BU Today Story on the New Pardee School of Global Studies
BU Today, the news and information website of Boston Univeristy, published a feature story covering the opening of the new Frederick S. Pardee School of Global Studies (September 23, 2014) highlighting the unique characteristics and aspiration of BU’s newest School. Titled “New Pardee School of Global Studies: Custodian of Old and Cherished Traditions,” the feature stressed the interdisciplinary approach that the school holds dear.
Some excerpts from the feature, written by BU Today editor Art Jahnke:
“This is a newest school on campus,” said [Dean Adil] Najam, “and yet we are custodians of some of BU’s oldest and most cherished traditions.” One of those traditions, says Najam, a College of Arts & Sciences professor of international relations and of earth and environment, is the University’s long history of global studies, as well as its global character. “At the same time,” he says, “this is a school that is very conscious of the fact that it was put together in the 21st century. And it very consciously wants to reflect the reality of the 21st century globe.
Betty Anderson, a CAS associate professor of history and director of the Institute for the Study of Muslim Societies & Civilizations, says its creation has created a fertile space for new ideas, courses, and seminars. “Too often, at schools as large as BU, faculty end up working only in their own centers, so it’s great to have someplace where the directors of all the centers can come together. Soon you start to have shared programs, you bring in speakers together, you have conferences, and all of that brings in more students.”
Erik Goldstein, a CAS professor of international relations and of history, sees the school as something that BU was long destined to establish. “In many ways,” says Goldstein, a former chair of the international relations department, “BU has been preparing for something along these lines for many years. The University has a long history of international and global dimension. In fact, ever since I came to BU 16 years ago, this is the moment I’ve been working towards. It will crystallize all of the cooperative potential that I had wanted to see when I accepted the post.”
Maria Paez (CAS’16) has been studying international relations for two years. She says the creation of the Pardee School has expanded opportunities for students. “The school, with more resources, will allow students to better shape their career paths. Also, being part of a school, rather than a department, gives students a greater sense of community and pride.”
Amir Feinberg (CAS’16), who entered BU on a premed track and switched his major to international relations, says the cohesiveness of the Pardee School opens up to him more courses that he might find interesting. “I’m so excited,” says Feinberg. “I’m trying to take advantage of every opportunity.”
See full feature here.