Through partnership with Université du 7 Novembre à Carthage the program will offer coursework in five specific areas: language studies (French and Arabic); Mediterranean and Tunisian civilization; gender studies; environmental studies; and cross-cultural communications. Participants may also receive credit for an undergraduate research project or for internship work. Students enroll for a minimum of 13 quarter credits of coursework. Under the supervision of a Resident Directors from Oregon State University, all classes are designed for program participants who are encouraged to take at least one of the electives offered.

LANGUAGE STUDY (OTUN 288/388 or 488)

Students must take a primary language class in either French or Arabic. Participants receive 12 quarter credits for each French or Arabic course completed. All language courses will meet for 12 hours per week and contain multiple components which allow students to develop oral and written competency, improve reading skills, and experience the panorama of Tunisian culture. If students studying French are interested in learning Arabic as well, (or students studying Arabic are interested in learning French), private tutors can be outside of the official offerings of the program.

Cross-Cultural Conversations

A course designed to engage OSU and Tunisian university students in thematic conversations based on the cultures of both countries, including the relations between them. (OSU equivalency: Linguistics 188)

ELECTIVES (OTUN 388/488 or 588)

In addition, to the language course and the cross-cultural conversations course, participants choose from three electives. Elective classes are taught in English and include an undergraduate research option for additional credit. The courses listed below will be offered during the 2009 program by the Resident Directors and by faculty at Université du 7 Novembre à Carthage. Final course selection will be based on students enrollments.

Environmental Case Studies. Tunisia: Development in Conditions of Environmental Scarcity.

(OSU equivalency: Environmental Sciences, ENSC 499/Special Topics).

Women's International Voices

A study of women and literature in an international context (North Africa), focusing on the cultural differences, women and the effects of gender on language and literature. (OSU equivalency: English 497/597, Bac Core Global Issues Course)

Cultures of Tunisia and the Mediterranean

This course is an extension of the Cross-Cultural Conversations course. You can either take the Cross-Cultural Conversations Course for 1 credit OR take Cultures of the Tunisia and the Mediterranean for 3 credits. For the 3-credit course you will complete the requirements for the Conversations Course, as well as additional class meetings and assignments focused around the fieldtrips and guest lectures. (OSU equivalency: Twentieth Century Studies 301, Bac Core Synthesis Course).

Internships are available for students wishing to extend their stay in Tunisia. Internships may be arranged through IE3. Global Internships provide a unique opportunity to deepen your understanding of Tunisian culture and enhance your résumé. Visit the IE3 Global Internship website for more information.

It may be possible for students to conduct undergraduate research while in Tunisia. Students need to start their research proposals early in accordance with OSU regulations. Check with a study abroad advisor for more information.

Field trips will be incorporated into the academic program. Excursions planned for the Fall 2007 program include visits to Carthage, Utique, Sidi Bou SaVd, Musée du Bardo, the Medina of Tunis, the Island of Djerba (of Homerian fame), Berber troglodyte habitations and a Saharan Oasis.