The Nobel Peace Prize Forum consortium sponsors a Peace Prize Forum Scholars program. Two students from each of the five Norwegian Lutheran colleges that make up the consortium will be selected as scholars and awarded a six-week educational experience in Oslo, Norway, designed to deepen their understanding of issues related to peace, justice, democracy, and human rights.

The 24th annual Nobel Peace Prize Forum will take place in Minneapolis, Minn., on March 1-3, 2012. The registration deadline is Monday, Feb. 6. The Nobel Peace Prize Forum is a unique civic learning experience that brings Nobel Laureates, civic leaders, and scholars together with students and other citizens. As the Norwegian Nobel Institute’s only such program or academic affiliation outside of Norway, the Nobel Peace Prize Forum has a special mission: to inspire peacemaking by celebrating the work of Nobel Peace Prize winners. The event is open to the public and people of all ages are encouraged to attend. The Forum is coordinated by Augsburg College and the Humphrey School of Public Affairs at the University of Minnesota.

International Summer School/University of Oslo

Peace Prize Forum Scholars Seminar

The Peace Prize Forum Scholars will meet at least four times in a seminar with the Course Leader to discuss the individual and group projects they will be working on during the course of the summer session. Seminar themes and projects topics will focus on the area of influence of the peace laureate who will be honored at the upcoming Peace Prize Forum. Augustana scholars will also explore the role of direct democracy in creating a more just, equitable, and peaceful society.

Seminar Schedule

Students will participate in regular ISS courses with other international students between 8:15 a.m.-1:00 p.m. daily.

At least two afternoons a week, PPF scholars will meet either in a seminar session with their Course Leader and/or to visit one of the peace organizations. Other afternoons may be spent in individual research and work on their projects, working with other international students on the ISS student council or planning one of the many student-organized international activities.

Evening programs include an International Forum, which meets every Tuesday evening with student panels on current affairs and other international issues.

Augustana students are responsible for booking their own travel in consultation with Brad Heegel, Director of Special Projects at Augustana. Where possible, Peace Scholars will arrive and depart Oslo on the same flight schedules.

The 2012 Scholar Program

• Scholars will be named by February 18, 2012, and announced at the March 1-3, 2012, Nobel Peace Prize Forum, which will be held at Augsburg College in Minneapolis, Minn.
• The program will be held June 18-August 3, 2012, at the University of Oslo’s International Summer School (ISS). It will consist of a credit seminar for the Peace Prize Forum scholars, plus one (or two) credit course(s) of his/her own choosing from the undergraduate courses offered at the ISS (see www.summerschool.uio.no for a list of courses).
• The Peace Prize Forum Seminar will provide a general introduction to the issues surrounding the current Nobel Peace Prize and the work of peace organizations and institutions in Norway, including the International Peace Research Institute, the Nobel Institute, the Oslo Center for Peace and Human Rights, the Nobel Peace Center, and the Nansen Dialogue Network.
• During the seminar, students will work on projects they will be asked to present at the 2012 Nobel Peace Prize Forum and at least two other venues during the following year.
• Upon returning to their respective campuses, the ten scholars will continue to communicate and find ways to build on the Oslo experience together. They will also be expected to play a leadership role in peace activities on their campuses, and assist with promoting the upcoming Nobel Peace Prize Forum.
• The cost of the program (approximately $5,000, which covers all ISS program fees, including academic credit, room, board, and airfare) will be funded by the College.

Criteria

• Strong academic record with a minimum GPA of 3.0.
• Open to full-time first year, sophomore or junior students.

Application and Selection Process

• Applications should be directed to Professor Mike Nitz (via campus mail or email attachment) by Monday, Feb. 6, including:
  • a.) 1-page max cover letter saying why you want the award,
  • b.) two reference (recommendation) letters, at least one of which must be from professor, and
  • c.) 1,000-word (2-page max) essay on how winning this award would enhance your academic career —- both here at Augustana and beyond graduation.
• The Elite Scholars Committee will review all applications and interview the finalists. Augustana’s two scholars will be selected by February 18.