The University of Akron, International Partners Announce “The Global Classroom”
First Political Science Course Simulcast on Four Continents
News Release
Akron, OH (October 26, 2017) – Taking technology to a new level in order to enhance the learning and understanding among cultures in the world of politics, The University of Akron (UA) today announced the launch of The Global Classroom, the first political science course of its kind that will be simulcast on four continents.
The Global Classroom, inspired by the successful Campaign Battleground class at the Ray C. Bliss Institute of Applied Politics at UA, will utilize real-time, interactive videoconferencing and data sharing technologies to bridge four international locations into a highly collaborative teaching and learning environment.
Faculty and students in each location will be able to interact and openly exchange information and ideas. There will be weekly guest speakers ranging from political journalists and campaign consultants to judges, law enforcement and local/federal government officials.
“As much as any time in our history, we need to encourage and facilitate international engagement among our youth,” stated University of Akron President Matthew J. Wilson. “This initiative gives Ohio students an opportunity to directly interact with peers whose political experiences and perceptions may be vastly different from their own.”
In 2016, political professionals and students from all over the world came to UA’s Bliss Institute as international fellows to study and cover the United States presidential election. From this experience, constituents realized that they didn’t want the political conversations to end once Election Day was over.
Dr. John Green, director of the Bliss Institute, and Assistant Lecturer Gerald Austin and others at UA spent the past year approaching colleagues on three other continents with the goal of leveraging technology and academic curiosity to create a completely unique political science course. The aspiration is to increase international communication and understanding of political structures and sentiments prominent in the 21st century.
“The Global Classroom uses cutting edge technology to literally make the world smaller,” explained Green. “It provides a wonderful opportunity for students on four continents to learn about politics together and from each other.”
The international partners joining UA for the inaugural Global Classroom, beginning Jan. 30, 2018, are Fundação Armando Alvares Penteado (FAAP) in São Paulo, Brazil; University of Pretoria, South Africa; and Le Mans Université, Le Mans, France.
Joining Green and Austin from UA are a number of skilled teachers from around the world. Each week an instructor will preside over the discussion, and students from that instructor’s university will review the current events in their country. Instructors include:
- Eliane Elmaleh, a professor in American civilization, Maud Michaud, who lectures in British history and colonial history, William Gleeson, associate professor of American History, and Delphine Letort, an English professor, all from Le Mans Université;
- Professor Maxi Schoeman, deputy dean of humanities, and lecturer Roland Henwood, who teaches South African politics and policy, both of the University of Pretoria;
- Fernanda Magnotta, who focuses on international affairs and analysis, and Carlos Gustavo Poggio Teixeira, who has a doctorate in international studies, both of FAAP.
In consideration of time zones, the class will be held at 9 a.m. EST, meeting once per week for 2 ½ to 3 hours. The course is available to UA undergraduates, graduates and those continuing their education, and will be worth three credits.
About The Ray C. Bliss Institute of Applied Politics
The Ray C. Bliss Institute of Applied Politics is a bipartisan research and teaching institute dedicated to increasing understanding of the political process with special emphasis on political parties, grassroots activity, and ethical behavior.
About The University of Akron
The University of Akron (UA) is the region’s most influential public research university, contributing to the resurgence of the local economy, providing a highly skilled workforce, and known for an innovative approach to higher education. With more than 23,000 students and 300+ associate, bachelor's, master's, doctorate and law degree programs, UA offers career-focused and experiential learning. From polymers and psychology, to engineering and communications, to business and education, UA brings together distinct fields of study in ways that provide students with valuable real-world learning opportunities. (www.uakron.edu)
About Le Mans Université
Le Mans Université is a multidisciplinary institution founded in 1977. As a key socioeconomic and educational player in the Grand Ouest region, it is situated on two campuses, one in Le Mans and the other in Laval. The University offers a wide range of labor-marketed oriented programs open to everyone. The University has numerous partners across five continents in order to encourage and develop its research and teaching activities for the sake of the students. The University has signed 263 agreements, 89 of which are in Europe, and has increased its participation in international networks in order to facilitate student and researcher mobility. A member of the European Association for International Education (EAIE), it has obtained the French-German University status and participates in AUF consortiums.
About the University of Pretoria
In 1996, the University of Pretoria became the university with the highest research output in South Africa and we have maintained this status. The University of Pretoria celebrated its Centenary in 2008. The academic programs of the University are offered in nine faculties, as well as a business school. The faculties comprise a total of 140 departments and 85 centres, institutes and bureaus. UP is at the forefront of tertiary education in the country and collaborates with world-class partners to ensure continued excellence in learning and teaching. The University has seven campuses as well as a number of other sites of operation, such as the Pretoria Academic Hospital. Central administration is located at the Hatfield Campus. The University of Pretoria offers more than 1800 academic programs in two of the official languages, namely Afrikaans and English. Some programs and modules are offered only in English.
About the Fundação Armando Alvares Penteado (FAAP)
The foundation was founded in 1947 by Earl Armando Alvares Penteado, whose objective was to support, promote and develop the plastic and scenic arts, culture and teaching. It is now one of the most important and respected academic institutions in Brazil, with 12,000 students and 1,200 professors. The campus is located in Higienópolis, one of the most traditional districts of São Paulo, and houses seven faculties: Business Administration, Fine Arts, Communication, Engineering, Economics, Law and Technology, post-graduation courses and MBA.