Indonesia: Civil Society, Democracy and Sustainable Development
Summer 2010 dates: TBDUNIV 318B (3 credits)
Indonesia is a diverse nation consisting of over 17,000 islands and the largest Islamic nation in the world. Due to the inspirational people-power protests championed by civil society leaders Indonesia in 1998, Indonesia became the world's third largest democracy in 2000. The challenges of promoting democracy and sustainable development in the developing world are best exemplified by the case of Indonesia. This innovative study abroad experience will enable students to meet with Indonesia's notable civil society leaders and development practitioners working on democracy, sustainable development, human rights, and women's issues.
The course will begin in Jakarta, Indonesia's capital, where students will learn about the current ecological, economic, political, and social context shaping the prospects for sustainable development, human rights, women's rights, and political reform. During the second week of the program, students will travel to the traditional Javanese capital in Yogyakarta, Central Java, where students will meet with leading community development organizations working on appropriate technology, ecologically sound agriculture, micro-finance, and women's empowerment issues. Student will also visit renowned archeological, cultural and religious sites at Borobudor and Prambanan and see cultural performances of Hindu and Javanese artists and dancers.
Finally, during the third week of the program, students will travel to the island of Bali to see first-hand the development challenges of this idyllic island and the challenges posed by tourism on development that protects and supports the indigenous Balinese culture. It is proposed that students will have the opportunity to participate in a home-stay experience with a local family.
Faculty & Staff
This three-week study abroad program will be taught by Dr. James V. Riker, Director of Beyond the Classroom Living and Learning Program in the Office of Undergraduate Studies. Dr. Riker is a former Fulbright Scholar to Indonesia and presently serves on the international board of the International NGO Forum on Indonesian Development (INFID), the leading development and human rights network in Indonesia.
Beyond the Classroom (BTC) is an interdisciplinary living and learning program that prepares undergraduate students to understand how they can contribute to civic engagement and social change in a global context (www.BeyondTheClassroom.umd.edu). By offering academic and real world experiences focused on understanding the role of the civil society sector, the program enables students to broaden their educational perspective on key civic issues and to develop their professional leadership skills.
Please contact Dr. Riker with questions about course content or itinerary.
For all other questions and pre-departure information, contact the Study Abroad Office.