UMaine Camden Conference Course on U.S. in 21st Century World
ORONO — The University of Maine’s Continuing Education Division is accepting course registrations for a special three-credit class designed around the annual Camden Conference in February focusing on the United States’ strengths and weaknesses in a 21st century world.
The course is being team-taught by UMaine faculty members on three Saturdays: January 28, March 17, and April 14, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Hill Auditorium in the Engineering and Science Research Building at Barrows Hall. For academic credit, attendance is required at all three class sessions, in addition to the three-day Camden Conference in Camden Feb. 17-19.
The title of the 2012 conference is “The U.S. in a 21st Century World: Do we have what it takes?” The UMaine course will examine a full range of economic and political issues facing America today. Questions to be explored include how the nation can best compete with the ascendant powers of China and India, the implications of the Arab Spring for U.S. national interests and what decisions must be made at home, if the country hopes to successfully project power and influence abroad?
The list of speakers at the conference includes the former governor and Congressman from New Mexico Bill Richardson, a former U.S. Energy Secretary and ambassador to the United Nations in the Clinton Administration. Ambassador Nicholas Burns, formerly Under Secretary in the State Department and a senior career Foreign Service Officer, will moderate.
Teaching the class at UMaine are G. Paul Holman, visiting associate professor of international affairs in UMaine’s Political Science Department, and UMaine political science professors Seth Singleton and Richard Powell.
The course goal is for students to gain an appreciation of the dynamics of the global system in the contemporary period and an understanding of the constraints and opportunities facing U.S. foreign policy. Students also may attend the Camden
Conference through satellite broadcast venues in Belfast, Rockland and Ellsworth.
Additional details are on the Continuing Education website.
Contact Marlene Charron at (207) 581-4095 for registration information.