The US Department of State's Study of the United States
Institutes (SUSI) for Faculty are intensive multinational programmes for
university faculty and other related scholars with little or no experience
in the US to deepen their understanding of American society, culture and
institutions.
Half-a-dozen six week Study of the United States Institutes for Faculty,
each focussed on a particular theme or topic in American studies, are
held at university campuses throughout the United States during the American
summer. 18 university faculty and scholars from different countries are
invited to participate in each institute.
Each programme includes two components: an intensive, four-week academic
seminar and a two-week study tour designed to reinforce the academic content
of the seminar. Cultural activities complement the programmes and help
to increase the participants' understanding of US society.
The goal of these institutes is to strengthen curricula and improve the
quality of teaching about the United States in academic institutions abroad.
2008 Institutes
Six Study of the United States Institutes for Faculty are offered in
2008, to be held over the course of six weeks beginning in June:
SUSI
on American Civilization
New
York University (TBC)
To provide a deeper understanding
of US society, culture, values and institutions.
This programme examines some of the critical historical epochs, movements,
issues and conflicts that have influenced the development of the US
nation and its people and includes a strong contemporary component,
particularly current political, social and economic issues and debates.
The complexity and heterogeneous nature of American society is highlighted,
as well as the institutions and values that have enabled the nation
to accommodate that diversity.
SUSI
on American Politics and Political Thought
Host
institution TBC
To provide insight into
how intellectual and political movements have influenced modern American
political institutions.
This institute will provide an overview of political thought during
the founding period (constitutional foundations), and the development
and current functioning of the American presidency, Congress and the
federal judiciary. The examination of political institutions should
be expanded to include the electoral system, political parties and
interest groups, the civil service system, media and think tanks,
or the welfare/regulatory state. The institute will address modern
political and cultural issues in the United States (including but
not limited to civil rights, women's rights, immigration, etc.) and
the significance of public discourse in the formulation of public
policy.
SUSI
on Contemporary American Literature
Host
institution TBC
To provide a deeper understanding
of U.S. society and culture, past and present, through an examination
of contemporary American literature.
This institute's purpose is twofold: to explore contemporary American
writers and writing in a variety of genres; and to suggest how the
themes explored in those works reflect larger currents within contemporary
American society and culture. The program will explore the diversity
of the American literary landscape, examining how major contemporary
writers, schools and movements reflect the traditions of the American
literary canon. At the same time, the programme will expose participants
to writers who represent a departure from that tradition, and who
are establishing new directions for American literature.
SUSI
on US Foreign Policy
Host
institution TBC
To provide a deeper understanding
of how US foreign policy is formulated and implemented with an emphasis
on the post Cold War period.
This institute will begin with a review of the historical development
of US foreign policy and cover significant events, individuals and
philosophies that have dominated US foreign policy. In addition, the
institute will explain the role of key players in the field of foreign
policy including the executive and legislative branches, the media,
public opinion, think-tanks, non-governmental and international organizations
and how these players debate, cooperate, influence policy and are
held accountable. Regional sessions for the entire group, highlighting
salient topics such as energy security and environmental policy in
Europe; trade and human rights issues in Asia; foreign aid and humanitarian
assistance in Africa; drug trafficking and immigration issues for
the Western Hemisphere; and combating terrorism in the Near East and
South Asia are among the relevant issues that might be explored. In
addition, sessions focusing on current issues such as nuclear disarmament,
the Middle East peace process, or US military actions would be appropriate.
SUSI
on Journalism and Media
University
of Florida, Gainesville (TBC)
To provide a deeper understanding
of journalism's and the media's roles in US society.
The institute will examine major topics in journalism, including the
concept of a "free press," First Amendment rights, and the
media's relationship to the public interest. The legal and ethical
questions posed by journalism will be incorporated into every aspect
of the institute. The institute will cover strategies for teaching
students of journalism the basics of the tradecraft: researching,
reporting, writing, and editing. The programme will also highlight
technology's impact on journalism, addressing the influence of the
Internet, the globalization of the news media, the growth of satellite
television and radio networks, and other advances in media that are
transforming the profession.
SUSI
on Religious Pluralism in the United States
Host institution
TBC
To provide a deeper understanding
of US society and culture, past and present, through an examination
of religious pluralism in the United States and its intersection with
American democracy.
Employing a multi-disciplinary approach, drawing on fields such as
history, political science, sociology, anthropology, law and others
where appropriate, the program will explore both the historical and
contemporary relationship between church and state in the United States;
examine the ways in which religious thought and practice have influenced,
and been influenced by, the development of American-style democracy;
examine the intersections of religion and politics in the United States
in such areas as elections, public policy, and foreign policy; and
explore the sociology and demography of religion in the United States
today, including a survey of the diversity of contemporary religious
beliefs and its impact on American politics.
Eligibility
To be eligible, you must:
be a highly-motivated and experienced mid-career professional (typically
between the ages of 25-50) from an institution of higher education
have little or no experience in the US
have substantial knowledge of the thematic area of the institute you
are applying for
intend to incorporate knowledge gained from the institute into academic
curricula of your home institution
show professional distinction, leadership potential and the ability
to be a cultural ambassador for New Zealand
meet the citizenship requirements for this award:
Citizenship requirements
You are eligible if you…
You are not eligible if you…
are a New Zealand citizen living in any country other than the US*
are not a New Zealand citizen
are a New Zealand citizen living in the US
hold both New Zealand and US citizenship/permanent residency
* Overseas applicants unable to attend an interview in person may be disadvantaged
Preference will be given to candidates who have not had extensive recent experience
in the US.
If you do receive an award, you must complete US immigration documentation from
within New Zealand.
Entitlement
return airfare to the US
full costs of programme participation - domestic travel and ground
transportation, book, cultural, mailing and incidental allowances, housing
and subsistence (accommodation will be in a shared hotel room during
the two week study tour)
basic health and accident insurance cover up to US$50,000
Award
conditions
Participants are expected to participate fully in the programme. They
must attend all lectures and organized activities, and complete assigned
readings.
Family members and/or friends cannot accompany participants on any
part of the program.
Application process
complete the application form below and send it to us by the deadline
attach a curriculum vitae (CV)
Fulbright New Zealand will review applications and nominate one candidate
per institute to the US Department of State
candidates not selected for nomination by Fulbright New Zealand will
be advised in mid-February
nominated candidates will be advised of the final outcome of their
application by mid-March
Fulbright New Zealand has Campus Advisers
stationed on all major New Zealand campuses. Our Advisers are all Fulbright
alumni who are available to discuss their exchange experiences with students
and staff, as well as to give basic information about our awards.
studyofus-fac-appl.doc
(229kB)
