Call for Proposals: 2009 Exploration Seminars

Dear colleagues,

Exploration Seminars are month-long, global study experiences that take place during Early Fall Start – late August to late September.  These intensive learning opportunities are jointly sponsored by the College of Arts & Sciences and the Office of International Programs and Exchanges.

Exploration Seminars offer in-depth treatments of particular themes or lines of inquiry, generally at the 300- to 400-level, that place learning in a global context.  They offer you and your students the chance to study a topic intensively within a learning community. Although Exploration Seminars have traditionally been developed as international study abroad programs, travel experiences within the United States will also be considered and are encouraged. 

In 2009, we plan to offer as many as 50 Exploration Seminars, funded on a self-sustaining basis, each with 15-20 students.  Exploration Seminars are 5-credit courses open to all continuing students.  Faculty from all UW disciplines and from all three campuses are encouraged to apply to develop and direct these programs.

If you lead a seminar, you will receive compensation of $7500 plus benefits.  In addition, you will be provided with airfare, housing, and a modest daily stipend.  Funds for instructional activities, guest lecturers, classroom rentals, field trips, local travel, and other needs are included as part of each program's budget.  You will be the primary recruiter for your course.  The most successful seminars have been led by faculty who have taught or who have access to a sizeable pool of students from which to draw participants.

Four information sessions will be offered for those considering submitting proposals: 

• June 11th at 11:30 in CMU 065 (A&S Dean’s Conference Room)
• August 13th at 11:30 in CMU 065
• October 8th at 12:30 pm in CMU 065
• October 9th at 12:30 pm in CMU 065
  

Proposals to run seminars are due by Monday, October 20th, 2008, and may be submitted at any time.  All proposals should be submitted online via the following website: https://catalysttools.washington.edu/workspace/explore/757. 

Your proposal should include:

• a 1-2 page description of your program and associated course, and an explanation of how you will make use of the site’s resources or community;
• a brief summary of your experience with the site, including language competency, and contacts/resources as appropriate;
• suggested departmental credits (course prefix/number) to be offered
• a description of the target audience for your seminar; and
• a letter of endorsement from your chair in support of your course.

If possible, your proposed seminar should be integrated into the undergraduate program offered by your department and count towards fulfilling degree requirements for your students.  We will determine the 2009 seminars by mid-November.

For descriptions of programs offered in previous years, additional proposal writing suggestions, a program director job description, and further information about the Exploration Seminar program, please visit the Exploration Seminar website: http://depts.washington.edu/explore.