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THE GEOPOLITICS OF THE AZORES AND THE NORTH ATLANTIC

Azores aerial panoramic view. Top view o
Who is this course for?

Geopolitics is about power, space, and time. This programme takes participants through the history and present challenges faced by the community in the mid-Atlantic Portuguese archipelago. It is aimed at teachers and school staff of all levels, staff of non-government organizations, government and policy makers and company staff as well as students and all those who want to expand their thinking about the ways in which geography interacts with politics to both constrain and provide opportunities for a place that would at first glance seem to be protected from the ebb and flow of great power politics. Participants are expected to have at least B1 level of English proficiency.

Methodology

While the acquisition of knowledge is a desirable by-product of learning, the real goal is to learn to think in new ways. The primary goal of learning geopolitics is to learn to think geopolitically. To achieve that end we will have an interactive learning environment, with conversations and debates prompted either by the teacher or by participants. Furthermore, some lessons will include case study discussions, where reading material will be provided to the class on a particular topic which will then be discussed.

Outcomes

  • Understanding of concepts and theories from the fields of Geopolitics, Strategic Studies, Security Studies, and International Relations

  • Ability to apply the concepts learned to the history and present-day situation of the Azores.

  • Improving English fluency (official language of the course).

  • Promoting intercultural awareness.

  • Sharing experiences of teaching in the fields of Geopolitics, Strategic Studies, Security Studies, and International Relations from different organizations in order to help each of us to be more effective in our work.

  • Strengthening the European collaboration among people engaged in the fields of Geopolitics, Strategic Studies, Security Studies, and International Relations in different contexts.

  • Providing insights into different education systems.

Preparation

After registration participants will receive pre-course questionnaire which will be used by the trainer to learn about participants’ teaching backgrounds and to assess their exact needs. Before the beginning of the course a basic reading list will be suggested to participants to prepare for the training. Participants will also be asked to prepare a presentation about themselves, their professional context and their culture. The presentation will be presented on the first day of the course to facilitate networking opportunities. Participants will receive information about the country they are going to visit in order to prepare them for their cultural experience.

5 days programme (25 hours)

course sessions (Monday to Friday)

  • Introduction of participants, outline of the programme, warm-ups and ice breakers

  • Overview of Azorean history

  • Case study discussion: the relevance of the Azores to the late 16th century ‘Habsburg bid for mastery’

  • Overview of the concepts of International Relations and Security Studies

  • The Azores in 20th century world history

  • Case study discussion: the relevance of the Azores for Portugal, the Allies, and the Axis powers in WWII

  • Overview of the concepts of Geopolitics and Strategic Studies

  • The Azores in the current strategic environment

  • Individual support

  • What geopolitics can tell us about the future for the Azores and the North Atlantic

  • Presentation of outcomes, discussion, evaluation and closing session

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cultural and social programme

  • Teambuilding and networking activities

  • City tour or a cultural trip

Follow up

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After the course participants will be asked to share what they have learned with the rest of the staff in their schools. Further books and articles to deepen the topic and contacts with some other practitioners all over Europe and in the world will be suggested by the trainer. The methods shared and explored and the bibliography given will allow the participants to complete and improve their educational path.

CERTIFICATE

Each participant will get a course attendance certificate and we will validate the acquired competences on the Europass Mobility upon request. Please note that we have a paperless policy and all the documents will be delivered in digital form.

COURSE FEE

The course fee is 80 € per day. It includes tuition and materials, cultural and social programme, support in preparation and all the administrative work. There are no additional costs or hidden fees. After registration, you will receive a pro-forma invoice which you will have to pay by bank transaction. You will receive the invoice after you attend the course.

SUBSISTENCE

The course fee doesn't include accommodation and meals and participants are responsible to organize them on their own. In some locations we might be able to recommend or organize subsistence for you. Please don't hesitate to contact us to inquire about any specific location.

REGISTRATION

You can submit a non-biding registration and we will reserve a place for you until you are ready to confirm your participation. cancellations are free until you pay the course fee.

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