Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is so special about the AU Human Rights Summer Institute?
2. I am combining a couple courses with an internship – is that ok?
3. Is there a suggested sequencing if courses?
4. Do these courses duplicate existing courses during the term?
5. Is the course only open to students of human rights or politics?
6. Where do students come from?
7. Do participants know a lot about human rights already?
8. Where do out-of-towners live?
9. How many courses do students usually take?
10. What is the distant learning offering this year?
11. How do I register for the distance learning course?
12. Who should register?
13. Are sign language language interpreters available?

1. What is so special about the AU Human Rights Summer Institute?
• Mix and match courses – Take what you need.
• Academic/activist faculty who are deeply engaged in current issues.
• Participatory pedagogy - Learn more and remember it longer!
• Location in Nation’s Capital provides oppportunities for guest speakers and field trips.
• Highly flexible design of the Institute – Addresses the needs of both degree-seeking students who hope to gain an edge in the job market and non-degree professionals who seek to add to their skills as a jump start to moving laterally or vertically in their careers.


2. I am combining a couple courses with an internship – is that ok?
Absolutely. Tell us if you need help in finding the right internship.


3. Is there a suggested sequencing if courses?
The Human Rights Advocacy course is foundational and should be taken first if possible.


4. Do these courses duplicate existing courses during the term?
Absolutely not. The courses build on one another and complement each other, but there is little overlap.


5. Is the course only open to students of human rights or politics?
Not at all. All students can apply from all backgrounds.


6. Where do students come from?
Many are American University students seeking to address the dual goal of taking a "must take" course and filling "must have" credits. Students also attend from across the country and around the globe. Each year we have several foreign students and one or two members of the U.S. military.


7. Do participants know a lot about human rights already?
They all share an interest in human rights, but backgrounds vary considerably. Each year we enroll students who have neither worked nor studied in the human rights field. Most of our students have had at least one course and some experience.


8. Where do out-of-towners live?
There are many opportunities. College dorms often do the trick. American University (AU) dorms are safe, comfortable and convenient. We can help with AU housing and with summer sublets in the neighborhood. For AU summer housing options, please contact the Housing and Dining department at 202-885-3370 or check out their website at http://www.american.edu/ocl/housing/summer_housing_conferences/intern_housing.html.


9. How many courses do students usually take?
Most take either 3 credits (which could be assembled by three one-credit offerings, or one two-credit + one one-credit) or 6 credits (compiled through combining credits). Through distance learning, students can also pick up another 3 credits.


10. What is the distant learning offering this year?
Human Rights and US Foreign Policy with Julie Mertus (May 21 - June 28) is offered for 3 credits.


11. How do I register for the distance learning course?
The process is different from the other Summer Human Rights Institute offerings. For more information, please email distanceed@american.edu.


12. Who should enroll?
The highly flexible design of the Institute, which incorporate distance learning and skills sessions with traditional course work, addresses the needs of both degree-seeking students who hope to gain an edge in the job market and non-degree professionals who seek to add to their skills as a jump start to moving laterally or vertically in their careers. The courses will be of particular interest to students of human rights, international law, journalism, political science, international relations, ethics and philosophy. The design of the courses serves several levels of students simultaneously: J.D., M.A., B.A. and Ph.D. students. Students who are traveling and who need to earn credits during the summer will find that the Institute suits their needs.


13. Are sign language language interpreters available?
We will try to accommodate any special needs of participants. The most important thing to do is register early. If you let us know that you need an interpreter early in the registration process, we will likely have no problem meeting your need.