Opening of the fall course on international politics

The autumn course, themed “International Politics: Common Challenges in Diverse Contexts: Regional Cooperation in Europe and Asia,” commenced at the University of Social Sciences and Humanities on October 1, 2012.The course, sponsored by the German Academic Exchange Agency (DAAD) and organized by the Free University of Berlin (Germany) in collaboration with the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, is open to undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral students from universities worldwide. The aim is to broaden participants' knowledge and update their understanding of international politics, thereby enhancing their civic responsibility in a globalized world. Thirteen students from Vietnamese universities and 12 students from Cambodian and Myanmar participated in this course. These students had to register and undergo a rigorous selection process to ensure they possessed the necessary academic ability and interest in the course topics. The language of instruction is English, and the lecturers are from the Free University of Berlin (Germany) and several other universities in the region. The University of Social Sciences and Humanities has two lecturers participating in presentations at this course: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pham Quang Minh and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Van Chinh. Participants will listen to presentations and discuss specific topics: new approaches in international political research: new challenges and opportunities; conflict resolution processes from a comparative perspective; cross-border challenges: cooperation in the Mekong River region; Vietnam as a regional actor; international negotiations on climate change; the role of ASEAN in regional cooperation and conflict resolution; European integration and foreign relations activities… In addition to classroom lessons, participants will take part in extracurricular activities such as: visiting Hanoi, Ha Long, and the headquarters of the European Commission delegation in Hanoi… Commenting on the course, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pham Quang Minh - Vice Rector of the University said: with the prestige of a leading university in Vietnam, with a highly qualified staff, and close and long-term cooperative relationships with partners in the Federal Republic of Germany, this is the second time the University of Social Sciences and Humanities has been chosen to host this course. This is a good opportunity for lecturers and students of the University to participate in an international course with up-to-date, lively, and engaging knowledge, to exchange expertise with foreign experts, and to confidently share their experiences and concerns with friends from other countries. The course will take place from October 1-14, 2012 at the University of Social Sciences and Humanities.