manual for Writers of Term Papers, Theses, and Dissertations by Kate L. Turabian, and the department strongly urges all students to obtain a copy of this manual and to refer to it while writing the thesis.
6. Defending the written thesis: Once the student’s thesis committee has approved the final version of the written thesis, an oral defense is held, attended minimally by both committee members and the student, although anyone may be invited (no approval required, but as a courtesy it is suggested that the names of invitees be shared with the committee members and the defending student). It is the student’s responsibility to make the arrangements for the defense (i.e., date, time, location, etc.). If the student successfully defends the thesis, section 2 of the Thesis Committee Form should be filled out and signed (student should pick this up in Battelle 120 before the defense).
If the student does not successfully defend the thesis, he or she
must meet with the thesis committee members to discuss the
reasons, make necessary revisions, and set up a second defense date.University Regulations and Deadlines:
1. Submit thesis to the CAS Dean’s Office: Once the student has successfully defended the thesis and made any editorial changes suggested by his or her committee, the thesis moves on to the dean’s office before its final destination, the library. This initial copy of the thesis is considered a draft and does not need to be on acid-free, cotton-rag paper. Once the dean’s office returns the draft, the student makes all formatting corrections and prints the thesis on acid-free, cotton-rag paper. This is the final version of the thesis. The student needs to obtain appropriate department signatures on the title page, and then fills out a Thesis/Dissertation Completion Form, making sure to sign the form and to obtain the “School/Department Signature.” Take this form along with the final thesis to the CAS Dean’s office (Battelle, 3rd floor).2. Student Accounts: Once the thesis has been approved and signed by the Dean’s office, the student takes the Completion Form to the Office of Student Accounts to pay the $25 fee and obtain a Cashier’s Stamp on the form.
3. Registrar’s Office: The student then takes the form to the Registrar’s Office to obtain a signature on the “Registrar—Cleared for Graduation” line.
4. University Library: Finally, the student delivers the thesis with original title page, one xerox copy of title page and abstract, as well as the University Microfilm Form and the Completion Form to the University Library.
Timetable:
Please note that these are based on the current academic year and will change slightly from year to year. For updated information, go to the calendar section of the Schedule of Classes.
Action Fall 2008 Spring 2009 Summer 2009 Complete draft due to committee members October 13, 2008 February 23, 2009 Date agreed upon by student and members Thesis due in dean’s office November 7, 2008 March 30, 2009 July 17, 2009 Thesis due in the registrar’s office December 5, 2008 April 28, 2009 August 6, 2009
For SIS Writing Option:
Substantial Research Paper (SRP) Guidelines
Substantial Research
Paper Guidelines
Organization of the SRP Research Document
Guidelines for submitting your SIS MA Thesis
Internship Coordinator
There are several individuals who may assist students in the internship process. Students may consult with Ellen Feder, Internship Coordinator in the Department of Philosophy and Religion, as well as John Charles in the Career Center. The IPCR program office also maintains an active list of possible internship organizations, including organizations where alumni currently work. Should a student decide to do an internship for credit, that student will need to have a faculty supervisor and should acquire the appropriate forms for registration from the academic advisor.
Selected Internship Sites in Washington, DC
Academy for Educational Development
American Academy for the Advancement of Science
Brookings Institution
Carnegie Endowment for International Peace
Center for Advanced Studies
Ethics Resource Center
Institute for Policy Studies
Institute for Women’s Policy Research
Institute of Religion and Public Policy
National Institute of Health
Nonviolence International
Public Defender Service
Search for Common Ground
Urban Institute
U.S. Congress
U.S. Department of Education
U.S. Department of State
U.S. Institute of Peace
Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars
It is important to start thinking now about what you would like to accomplish in your internship semester. The clearer your objectives, the more likely it is that you will find the right place. Since you are working toward your MA, you should think of the internship as an element of your training that reflects both your competence in theoretical work and your ability to apply that theory in evaluating current problems and issues. In thinking about what sort of internship to pursue, let your interests determine which place can offer you the richest experience. To accomplish this, you need to start your search in the Spring Semester of your first year. AU has an excellent Career and Internship Office that can assist you in your initial search. Once you’ve identified the appropriate site, visit and meet with people – maybe you can talk to someone who is currently interning there. Speak with the internship supervisors at the site, and discuss with them your academic interests to find out whether there is any work and research to be done in your area. If so, Congratulations!!! If not, keep looking!!! Finding the perfect match could lead to future employment!
Requirements
and Procedures FOR PHILOSOPHY
Requirements
1. To earn 3 credits, you are expected to work 16 hours per week for 12
consecutive weeks.
2. The majority of your time should be devoted to substantive work. No more than 15% of your time should be spent doing clerical work. You must appreciate, however, that at many non-profit organizations, and in legal settings, for example, answering phones and filing papers and even making photocopies is not mere “clerical work.” This is work shared by members of the organization as a whole, and may exceed the “15% rule.” In these cases, it is important to appreciate that this is not simply “grunt work,” but labor essential to the particular job or the running of the organization, and so, it is essential to your experience of working in and learning about, a particular field or work environment
3. You must successfully complete a substantive paper of 25-30 pages, which includes a bibliography and theoretical analysis of the internship experience.
4. At the end of the internship, the student must provide his or her supervisor with an Internship Program Evaluation Form, which the employer should fill out, sign and fax to the internship coordinator. At the same time, the student should fill out a Faculty Evaluation form and return it to the internship coordinator.
Procedures
1. Find an internship.
2. Fill out an Internship Registration Form, which the registrar’s office requires in order to register for an internship. Obtain the appropriate department signatures.
3. Fill out an Internship Consent and Release Form and submit to the registrar’s office with the form above.
4. Submit a reading list to the internship coordinator.
5. Submit the final paper and all evaluations no later than the last day of classes.
Requirements
and Procedures FOR SIS
Minimum Requirements
• American University specifies that “typical minima for the
field experience are: 8-10 hours per week for 1-2 credits; 15-16 hours per
week for 3 credits; and 20-24 hours per week for 6 credits. In each case
students work throughout the term (12 weeks or more).” SIS has typically
interpreted this to mean 60 hours of service is the minimum requirement
for each registered credit (ex. 3 credits = 180 hours)
• Service hours should lie between the first and last class days of
the semester in which the internship is registered (consult your advisor
for exceptions)
• Up to 6 credits may be applied towards degree requirements, however
consult with your advisor prior to registering for more than 3 credits (3
credits can be applied to the research requirement if minimum grade of “B”
is achieved, and 3 additional credits may possibly be able to fulfill an
elective requirement)
• Service provided for your internship must be related to your field,
and should consist of at least 85% substantive work (ex. research, report
writing, etc.)
Registration Procedures
• Students are responsible for finding a faculty supervisor to determine
the academic requirements and grade the internship, and are encouraged to
do so as early as possible
• Create a unique title to appear on your transcript (must be no longer
than 30 characters, including spaces)
• Complete all spaces on the Registration
Form, Consent
and Release Form, and the Preregistration Form; incomplete forms/signatures
will delay the registration process. You do NOT need to obtain the Co-op
(unless as indicated below) or the Dept/Dean signature
• Return the completed forms to your advisor (usually due by the 4th
Monday of each semester - check the Schedule of Classes to verify the date)
• Copies of hiring letters and/or job descriptions should be submitted
with registration paperwork
Important Information
• Credit registration can be divided between semesters (ex. 2 credits
in the Fall, 1 credit in the Spring) except for international students (per
SEVIS regulations)
• Tuition cost for the internship is based on the number of credits
registered
• The Graduate Advising Office will send evaluation forms to the internship
supervisors each semester, and will forward completed forms to faculty supervisors
• For assistance with learning more about the process of obtaining
internships, contact the Career Center (Butler Pavilion 5th floor, ph: 202-885-1800).
Ultimately the responsibility of finding an internship lies with the student
• Current employment (if applicable to the student’s program)
may be used for internship credit, however this typically requires taking
on or initiating an additional project(s) (students must consult with their
advisor to determine if this is appropriate)
• Internships with any portion taking place overseas require attending
a brief Health & Safety Orientation at the Career Center (Butler Pavilion,
5th floor, 202-885-1800), and obtain Co-op Office signature on the registration
form
For International Students on an F-1 or J-1 Visa
• Students are required to obtain a signature of approval on the Consent
and Release Form from the International Student and Scholar Services Office
(Butler Pavilion 4th floor, ph: 202-885-3350) before paperwork can be processed
and internship begins
• For paid internships only students need to obtain the Curricular
Practical Training (CPT) Departmental Internship Verification Form from
the ISSS Office and submit it to their academic advisor in SIS to complete
Independent Study will only be approved in special cases for students whose projects require them. Any student considering an independent study must first receive approval from the following:
and fill out an Independent Study Registration Form.
ANSWERS TO COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How do I set up <my.american.edu> and e-mail accounts?
My.american.edu is a password-protected web site giving students access to their records and other useful university information. To set up an account, go to my.american.edu, click on the Create A New Account link at the bottom right of the page and follow the instructions. E-mail accounts are automatically created for all students and are accessible through my.american.edu. In most cases, the e-mail address is the student’s first and last initials, followed by the last four digits of his or her AU ID number, followed by “a”. The initial password is the student’s six-digit birth date (MMDDYY). For example, the e-mail and password for a student named Immanuel Kant with an AU ID number of 1234567 and a birth date of 01/23/1724, would be ik4567a@american.edu and 012324.
Who do I need to contact if I move or change e-mail accounts?
If your contact information changes while you’re a student at AU, please fill out a university change of address form (available at my.american.edu under the “Student Snapshot" under the "Academics” link). In addition, contact the Department of Philosophy and Religion or the Division of IPRC either by phone or e-mail with your new contact information. As a courtesy, you should also provide this information to the Graduate Advisor, Internship Coordinator, and either your thesis or internship advisor, as appropriate, so that we can keep you up to date on current graduate information.
Where
do I get information about course offerings?
Course offerings for each semester are available on-line at my.american.edu
under Course Registration. The Schedule
of Classes link provides course information, such as time, location,
instructor, course availability (open or closed) and a brief description
in some cases. General course descriptions are also available in the University
Catalog. In addition, the Department prints a Philosophy
and Religion Course Offerings brochure with more
detailed descriptions of courses being offered. The brochure is also available
in the main office at the beginning of each registration period .You can
find out more specific information about the course offerings from the SIS
faculty and specifically IPCR faculty by contacting the IPCR office. Contact
the professor teaching the course for additional information and syllabus.
Feel free to speak to any faculty member in the EPGA program in seeking advice on substantive issues. All faculty hold office hours and welcome students to visit, whether it be to seek advice about courses, assignments, research topics and interests, future career plans, or simply to get to know the professor and the department better. However, when it comes to administrative issues, such as specific requirements or procedures, please contact either the graduate advisors, the program coordinators, or the administrative assistants in Philosophy or IPCR.
How do I register for classes?
The Registrar’s office requires that all graduate students register EVERY Fall and Spring semester until they officially graduate, in order to maintain their standing as students in the department, NO EXCEPTIONS. This means that you must do one of the following each Fall and Spring semester:
How do I satisfy my methods requirements?
You may take either a quantitative methods course, or an approved qualitative methods course. The choice is yours!
What is the "tool of research" requirement?
A tool of research is a skill valuable for conducting research in a given field, for example a foreign language, statistics, or research seminar. This tool must be relevant to the student’s particular research. For all EPGA students, the research methods requirement (above) meets the tool of research requirement. No other tests or coursework are required, nor is a foreign language.
With the approval of your advisor and one faculty member, you may substitute courses should circumstances warrant such a change.
May I do my internship or independent study abroad?
Absolutely. If you take the initiative, it can be done.
How and when do I apply for graduation?
Apply for graduation by filling out the online "Apply to Graduate" form available through my.american.edu (under the Academics link). For Fall semester graduation (December), the deadline for applications is usually mid September; for Spring semester (May), it is usually mid January; and for Summer (August), it is usually mid May. For current deadlines, go to the registrar’s Web site. Once you submit your application for graduation to the Registrar’s office, the appropriate unit (Dept. of Philosophy & Religion or IPCR) will receive notification from them and will verify your eligibility for graduation. Please note that commencenment ceremonies are only offered for Spring graduation; if you intend to walk in the ceremonies, you will need to apply for a Spring graduation. After the Registrar’s office receives verification from the unit, you will be sent specific graduation ceremony information (ordering cap and gown, etc.) when it is available.
How do I find information about jobs?
Information on university job openings can be found on the Human Resources web site. For jobs in the DC area, try the American University Career Center, 202-885-1800, Butler Pavilion 5th Floor, or the Washington Post. Listserves at the university also announce a variety of job openings and internship opportunities.
How do I find information about post-graduate grants?
Contact Paula Warrick in the Office of Merit Awards at 202-885-1817.
DEPARTMENTAL AND UNIVERSITY INFORMATION
Both the Department of Philosophy and IPCR receive from the University a limited amount of financial assistance, which they apportion according to merit, generally when students enter the program. Some students receive full coverage of their tuition (tuition remission), some partial tuition, and some worthy students receive no aid. In addition, some students receive a stipend. The department also has limited teaching and research assistant positions available. Those who do not receive aid may be able to find work elsewhere at the University or in the Washington, DC area.
Students who need additional financial assistance in the form of loans should fill out the FAFSA early and contact the Financial Aid Office for details (202-885-6100, located in the Hamilton building).
For most financial aid awards (as well as
for deferring previous federal loans), the student must be registered as
full-time (occasionally half-time) status. However, during the last semester
or two of study, many students only need to register for a few credits while
continuing work on the thesis or finishing up the last few degree requirements.
In these cases, the student is studying full-time, but only enrolled part-time.
To maintain financial aid availability, fill out the Certification of
Full-Time or Half-Time Status form available at the Registrar’s
office or the unit offices.
Program Conferences and Activities
Specific Projects of Ethics, Peace and Global Affairs
The Society of Ethics, Peace, and Global Affairs (SEPGA)
The Society of Ethics, Peace, and Global Affairs (SEPGA) is the student
organization for the EPGA Program. The group is full of diverse interests
and uses the club as a gathering place to build community and grow in knowledge
together, outside of the classroom. SEPGA gathers weekly at Monday Lounges.
The Lounges range from study opportunities to roundtable discussions with
guest speakers on contemporary issues like trafficking and child rights
or teach-ins on topics such as “how to write a critical review.”
SEPGA also provides EPGA students with a voice on the faculty panel of the
International Peace and Conflict Resolution Program.
New and Continuing Student Orientation
At the beginning of each semester
International Ethics Student Presentation Series
At the end of the academic year, students present papers from courses or
reports from internships/ travel abroad.
International Studies Association Annual Meeting and
other conferences
Students are encouraged and supported in participating in annual conferences;
in the past, students have presented papers as individuals and as part of
an AU contingent.
Student Buddy Program
Students seeking academic or professional assistance are paired with another
student in the program, or with a recent graduate willing to provide informal
support.
Ethics in Action Speaker Series
At least once a semester, outside speakers are brought in to discuss contemporary
ethics issues.
Offered by the Department
of Philosophy
Offered by IPCR, SIS
Conflict
Resolution Skills Institutes
Conflict Resolution Skills Institutes focus on the intervention, training
and consultation methods used by conflict resolution practitioners. These
intensive training courses prepare participants to work with international,
community and public policy conflicts. Training takes place over a single
weekend and is interactive and experiential. Participants develop skills
in a hands-on format that includes role playing, simulations, and case studies.
Topics vary from year to year but have included basic skills of conflict
resolution, mediation, facilitation, gender and conflict, peacebuilding
through the arts, and trauma, healing and recovery.
Peacebuilding
and Development Summer Institute
The Peacebuilding and Development Summer Institute provides knowledge, practical
experience and skills for professionals, teachers and students involved
in conflict resolution, peacebuilding, humanitarian assistance and development.
The Summer Institute will focus on various approaches to mediation, negotiation,
facilitation, reconciliation and dialogue, particularly in conflict-torn
and developing regions. Participants will explore innovative methods of
promoting cultural diversity with respect to public policy, community and
religion, war and post-conflict environments, while expanding their knowledge
and skills in a participatory and interactive learning environment. Participants
in the Summer Institute will be exposed to leading national and international
professionals in the fields of public policy, conflict resolution and development.
Journal
for Peacebuilding and Development
The Journal of Peacebuilding and Development (JPD) is a tri-annual journal
providing a forum for the sharing of critical thinking and constructive
action on issues at the intersections of conflict, development, and peace.
JPD aims to discover and examine the tools that will make this possible--the
shared values that can be nurtured and promoted, the common aims and strategies
that can be jointly pursued. Facilitating interaction between practitioners,
activists and policy-makers, JPD will highlight transformative approaches
that are taking place at different levels, while seeking convergence on
paradoxical issues. The publication endeavors to capture and examine critical
peacebuilding and development topics and questions that challenge our era.
American
University Mediation Services
American University's Mediation Services (AUMS) provides a forum to all
students, staff, and faculty in which to creatively process and resolve
conflict rather than allowing hostilities to build toward violence and/or
adjudication.
Each semester, AUMS conducts a weekend-long (20 hours) basic mediation skills training. This training is open to all students, staff, and faculty who wish to attend. This training is mandatory for all individuals who wish to become AUMS volunteer mediators. The training explores theories in mediation, the AUMS mediation process and model, and practical experience in mediating disputes. AUMS often conducts workshops with classes, groups, and organizations within the campus community on various methods of conflict resolution.
American
University Center for Global Peace
The mission of the Center for Global Peace is to provide a framework for
programs and initiatives that advance the study and understanding of world
peace grounded in a search for a sustainable world order. The center undertakes
a range of activities both on and off campus aimed at advancing our understanding
of world peace. The center provides a forum for deliberating about contemporary
issues and is dedicated to innovation in scholarship, teaching and policy
analysis, and community service.
The Center for Global Peace, working in close association with the Mohammed Said Farsi Chair of Islamic Peace, focuses its work on two levels: 1) Dialogue with educators, policy makers and the media; and 2) Long-term transformation of key educational institutions in the U.S. and overseas to provide a balanced inquiry that recognizes the valuable contributions of both Western and Arab/Islamic histories, philosophies and approaches, while shaping the thought processes of future leaders. We believe that the two foci are complementary and necessary in order to cultivate a shift in the societal consciousness away from war and toward peace and justice. Our projects reflect the dual focus, addressing both public policy and long-term educational transformation.
Faculty: Department of Philosophy and Religion
Faculty: International Peace and Conflict Resolution
Important Dates for Graduate Students
For up-to-date information, go to AU Academic Calendar
Fall 2008
8/25 M Classes begin
8/29 F Late registration ends
9/2 T Deadline for electronic submission of qualifying
paper to the
department’s administrative assistant
9/8 M Last day to add course or change grade option
9/8 M Last day to drop course without a "W"
9/8 M Last day to drop a Fall course and receive a 100%
refund
9/15 M Last day to drop a Fall course and receive a 50%
refund
9/22 M Last day to drop a Fall course and receive 25% refund
10/13 M Last day to submit complete draft of thesis to
committee members
10/24 F Last day to drop a course
11/7 F Theses & dissertations due to Dean's office
for review
11/10 M Deadline for electronic submission of the final
version of the
qualifying paper to the department’s administrative assistant
12/5 F Last day of classes
12/5 F Theses & dissertations due to Registrar for
Fall graduation.
Spring 2009
1/12 M Spring classes begin.
1/16 F Late registration ends
1/16 F Last day to apply for Spring 2005 graduation
1/21 W Deadline for electronic submission of qualifying
paper to the
department’s administrative assistant
1/26 M Last day to add a course or change grade option
1/26 M Last day to drop a course without a "W"
1/26 M Last day to drop a Spring course and receive 100%
refund.
2/2 M Last day to drop a Spring course and receive 50%
refund.
2/9 M Last day to drop a Spring course and receive 25%
refund.
2/23 M Last day to submit complete draft of thesis to committee
members
3/6 F Last day to drop a course
3/23 M Deadline for electronic submission of the final
version of the
qualifying paper to the department’s administrative assistant
3/30 M Theses & dissertations due to Dean's office
for review
4/28 T Last day of classes
4/28 T Theses & dissertations due to Registrar for
Spring graduation.
5/10 Su Spring Commencement
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