The SUST Experience
What
is SUST all about?
I
gained a new appreciation for world affairs, gained confidence in
finding my way around in another culture, reevaluated my positions
on many issues, and came to see the U.S. in a new light. I also really
saw some concepts, like "community," so often discussed at home, actually
being practiced.
Former SUST student
SUST is an integrated, semester-long
learning experience offered by the Higher Education Consortium for Urban
Affairs (HECUA). The program explores the values, culture and history
that shape Scandinavia and its innovative strategies for social change.
You will study and critique various models for understanding the dynamics
of cities, the region and the broader global context. You will spend
time in the classroom plus plenty of time in the field as a full group,
in small groups and on independent work. You will learn from knowledgeable
Norwegian faculty and from local community people. Ultimately you will
gain perspective on your own society and your role in the global community.
SUST is based at the University
of Oslo in the capital city, Oslo, Norway. You will also travel to other
parts of Norway, to Sweden and to Estonia as part of the learning experience.
How
is SUST different from other programs?
One of the exciting and
challenging features of SUST is its style of learning which is grounded
in HECUA's philosophy of experiential education. Students are given
a great amount of responsibility for directing their own learning, as
well as contributing to the learning of other students. Students cannot
be passive participants in their education, sitting back and waiting
for the facts to be dished up, memorizing and reproducing those facts
for grades and credits. Choosing to participate in SUST is choosing
a new way of learning. You will become a dynamic, creative participant
in this project.
What
do we do in SUST?
SUST is a unique semester
that weaves together a variety of experiences.
- Field seminars and special
projects take you outside the classroom to investigate issues as played
out in the real world. You'll visit social and municipal offices and
meet other Norwegians in communities to see how long-standing social
welfare ideals fit within the present economic structure.
- Readings by diverse authors
provide varied models and philosophies for you to analyze and use in
building your own ideas.
- Class lectures and discussions
with program faculty and guest speakers give you further insight into
theories and current issues.
- Written papers reflect
on the connections between practice and theory as they are examined
throughout the course.
- An independent study project
allows you to focus intently on an area of your own interest for an
in-depth, semester-long study.
-The language course is
an intensive opportunity to develop skills in Norwegian.
- Life in the University's
student village allows you to interact with Norwegian and international
students and experience college life in Oslo.
- Family stays provide an
"insider's" perspective on Norwegian culture and everyday life.
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Learning In
SUST
Having
travel, direct experiences and important opportunities outside of the
classroom as the main focus of learning is very effective. I learn and
remember so much better through interaction with what I'm studying.
-SUST Student
How
do we learn?
Learning in SUST is unique
because it is composed of three highly integrated classes and a fourth
class option of either an Independent Study Project or Norwegian Language.
The educational approach of SUST combines the study of theory with experiential
activities and projects integrating content across the themes of the
three course topics. The courses are not taught as separate, isolated
classes, but will overlap, connect and cross-fertilize throughout the
term.
The learning environment
may be different from what you are familiar with at your home campus.
Everything you do is an opportunity for learning and analyzing. You
will be part of real life experiences, which you will then connect to
theories explored in the academic component of the program. Be prepared
for thinking, questioning, and hard work. Also, prepare to delve into
topics you may have previously taken for granted.
The academic work is demanding
and really gets you involved. In carrying out structured assignments,
you are expected to complete projects in small groups or on your own.
The program director serves as an accessible and challenging catalyst
of discussion. SUST will challenge you to think in new ways, question,
and take the initiative!
What
do we study?
Urbanization
and Sustainable Development
Focuses on urban economic,
social and cultural policies and practices as a reflection of issues
of the modern welfare state and democratic socialism. Examines issues
surrounding the Scandinavian city, with special emphasis on Norwegian
cities. Central issues are community building, public policy, urban
neighborhoods, housing, transportation and environmental planning. Includes
visits to planning offices, research institutes, out-reach centers and
educational institutions.
Scandinavia
in the World
Explores the position
of the Scandinavian countries in the world. Includes a historical survey
of transformation from rural and regional cultures to urbanized and
advanced industrial nations. Seeks to understand the individualism and
independence which permeates modern Scandinavian states. Discusses Norway's
relationship with the European Union and Norway's ability to support
its welfare state in the 21st century. Examines the role of the Scandinavian
countries in the areas of peace, conflict resolution and arms control.
Scandinavian
Art and Literature: Perspectives on Social Change
Examines the values
of Scandinavian societies (esp. Norway) as reflected in art and literature,
with opportunity for comparative studies during the field trip. Includes
both classical and modern literature and visits to museums and art galleries.
Emphasis is on a broad understanding of the culture, society and urban
life through an examination of art works and literature related to real-life,
past and present-day situations.
Throughout the semester,
varying aspects of the following themes will be examined with tools
and ideas gained in the interrelated courses:
- The urban-rural
balance and cultural landscape
- The city as a living
organism
- Central philosophies
behind Scandinavian approaches to life and central democratic models
- Regional policies, health
and welfare policies and social policies
What
do we read?
Readings include a
wide array of both literature and theoretical writing. Here is a partial
bibliography to give a sense of things you may read:
Urbanization and Sustainable
Development
Amoako-Addo, Yaw. Selected Topics of Social Policy of the Norwegian
Welfare State. International Summer School, University of Oslo, 1986.
Kiel, Anne Cohen (ed.).
Continuity and Change: Aspects of Contemporary Norway. Scandinavian
University Press (Universitetsforlaget)/Oxford University Press, 1993.
Næss, Arne and David
Rothenberg (tr. and ed. by Rothenberg). Ecology, Community and Lifestyle.
Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, 1989.
Stevens, Ronald. Values,
Social Politics, and Health Care Services in Norway. A paper submitted
for presentation at the meetings of the Midwest Sociological Society,
Milwaukee, Wisconsin, April 1980.
Torstenson, Joel S., Michael
F. Metcalf and Tor Fr. Rasmussen. Urbanization and Community Building
in Modern Norway. Oslo: Urbana Press, 1985.
Scandinavia in the World
Arntsen, Jon Gunnar and Bard Bredrup Knudsen. Political Life and
Institutions in Norway. The International Summer School, University
of Oslo, 1980.
Lundestad, Geir. East West
North South: Major Developments in International Politics 1945-1986.
Universitetsforlaget, 1986 (reprinted 1988 and 1989).
Pryde, Philip: Environmental
Management in the Soviet Union. Cambridge University Press, 1991.
Stokker, Kathleen. Folklore
Fights the Nazis: Humor in Occupied Norway, 1940-45. Madison: University
of Wisconsin Press, 1997.
The World Commission on
Environment and Development. Our Common Future. Oxford University Press,
1987.
Scandinavian Art and
Literature: Perspectives on Social Change
Faldbakken, Knut. Twilight Country. Tr. Joan Tate. London: Peter
Owen, 1993.
Fløgstad, Kjartan.
Dollar Road. Tr. Nadia Christensen. Baton Rouge: Louisiana State University
Press, 1989.
Garton, Janet (ed.). Contemporary
Norwegian Women's Writing. Norwich: Norwich Press, 1995.
Hamsun, Knut. Hunger. New
York: Avon Books, 1975.
Ibsen, Henrik. Four Major
Plays, Volume I. Tr. Rolf Fjelde. New York: Signet Classic, 1965. --
"A Doll's House"
Iversen, Pat Shaw (tr.).
Norwegian Folk Tales. New York: Pantheon Books, 1982. -- "The Boys who
Met the Trolls in The Hedal Woods"
What
are the Independent Study Project and Norwegian Language Options?
In addition
to the three integrated courses, SUST students choose between an Independent
Study Project and Norwegian Language.
Independent
Study Project Option
What is a SUST Independent
Study Project?
An independent
study project (ISP) provides you with an extraordinary opportunity to
investigate a topic of interest first-hand through interviews, observation
and/or participation. Students who choose the independent study option
define a topic of interest related to the program themes and use analytical
tools gained in SUST to study a particular issue or case. A faculty
member advises the student throughout to ensure adequate focus and use
of primary field research in the project design.
How do I decide on an
ISP topic?
HECUA helps you identify and sort through possibilities to find
a topic that meets your interests and the learning goals of the program.
You describe your interests to the HECUA faculty who then connect you
with possible contacts and information sources. You might want to talk
with faculty at your school in advance of the program for some ideas,
but be ready to modify once you are in the program based on what is
feasible and on new interests that might arise.
What are some examples
of ISPs?
"The Portrayal
of the Urban and Social Landscapes through Norwegian Films"
"The Welfare State and
Low Income and Single Parent Families"
"Equality in Norway?"
How is the ISP graded?
A minimum of three individual appointments with the advisor will
take place. A written outline draft and annotated
outline are required. The grade is based on a final written project
and presentation.
Norwegian
Language Course Option
What is the Norwegian
Language course?
The language course
complements the content courses by providing an understanding of the
culture and context through the language and providing basic language
skills for field projects and homestays. The language courses are provided
by the University of Oslo's Norwegian as a Second Language Department
and utilize the university's approach of intensive classroom instruction,
language lab, non-graded feedback on daily assignments, and final written
and oral exams.
How do I decide what
level to take?
If you have had no prior Norwegian language instruction, you will
register for Level I. If you have already studied the language, you
will take a placement test to determine in which Level (II, III or IV)
you will be placed.
How is the Language course
graded?
The Language course is graded by an anonymous judge based solely
on the student's performance on the final oral exam and written exam.
Which
option is best for me?
The Independent Study Project
and Norwegian Language classes each have challenges and avenues to success.
The language option is fitting for students interested in and motivated
by foreign language study. On the other hand, students who have specific
topics they would like to explore will find the ISP rewarding. Students
interested, for example, in economics, environmental studies, international
studies, urban studies, or women's studies can explore fascinating contrasts
and comparisons to the United States in the context of Norway's social
welfare state and its relationship to the European Union and the broader
global marketplace.
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Grading and Credits
How
are seminars graded?
Papers, group projects and
class participation are evaluated in determining the student's grade.
Grades are on an A-F scale. No incompletes are given. (If a student
wishes to take courses Pass-No credit, this has to be arranged with
the home institution registrar, who will receive the A-F grade and then
translate it to P-N on your transcript.) See above for grading of the
language course and ISP.
How
much credit do I get for the program?
The SUST semester is equivalent
to a full semester course load at your school--4 course credits, 16
semester hours or 24 quarter credits.
NOTE: Because the SUST courses
are taught in an integrated manner, there are no withdrawals permitted
for any course except Norwegian Language and the Independent Study Project.
A withdrawal will only be considered in exceptional cases as
negotiated with the program director.
How
do the credits fit into my degree?
The use of SUST credits
is flexible. You'll discuss the program with your advisor and decide
how it fits and how credits can be used for your major, minor, core
requirements and/or electives. With a curriculum focused on urban issues,
social change and international affairs, students receive credits mainly
in the social sciences. The art and literature course may be applicable
to humanities or fine arts credit. You can also design your independent
study project so that it fulfills a particular kind of credit. Talk
to the HECUA campus representative, program advisors or HECUA staff
for help in figuring out credit distribution.
How
do the credits appear on my transcript?
For students from HECUA
member schools, credits earned are from your home institution rather
than transfer credits. HECUA sends a grade report to the college registrar;
grades are then posted to your transcript. Students from non-member
schools receive a Hamline University transcript and transfer the credits
back to their school.
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Faculty and Resources
Who
teaches the program? Who do we meet and learn from?
Jeanne Sanderson, SUST program
director, holds a B.A. degree in modern and economic history and education
and an advanced degree from the University of Oslo with specialization
in Norwegian economic history and the emergence of an industrial society
in Great Britain. She is a native of Scotland and has been living and
working in Norway for the past 21 years. She brings a passion for creating
learning environments for students where they can make significant personal
and academic connections.
Academic
Resources
The program utilizes experts
from the university and the community as primary faculty and guest lecturers.
They give students a vivid and personal encounter with local culture
and issues.
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Logistics
Where
will I live?
You will be based in Oslo,
Norway, where you will live in University of Oslo student housing. Sogn
Studentby (Student Village) is within walking distance of the Blindern
campus where classes are held. You will be assigned a single room and
will share kitchen and bath facilities with other students. SUST students
live with Norwegian and international students, and those sharing flats
may vary in gender, race, class and religion.
Rooms are simply furnished
with a desk, chair, bookshelf and couch/bed. You can decorate it with
posters, postcards, etc. Bedding and linens are not provided.
What
about the weekend homestays?
There will be two family
homestays during the course of the semester: a weekend homestay with
a family within or outside of Oslo and an extended homestay combined
with a regional study project. The homestays are intended as a time
to interact with Norwegians and learn about their lives. You will be
treated, as much as possible, as part of the family and may be included
in family outings and other activities.
There may also be a homestay
as part of the Sweden/Estonia field trip.
How
much is the semester going to cost?
Tuition, room, food stipend
and field trip ground expenses are included in the SUST comprehensive
fee of $9,950 for students from member schools and $10,450 for those
from non-member schools (Fall 2000). In addition, expect the following
expenses during your SUST term (all costs are approximations):
|
International airfare, incl. field trip
|
$1,350 - $1,500
|
|
Air taxes
|
$24
|
|
Books and readings
|
$100 - $190
|
|
Local transportation
|
$250
|
|
Dorm room deposit (refundable)*
|
$360
|
|
Personal expenses
|
$1,000 - $1,500
|
Personal expenses, including
entertainment, personal weekend travel, gifts, etc., vary considerably
based on each student's budget and choices.
* You pay a deposit at
the beginning of the term, which will be refunded to you by the housing
office at the end of the term if your room is left in good condition.
Can
I use financial aid to finance my SUST term?
Students from HECUA member
schools should be able to use all financial aid for the SUST semester.
Financial aid use varies considerably at non-member schools. Both member
and non-member students should talk with the financial aid or off-campus
study office at your school for details.
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Safety
What
are HECUA's guidelines for safety on SUST?
HECUA has an exemplary record
of nearly 30 years of experience in providing high quality, successful
off-campus programming serving more than 2000 students. It is a record
that we are committed to maintaining for the benefit of all concerned.
HECUA maintains the following
safety and security guidelines in the delivery of all HECUA programs:
Principles
HECUA considers the safety of its students and faculty of paramount
importance. HECUA will not knowingly place our students or our program
staff and their families in danger.
While HECUA endeavors to
ensure safety, no area can be considered as "always safe" and HECUA
cannot guarantee the safety of any student or other program participants.
HECUA acts responsibly in
advising and informing students, parents and representatives about programs,
locations and HECUA practice and record.
HECUA operates programs
in locations that afford excellent opportunities for students to study
program content and where it has particularly good contacts and access
to local resources that enhance program delivery. Because HECUA programs
are organized primarily around content rather than specific location,
program site changes may be made without compromising the curriculum.
Students who choose HECUA
have done so consciously in search of a particular program. They know
that in HECUA programs responsible behavior, both personal and civic,
will be supported and practiced.
HECUA Practice
HECUA actively monitors conditions, developments, social climate and
any new or perceived safety or security issues in all program sites,
prior to and during program terms, using as resources:
- On-site program directors
and primary faculty -- HECUA is in contact with our program directors
and faculty at least weekly by phone or e-mail and discusses any security
concerns that have been identified by them or have come to the attention
of headquarters staff through other sources listed below, along with
implications for the program.
- U.S. State Department
travel advisories and announcements -- HECUA checks existing State Department
announcements and receives any new or updated advisories on an immediate
basis. U.S. State Department travel advisories and public announcements
usually affect only parts of a particular country and impact decisions
about if, where and how within the country to run the program. A U.S.
State Department travel warning may be grounds for moving a program
out of a country altogether.
- Contacts at universities
and related institutions in the program site -- HECUA consults with
these contacts to gain additional information, insights, and advice
about their own response to particular situations.
- Relevant news sources,
print and internet, both U.S. and international, provide current information
on events and issues in program sites.
If information gained about
safety/security concerns in a program site indicates unreasonable risk
for HECUA students, faculty or staff, and the possible need for programmatic
response, further consultation is done organizationally for expert input
and consideration of alternatives, including:
- HECUA Risk Management
Task Force -- composed of member study abroad professionals, faculty
and legal counsel, the Task Force is charged with overseeing 4 HECUA's
risk management policies and practices and consulting on particular
situations and concerns.
- Study abroad colleagues
at member schools.
- Administrators at other
institutions or agencies running programs in the same program site
- HECUA executive committee
and/or full board of directors
If changes must be made
in the program, a wide variety of alternatives will be considered, balancing
a commitment to delivering the curriculum to students with a commitment
to the safety and well-being of students and faculty.
- Changes may include restrictions
to student travel, changing program site, cancellation of program, or
other options as deemed most appropriate.
- Changes will be made
with as much advanced planning and communication as possible. At the
same time, HECUA will take immediate and unequivocal action to ensure
student safety if deemed necessary.
- A crisis response protocol
is in place that directs response of on-site program directors and headquarters
staff to ensure timely and appropriate response and communication to
all parties concerned.
Students receive pre-program
and on-site orientation that includes information on student conduct
rules and policies, safe practices, and travel guidelines appropriate
to the location. Examples would include directions/restrictions regarding
transportation modes, travel times, routes, and destinations. Students
know that failure to adhere to rules and guidelines may result in expulsion
from the program. Students are provided with emergency contact information
to carry with them at all times. Students are encouraged to report any
and all incidents to Program Directors.
All passports are registered
with the U.S. embassy of the country being visited.
Updated program itineraries,
including any changes, are kept on file at HECUA U.S. headquarters so
that students' whereabouts are known.
HECUA management, board
members and member college faculty visit program sites annually and
are able to discuss and assess relevant safety/security issues while
on site.
How
do I find more information about safety
and security in SUST program locations?
The U.S. State Department
is one source of information consulted when determining safety and security
conditions in HECUA program sites. You may request from HECUA the most
recent information available from the State Department. Or you may obtain
it directly from the State Department at their web site, http://travel.state.gov/travel_warnings.html,
or by phone, 202/647-5225.
Additional information on
safety and security is available at these web sites:
http://www.lonelyplanet.com
http://www.studyabroad.com/handbook
http://www.manitouheights.org/intled/bookmarks/general.html
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Students
Who
participates in SUST?
Students from the following
majors and schools have participated in SUST since it began in 1973:
Majors
Accounting - American Studies
- Anthropology - Art - Biology - Business Administration - Chemistry
- Communications - Computer Science - Economics - Education - Elementary
Education - English - Environmental Studies - Fine Arts (Film, Theater,
Dance, Music) - French - Geography - Geology - German - Government -
Health Science - History - Human Services - Intercultural Relations
- International Activist - International Business - International Relations
- International Studies - Journalism - Law & Society - Liberal Studies
- Linguistics - Management - Mathematics - Music - Nordic Area Studies
- Norwegian Language - Nursing - Peace & Conflict Studies - Philosophy
- Physics - Political Science - Psychology - Public Policy - Religion
- Scandinavian Studies - Secondary Education - Social Work - Sociology
- Speech Communication - Studio Art - Theater - Urban Planning - Urban
Studies - Women's Studies
Schools
Allegheny College - Arizona
State University - Augsburg College - Augustana College - Bates College
- Bethel College - Boston University - Bowdoin College - Brown University
- Bucknell University - California Polytechnic State Univ. - California
University - Los Angeles - Carleton College - Carnegie Mellon University
- Chapman College - Claremont McKenna College - Clark University - Colgate
University - College of St. Benedict - College of St. Catherine - Colorado
College - Colorado University - Concordia College - Moorhead - Concordia
University - St. Paul - Dartmouth College - Delaware University - Drake
University - Duke University - Fairfield University - Franklin &
Marshall College - Gettysburg College - Grand Valley State University
- Grinnell College - Guilford College - Gustavus Adolphus College -
Hamline University - Harvard University - Hinds Community College -
John Hopkins University - Luther College - Macalester College - Minneapolis
College of Art & Design - Middlebury College - Mount Senario College
- New Hampshire University - New York University - North Carolina State
University - North Dakota State University - Northland College - Occidental
University - Pitzer College - Presbyterian College - Purdue University
- Rhode Island University - Richmond College - Ripon College - Seattle
University - Skidmore College - St. John's University - St. Mary's University
- St. Norbert College - St. Olaf College - Stanford University - SUNY
- Fredonia - SUNY - Geneseo - Swarthmore College - Texas Christian University
- Trinity University - Tufts University - University of Alabama - University
of Alaska - Southeast - University of California - San Diego - University
of Denver - University of Dubuque - University of Michigan - University
of Minnesota - University of Pennsylvania - University of Saskatchewan
- University of St. Thomas - University of the Pacific - University
of Vermont - University of Washington - University of Wisconsin - Madison
- Viterbo College - Wake Forest University - Washington University -
Westmar University - Wichita State University - Williams College - Winnipeg
University - Wittenberg University - Yale University
Contact HECUA if you
would like to talk with past student participants from your school or
major about the program.
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About HECUA
What
is HECUA?
HECUA is a consortium of
15 Midwest colleges and universities that provides off-campus study
programs in Scandinavia, Latin America, Asia and the U.S. HECUA was
founded nearly 30 years ago by faculty of the member schools who were
committed to connecting college studies with current issues in society.
Over the years HECUA has
developed high-quality, challenging academic programs and extensive
community connections which combine to create experiential learning
opportunities that have earned local and national distinction. The programs
successfully weave together subject matter from multiple disciplines
and field work, allowing students to be involved in social issues, explore
personal identity and develop ways to be active in their own communities.
SUST is offered in affiliation
with the International Summer School office of the University of Oslo,
Norway.
How
do I contact HECUA?
Higher Education Consortium
for Urban Affairs (HECUA)
2233 University Ave. W., Suite 210
Saint Paul, MN 55114-1629
Fax: 651/659-9421
E-mail: [email protected]
Web site: www.hecua.org
Rebecca Rassier,
Admissions and Student Services
651/646-8832 or 800/554-1089, [email protected]
Doug Franzman, Student
Accounts
651/646-8831, [email protected]
Amy Sunderland, Executive
Director
651/646-1348, [email protected]
What
schools are part of the HECUA consortium?
Member Schools: Augsburg
College, Augustana College, Carleton College, College of St. Benedict,
College of St. Catherine, Concordia University-St. Paul, Gustavus Adolphus
College, Hamline University, Macalester College, St. John's University,
St. Mary's University, St. Olaf College, University of Minnesota, University
of St. Thomas, Viterbo College
Copyright
(c) 1999. Higher Education Consortium for Urban Affairs, Inc. All rights
reserved.
Last updated 10/5/99