The SUST
Experience
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.
4 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.
4 Readings by diverse authors provide varied models and philosophies for you to analyze and use in building your own ideas.
4 Class lectures and discussions with program faculty and guest speakers give you further insight into theories and current issues.
4 Written papers reflect on the connections between practice and theory as they are examined throughout the course.
4 An independent study project allows you to focus intently on an area of your own interest for an in-depth, semester-long study.
4 The language course is an intensive opportunity to develop skills in Norwegian.
4 Life in the University's student village allows you to interact with Norwegian and international students and experience college life in Oslo.
4 Family stays provide an "insider's" perspective on Norwegian culture and everyday life.
Learning In SUST
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!
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:
4 The urban-rural balance and cultural landscape4 The city as a living organism
4 Central philosophies behind Scandinavian approaches to life and central democratic models
4 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.
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.
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.
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.
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 $9,600 for members and $10,100 for non-members (Fall 1999).
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.
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.
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:
4 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.
4 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.
4 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.
4 Relevant news sources, print and internet, both U.S. and international, provide current information on events and issues in program sites.
4 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.
4 Study abroad colleagues at member schools.
4 Administrators at other institutions or agencies running programs in the same program site
4 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.
4 Changes may include restrictions to student travel, changing program site, cancellation of program, or other options as deemed most appropriate.
4 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.
4 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.
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
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 University - 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 University - 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.
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
Michael Eaton, 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
4
Augustana College4
Carleton College 4
College of St. Benedict
4
College of St. Catherine 4
Concordia University-St. Paul
4
Gustavus Adolphus College 4
Hamline University
4
Macalester College 4
St. John's University 4
St. Mary's University4
St. Olaf College 4
University of Minnesota 4
University of St. Thomas4
Viterbo University