F2710 Leadership & Community (3 credits)
Today’s leaders are innovators—people who create innovative solutions to society’s most pressing problems. The successful leader will mobilize members of a community or team to effectively enact change even in times of crisis and uncertainty.  Scholars argue that a robust social capital (sense of trust, norms, and shared values) aids community development and innovation.  This course explores the relationship between leadership and community innovation along with the following questions: How do communities innovate? What is the impact of leadership on community innovation?  How does the culture or social capital of a community affect innovation? How do communities utilize social capital and innovation to navigate times of crisis and uncertainty? Students have the unique opportunity to intermix classroom learning with meetings with real world entrepreneurs and social entrepreneurs who are creating systemic change to business and society.

F2721 THE COMPARATIVE STUDY OF PEACE, CONFLICT & RELIGION (3-4 credits)

This course explores the vitally important question of the role of religion in contemporary world affairs. We shall place special focus on the comparative assessment of religion’s impact both on conflict creation and conflict resolution. In what ways has religious faith engendered economic, political, and military conflict; in what ways has religion served a peace-making function in contemporary social and political life; and what is the impact of leaders’ actions/decisions?  We live, as one noted commentator remarks, in a world awash with the claims of religious truth. We shall assess in an objective manner, free both from any proselytizing and from a presumptive cynicism about religious faith, critically important questions for the global community today. 

The course introduces you to key concepts and theories complemented by engaging site visits and guest speakers. As we explore the rich history the Czech Republic and surrounding countries, we have the opportunity to explore the real-world consequences of political and religious leaders’ decisions and actions. 

Courses open to all majors.

​

This course is taught in English and fully accredited and earns 4 US/ 8 ECTS university credits . Transcripts are issued by Charles University, the oldest university in Eastern Europe. Most students are able to transfer credit from the program as long as arrangements are made in advance with their home university. Please consult your home university prior to attending the program for specific details on transferring credit