The Program in International and Comparative Studies (PICS) is one of the fastest growing and largest undergraduate programs at the University of Michigan. PICS is a focal point for the interdisciplinary study of issues that transcend borders and that inspire students and faculty to broaden their horizons while they deepen their knowledge of particular cultures and political, economic, and social contexts. For students and faculty, PICS is a major, a minor, an institutional host and producer of campus events on international affairs, and a source of academic-fellowship support. We have over 500 students enrolled in the International Studies major and minor, and this past year conferred 252 degrees to 240 majors and 12 minors. In this past year also, we have organized or cohosted over 40 campus events in international affairs, including career events. For instance, we hosted student luncheons  with one of the leading thinkers in the field of human rights, Michael Ignatieff , and with the 1997 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate, Jody Williams.  In addition, our program funded PICS students to study, conduct research, and/or participate in internships abroad. These experiences of direct immersion in other cultures, societies, and economies are centrally and crucially valuable to International Studies students.  We are pleased to welcome three new faculty members this year: Antony Marcum, Scott Stonington, and Klementina Sula, who will offer several great courses during this academic year. (Please see information below.) We are excited to start the academic year with events such as  the Human Rights Initiative Lecture  on September 15th, “The World Bank as a Human Rights-Free Zone, “ by Philip Alston (professor of Law and UN Special Rapporteur on Extreme Poverty and Human Rights); the PICS Welcome back student event on September  17th; and the PICS Career event on October 13th with Nicky Smith, director of new-country programs, at the International Rescue Committee.

 

As we head into the new semester we want to remind you to check our website, facebook, and twitter.

 

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