Press Release: Study Abroad Collaboration between National Geographic Explorers and CRDC

The Center for World Religions, Diplomacy, and Conflict Resolution at George Mason University’s School for Conflict Analysis and Resolution is pleased to announce an exciting new class in collaboration with National Geographic Explorers.

In 2014, for the first time ever, our annual trip to Israel and Palestine will feature National Geographic Explorers as guest lecturers on this unique study abroad experience. Students who participate in the course, titled "Interdisciplinary Approaches to Social Change," can receive credit for conflict resolution, sociology, anthropology, political science, or biology electives.

Previously “Reflective Practice in Israel/Palestine,” this seminar will once again be led by CRDC’s director, Dr. Marc Gopin, and will give students the opportunity to be part of an ongoing peacebuilding intervention between Palestinians and Israelis, incorporating people at all levels of society. As they engage in this experience, students will reflect on what it means to be a practitioner and encounter the integration of theory, research, and practice.

Three National Geographic Explorers -- Aziz Abu Sarah, Dr. Iain Couzin, and Dr. Beverly Goodman -- will join Dr. Gopin to present diverse perspectives on change at both the micro and macro levels.

This class is open to undergraduate, graduate, and Ph.D. students from any university and to non-students as a professional development seminar. If you’d like to learn more about the course and how it might fit into your plan of study, please contact Michelle Everson at [email protected].