Symposia

From time to time, the Office of Global Affairs will help convene Brandeis faculty from across schools and departments to think broadly about international issues and their impact on higher education. Topics might include individual scholarship, faculty development, research collaboration, global learning in the curriculum, and experiential education -- as well as the specific implications for Brandeis as a global institution. In this symposia series, we hope that faculty can have a chance to talk and learn together, in an open and thought-provoking setting.

The first symposium was held on April 8 & 9, 2008. Titled "The Global: Implications for Research and the Curriculum," it was designed as a wide-ranging beginning to the conversation, encompassing all aspects of university life. The symposium was built upon the multi-dimensional work of Arjun Appadurai '70, a renowned anthropologist and Brandeis alumnus. Prof. Appadurai is currently the Goddard Professor of Media, Culture, and Communication at New York University.

A second event was held on November 2 & 3, 2009, featuring visiting Professor Kris Olds (University of Wisconsin-Madison). "The Global: Knowledge Spaces and Places" examined the effects of cross-border education (including branch campuses and distance learning) on everything from regional politics to academic freedom.

The most recent event was held on March 4 & 5, 2010 and focused on the expertise Professor Darla Deardorff of Duke University and the Association of International Education Administrators.  The symposium emphasized on "global" and "inter-cultural" competence. Universities, organizations, and businesses are faced the with challenges of educating and training their students and employees in a diverse environment. The symposium, "The Global: Developing an Intercultural Mindset," focused on the work Prof. Deardorff.  

Please use the links at the right to find further information about each event.