Summer Course 2026
International Politics in the SWANA Region: Colonial Legacy, Displacement, and Humanitarian Governance
A Joint Academic Initiative of the Renaissance Strategic Center (RSC), Arab Renaissance for Democracy and Development (ARDD), Jordan, and the Ibrahim Abu-Lughod Institute of International Studies (IALIIS), Birzeit University, Palestine
Location: Amman, Jordan
Dates: 12–30 July 2026
Duration: 3 Weeks
Fee: USD 400
Application Deadline: 30 June 2026
Apply Now
Summer Course 2026 Application Form
The course is conducted in English
About the Course
The Renaissance Strategic Center (RSC) at the Arab Renaissance for Democracy and Development (ARDD), in academic partnership with the Ibrahim Abu-Lughod Institute of International Studies (IALIIS) at Birzeit University, invites students, researchers, and practitioners to participate in an intensive summer course exploring the political, social, and historical dynamics shaping the SWANA region.
The course responds to the growing need for analytically rigorous and context-sensitive knowledge about the region by situating contemporary political developments within their broader historical, political, economic, and social contexts.
Why Join This Course?
- A unique academic partnership between RSC and Birzeit University.
- Learn from leading scholars, researchers, and practitioners.
- Combine academic learning with field-based engagement.
- Engage with key policy and humanitarian debates shaping the region.
- Participate in field visits and experiential learning activities.
- Receive a Certificate of Completion upon successful participation.
Key Themes
The course explores:
- Colonial legacies and state formation
- Political economy and regional transformations
- Social and ideological movements
- Gender politics and feminist movements
- Labor migration
- Refugee governance and forced displacement
- Humanitarian governance
- Localization in humanitarian action
- Palestine and regional politics
For full course details, session descriptions, and learning activities, please download the syllabus.
Download Full Syllabus
Who Should Apply?
The course is designed for:
- Undergraduate and graduate students
- PhD candidates
- Early-career researchers
- Humanitarian and development practitioners
- Civil society professionals
- Individuals interested in migration, displacement, governance, Middle East politics, and international affairs
Experiential Learning
The course includes:
- Academic seminars
- Interactive discussions
- Policy workshops
- Guest lectures
- An alternative city tour of Amman
- Field visits and practitioner engagement
Certificate
Participants who complete the course and meet attendance requirements will receive a joint Certificate of Completion issued by the Renaissance Strategic Center and the Ibrahim Abu-Lughod Institute of International Studies at Birzeit University.
Internship Opportunities
Interested participants may also apply for internship opportunities with ARDD and the Renaissance Strategic Center, subject to availability and selection criteria.
Application Process
Applicants are required to complete the online application form and upload:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Statement of Interest
- Any additional supporting documents requested in the application form
Applications will be reviewed by the organizing team. Successful applicants will receive an acceptance email with payment instructions and further information.
Fee
USD 400
Payment details will be shared only with accepted applicants.
Application Deadline
30 June 2026
Apply Now
Summer Course 2026 Application Form
Terms and Conditions
- Submission of an application does not guarantee admission to the course.
- All applications are subject to review and approval by the organizing committee.
- Participation is confirmed only after receipt of an official acceptance notice and full payment of the course fee.
- Course fees are non-refundable once payment has been received, except in cases where the organizers cancel the course.
- Participants are responsible for their own travel, accommodation, visa, insurance, and personal expenses unless otherwise stated.
- Participants must attend at least 90% of the course sessions to be eligible for the Certificate of Completion.
- The organizers reserve the right to modify the course schedule, speakers, content, or activities when necessary.
- The organizers reserve the right to postpone, reschedule, or cancel the course due to unforeseen circumstances or insufficient enrollment.
- Participants are expected to maintain professional and respectful conduct throughout the program.
- Any form of discrimination, harassment, or disruptive behavior may result in removal from the course without refund.
- Course materials are provided for educational purposes only and may not be reproduced, distributed, or published without prior written permission.
- Participants consent to photography, audio recording, and video recording during course activities for documentation and promotional purposes unless they notify the organizers in writing before the course begins.
- Personal information collected through the application process will be used solely for course administration and communication purposes.
- Internship opportunities, where available, are subject to separate application procedures, eligibility requirements, and selection criteria.
- By submitting an application, applicants confirm that the information provided is accurate and complete.
- By applying to the course, applicants acknowledge that they have read, understood, and agreed to these Terms and Conditions.
