In an era of mass migrations, ethnic cleansing and discrimination, EPIIC will confront the contentious transnational constructs and realities of race and ethnicity. What are their theories and histories? What are the vexing ethical and biological issues? How do identity formation (race, ethnicity, class, nationalism, gender), citizenship, political participation, power relationships, and nation-state consolidation affect public policy and inter- and intra-group interactions?

We will probe meanings and manipulations of the politics of recognition, of culture and identity, and consider the principles and the practice of justice. Against the backdrop of historical and contemporary stratification, segregation, discrimination, oppression, and xenophobia -- in Bosnia, Chiapas, China, Fiji, Germany, Lebanon, Nigeria, South Africa, the U.S. and beyond -- we will study the political and psychological factors in racial and ethnic conflict. This will include a global comparative look at such issues as affirmative action in such countries as India, Sri Lanka, South Africa, and the United States.

And, we will investigate peacemaking in multiethnic societies, strategies of inter-racial and inter-ethnic coalition building and means of transforming cultures of intolerance.

THE EPIIC COLLOQUIUM

As the preparatory class for EPIIC's annual international symposium, the colloquium offers the unique opportunity of fusing serious academic coursework with the planning and enactment of the symposium, simulations, professional workshops, and special events. EPIIC enables students to produce tangible, intellectual products such as CD-Roms and the opportunity to mentor high school students in Inquiry. EPIIC's approach affords students both a broad, multidisciplinary survey of an expansive topic and opportunities for in-depth, independent research.

Throughout the two-semester course, students are exposed to diverse perspectives, regularly discoursing with authors of required readings and other eminent thinkers and practitioners. Students also can utilize EPIIC as a platform to pursue senior honors theses and to conduct original field research. Over the last few years, students have traveled to Australia, Bosnia, Chiapas, China, Costa Rica, Egypt, France, The Hague, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Jerusalem, Lebanon, Nepal, Nigeria, Northern Ireland, South Africa, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates.