Election 2012--a Divided United States

is the theme for this summer's institute.The 2010 mid-term elections in the United States signaled a setback for the hope fostered by the 2008 election of President Obama.  Now, as the country anticipates the Presidential election in November, 2012, Americans seem more polarized than ever. This two-week seminar will explore contemporary challenges for the president of a country sharply divided on issues relating to the economy, health care, taxes, immigration, education and Iraq, among many.

As in previous institutes, the lectures and site visits will examine some of the challenges and possibilities of American Society as its 44th President, Barack Obama, tries to unite a country divided about the issues of war in Afghanistan, health care, immigration and a struggling global economy, among others. This year's program will place more emphasis on exploring how these issues are conveyed honestly or with distortion in significant films viewed by a global audience.

In lectures, readings, films, and structured discussions supported by on-site visits, participants will learn to appreciate the complex social fabric of the United States. Our institute, based at Luther College in Decorah, Iowa (the state where it all began for Obama), will be framed by visits to the cities of Chicago and Madison, Wis.

The two-week program emphasizes challenges, obstacles, and opportunities in contemporary American life and attempts to portray the nation and its people objectively--the successes and the failures, the problems and possible solutions.

Participants who attend at least 90 percent of program lectures and activities will receive a certificate of participation upon completion of the program. A limited number of scholarship stipends are available from the Institute and from associations in the various Nordic countries.