Leadership and Global Engagement

Course Description

The world is a complicated place and leaders must address a myriad 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, students will examine complex international issues including security and terrorism, global trade, human rights, nuclear proliferation, environmental challenges, and other issues related to the global community. Employing a “hands-on” curriculum that includes case studies, simulations, role-plays, deliberations, panel discussions and group projects, students will gain a better understanding of global issues while also being empowered to see how they can effect change in their own community. Students will leave the course with increased confidence in their ability to discuss and deliberate complicated Issues with people from diverse backgrounds, experiences and points of view. Understanding the interconnectedness of the global village is essential in fomenting socially responsible leaders, and special attention will be given to the different types of leadership styles that have been used to confront these issues examining both historical and current models. 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 craft an Action Plan to engage a pressing global issue. This course is ideal for students interested in international relations, diplomacy, and global affairs.

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. Enrollment in this program requires several hours of online engagement prior to campus arrival. This online participation can be completed at any time where internet access is available. Once on campus, participants can look forward to full days in a community of engaged and curious learners.

Prerequisites: None required.

Dr. John Bierbaum teaches World History, Psychology, and AP Psychology at Normal Community West High School in Normal, Illinois. He earned both his MA in History and Doctorate in Teaching and Learning from Illinois State University. In addition to teaching at the secondary level for fifteen years and becoming a National Certified Board Teacher in 2011, he was a finalist for Illinois Teacher of the Year in 2013. For the past fifteen years, he has been the head Mock Trial coach, sponsors a local Not In Our School club, and is a team captain for a local non-profit that provides training for teenagers interested in community based leadership training. He has worked with the Choices Education Program at the Watson International Institute at Brown University and implements curriculum workshops for his local school district.

Kelly Keogh was born in Nashville, TN. He graduated from Father Ryan High School and St. Ambrose University in Davenport, IA, where he earned a B.A. in History. Kelly earned an M.S. in Diplomatic History from Illinois State University in Normal, IL and is a National Board Certified Teacher. For the past thirty-five years Kelly has taught International Relations, AP US Government and Politics, Regional World Studies, World Geography and US History. Kelly’s passion for foreign policy and diplomacy has led him to working with the Choices Education Program at Brown University’s Watson International Institute since1998 where he has written curriculum units and performed teacher workshops for the program.