Standing Group on International Relations

EUROPEAN INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS SUMMER SCHOOL

on

TRANS-ATLANTIC RELATIONS

ISTANBUL, JULY 7-19, 2008

The Standing Group on International Relations of the European Consortium for Political Research has the pleasure to announce the 2008 European International Relations Summer School session for Graduate students. The EIRSS 2008 will be hosted by Istanbul Bilgi University, Department of International Relations, Istanbul, Turkey, on July 7-19, 2008.

The main theme of the EIRSS 2008 is “Trans-Atlantic Relations.” This is an interesing time to study Trans-Atlantic relationship and its key institutions which have been in a process of transition and transformation since the 9/11 and the Iraqi War of 2003. While the former helped renew the Trans-Atlantic solidarity momentarily, the latter have severely strained both traditional patterns of the relationship and its institutions. US unilateralism and European emphasis on multilateralism have set the two sides of the Atlantic further apart. Despite recent damage control efforts, the Trans-Atlantic relationship remains at a cross-roads which may lead to a re-definion (and maybe a re-destribution) of functions of the two key institutions (NATO and EU) to meet the challenges of the post-9/11 world. Having hosted the NATO Summit in 2004 where the Alliance launched its “Istanbul Cooperation Initiative” towards the broader Middle East region as a part of its transformation efforts, the city of Istanbul offers an appropriate venue to focus attention on the past, present and future of the Trans-Atlantic relations.

The EIRSS 2008 will consist of 48 lecture hours plus round table discussion sessions as well as presentations of research papers by the participants. Scheduled activities also include weekend city excursions and study trips. Lectures will be delivered in the form of 12-hour intensive modules on History and Current State of Transatlantic Relations, European and North American Views on Transatlantic Relations, NATO and Collective Security, and Trans-Atlantic Institutions and Global Governance.

Summer School Director: Professor Sule Kut (skut@bilgi.edu.tr)
Host Institution Coordinator: Dr. Serhat Guvenc (serhatg@bilgi.edu.tr)
Summer School Assistant: Yesim Pekiner

MODULES AND SCHEDULE

APPLICATION INFORMATION

Call for applications: January 1, 2008

Deadline for applications: April 15, 2008

Application files must reach Istanbul Bilgi University by mail before deadline.

Who may apply?

Applicants should be currently enrolled as graduate students in institutions of higher education. While preference will be given to students, of whatever nationality, from European universities, applications from other students are also welcome.

Maximum of 20 students will be admitted to the EIRSS 2008.

Application files should include the following:

• Application form
  [PDF File]
• Evidence of registration in good standing as a graduate student.
• Abstract of doctoral thesis, where applicable.
• Supervisor’s recommendation and statement concerning relevance of the EIRSS session in Istanbul to the applicant’s doctoral study, where applicable.
• Transcripts of graduate level work.
• Curriculum vitae (with photograph) including any other academic or professional experience related to the applicant’s academic interest in international relations and particularly in Trans-Atlantic issues.
• A written commitment to subscribe to EIRSS requirements (full attendance, a 1500-2500 word paper for two modules on topics to be chosen in consultation with module directors and a research paper on the individual’s doctoral research topic (to be circulated in advance of the school) and active participation in discussions, where applicable.
• Permission to use papers in intranet WebCT classrooms.
  [Included in application form above]
• Permission to use personal data in EIRSS records.
  [Included in application form above]
• Accommodation Request Form, if accommodation is requested.
  [Included in application form above]

Application documents should be written in English. They will not be returned. Applications will be submitted to the EIRSS Board for evaluation. Please fill in the application form (TYPE or use CAPITAL LETTERS) and mail it along with required documents to:

Please notify the Director by e-mail prior to sending the application files.

The Summer School is not responsible for application files lost in the mail.

Selection of Participants:

The EIRSS 2008 Board will make the selections in April 2008.

Confirmation of Participation:

Accepted applicants will be required to confirm their participation by April 30th, 2008 at the latest.

Requirements

The students are expected to attend all the courses delivered at the Summer School, as well as participate pre-course activities (preparatory online teaching) starting in May 2008. Individual instructions on the required papers for the EIRSS 2008 will be given before the EIRSS actually starts. The requirements for each student entail the preparation and presentation of 3 papers: an individual research paper and two 1500-2500 word papers for any two of the four modules. All papers will be handed in advance of the Summer School.

Certificates:

The Summer School will issue a Certificate to those students who have fulfilled the requirements of the School in regard to attendance, participation and written work. Students will receive 10 ECTS credits for completing the Summer School.

Visas:

Participants are advised to check if they need to obtain Turkish visa in advance. Short-term visitors to Turkey from most countries may get visa upon arrival at the port of entry. If necessary, the Summer School will issue letters of invitation. The securing and cost of visas are the responsibility of participants.

You may check visa requirements for visitors from your home country on the
E-Consulate website.

Health Insurance:

All summer school students are required to have international health insurance. Travel insurance is also recommended.

Travel:

• Arrival : July 5 and 6, 2008 (Saturday and Sunday)
• Departure : July 20, 2008 (Sunday)
• Participants will cover their costs of transportation.

VENUE, ACCOMODATION AND FEES

Venue:

Lectures and workshops will take place at Dolapdere Campus of Istanbul Bilgi University. Students enrolled in the EIRSS 2008 will be granted access to the University’s computer facilities and will have reading rights in the University library.

The Summer School students may use the gym and the indoor swimming pool at Dolapdere Campus for a fee.

Accommodation:

Accommodation is available at Bilgi’s Tophane Dormitory in two-person rooms at the rate of €15 per night per person. The price includes bed and breakfast. Accommodation requests should be submitted along with the application requests.

Further Information regarding the EIRSS 2008 venue is available on:

• http://www.bilgi.edu.tr
• http://international.bilgi.edu.tr
• http://pictures.bilgi.edu.tr

Fees:

Tuition fees:

• € 150 for students from ECPR member institutions
• € 175 for all other students

The costs of one-day Istanbul excursion and the study trip are included in the tuition fee.

Scholarships:

The EIRSS 2008 is highly subsidized by the ECPR, SGIR and Istanbul Bilgi University. However, students from ECPR member institutions may further apply for a grant towards their costs for tuition, travel and accommodation to the ECPR Mobility Fund. (For ECPR Mobility Fund, please contact:ecpr@essex.ac.uk)

Payment:

Tuition fees and accommodation fees, if accommodation is also requested, are to be paid by the second week of May, 2008, to finalize registration at the EIRSS 2008.