Open to VIU students.
Applications until February 5, 2025
This course is organized as part of a collaboration between the Department of Political Science, Law and International Studies of the University of Padova and the international network Scholars at Risk and contributes to the goals and outcome of the SAR Student Advocacy Seminar series.
The University of Padova joined SAR in 2017 and has had since a strategic role in the formation of an Italian SAR section. In this context, a programme of activities is being developed among SAR Italy members, including the organization of a Student Advocacy Seminars.
The University of Padua extended the possibility to take part in this seminar to VIU students.
Coordinators and instructors
Claudia Padovani and Francesca Helm (Department of Politics, Law and International Studies - SPGI)
Course Description
The Advocacy Seminar Series on Academic Freedom provides university students with the opportunity to develop knowledge and skills through direct engagement on behalf of threatened members of the global higher education community facing unjust restrictions, prosecution, or imprisonment. Over the course of the seminar, students will gain a deep understanding of both the value of the academic freedom they enjoy, and the risks scholars and students around the world face in the pursuit of knowledge. Students organize awareness-raising advocacy initiatives and prepare an end-of-seminar report. In addition, students will have the chance to put their advocacy skills into practice at a number of public events.
Beside the class work, students are expected to work on relevant literature, watch video materials and participate in groups to develop advocacy projects.
This experiential General Course is designed to give students a foundation in:
▪ Academic freedom: theory and cases
▪ Human rights research, standards, and mechanisms
▪ International relations and institutional commitment to academic freedom and higher education values
▪ Competence for advocacy work (frameworks, tools, resources)
▪ Intercultural competences
▪ Leadership and teamwork skills
▪ Organization and networking, writing and public speaking for advocacy
▪ Social media and online campaigning
The foreseen activities require different disciplinary backgrounds, while offering an opportunity to experiment with the exchange of diverse knowledges and competences in the conduct of a practical project. Proficiency in other languages is welcome.
Collaborative interaction will also involve students and lecturers from various universities across Europe and the globe who are also taking part in SAR Advocacy Seminars, as well as guest speakers including representatives from NGOs, IGOs and organizations that are involved in advocacy work.
Attendance
Attendance to the course is required: students should participate in at least 75% of the activities. Upon the successful completion of the activities students will be recognised 6 CFU.
Calendar
Start of activities: March 6, 2025
End of activities: June 14, 2025
Classes are held on Thursday afternoons from 14.30 to 18.30 in Aula Comune (via del Santo 28, 35123 Padova) starting from March 6, 2025. There will be a couple of workshops/events outside these times.
Number of hours and credits
Teaching hours: 45
Hours of individual study: 105
CFU/ECTS: 6
Applications
A maximum number of students are accepted to participate (45). If you are interested in taking part, please fill in this Google form in detail. The deadline for applications is February 5, 2025. Confirmation of acceptance will be communicated to you via mail by February 12, 2025.
For further information visit:
https://en.didattica.unipd.it/off/2024/LM/EP/EP2444/000ZZ/EPP9086118/N0
or contact :
Claudia Padovani claudia.padovani@unipd.it
Francesca Helm francesca.helm@unipd.it
