Academic Requirements
The summer seminar consists of four inter-related academic components, yielding a total of 100 points in grading and evaluation of student learning, as outlined below. Every student is responsible for all the assigned reading and is expected to fully participate in the life of each class meeting, guest lecturer presentation, and educational excursion.
1. Classroom Presentations & Discussions (20 points)
As outlined in detail below, seminar sessions will often include two or three students assigned to summarize (accompanied by a typed outline) the readings for the day by identifying the central argument, the mode(s) of presentation, and the three most pivotal concepts and their relations. This is to be followed by brief individual evaluative comments and two questions for general discussion. Maximum time for this section of each class is 30 minutes.
2. Seminar Educational Excursions in The Hague & Amsterdam (10 points)
These educational excursions focus on sub-themes of the seminar, including: issues of human rights, especially in light of the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY) in The Hague; and concerns surrounding the globalization of cities, immigration, and multiculturalism, especially with views from Amsterdam.
3. First Paper: Reflections on the Readings & the Educational Excursions (3,000 words; 30 points)
Expectations for this paper include the following:
1. Create a title page.
2. Select one of the books we have read in the seminar.
3. Choose one of the educational excursions
4. Compose the rest of the paper by integrating the selected text and the excursion:
Articulate the reasons behind your choices.
Identify the paramount theme of each.
Discuss the main points of convergence and divergence.
Bring forth any specific contributions of each to your learning experience.
4. Globalization Essay (40 points)
This is the major written work of the program (6,000 words, excluding the notes and bibliography).
Guidelines include:
1. Create a cover page which includes the title of the essay, your name, seminar
theme, word count, and date.
2. Create an acknowledgment page that expresses your gratitude and registers the
names and affiliations (particularly advisors) of those who made notable
contributions to your progress.
3. Identify the phenomenon you want to explore and the reasons behind your
interest.
4. Set up the broad context and the strategy you want to follow to write up the
paper.
5. Explain what specific attributes of the matter you had observed in the
Netherlands or elsewhere in Europe. Integrate the readings and lectures where
you deem appropriate.
6. Identify concrete lessons that the phenomenon had taught you about
globalization. Integrate the readings and lectures where appropriate.
Independent Study Project (ISP) & Perspectives on Globalization Essay
The Independent Study Project (ISP) is, for BCA students, an optional part of this program. Its aim is to bring together the experience and academic insights gained during the summer seminar with the learning gained during each student’s fall semester of study abroad. The project culminates in a major paper – the Perspectives on Globalization Essay. Final papers may be published or otherwise made available by BCA Study Abroad.
The ISP essay involves approximately 90 hours of student work on a pre-approved topic of study, with guidance by BCA’s resident director or other assigned advisor. Where necessary, another appropriate academic or professional in the field may be consulted as an extra advisor for individual students. Additional project advising is available from BCA staff.