The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan serves
as an excellent introduction to Muslim countries, and has a strategic
geographical position in the Middle East—bordering Saudi Arabia, Iraq,
Syria, Israel, and the Palestinian Territories. The country covers an area
of about 35,000 squares miles (a little less than Indiana) and its geography
ranges from the high elevations of Wadi Rum to the lowest point on earth,
the Dead Sea. Jordan offers exquisite nature reserves, and thousands of
ruins and archeological sites, the most famous of which is the dramatic 2000
year old city of Petra. Jordan’s population has increased nine-fold since
1952, with the current estimate at 6 million. Palestinian immigrants and
refugees make up more than half of the population, and more recently Iraqi
refugees have been pouring into the country. Over ninety percent of the
population are Muslim Arabs, with small minorities of Muslim Circassians and
Chechens, as well as Christian Arabs. The visitor to Jordan experiences the
Arab traditions of hospitality and kindness on a daily basis. “Welcome to
Jordan” is a frequent and genuine greeting.
The School for International Training’s
Jordan: Modernization and Social Change program is based in the capital
city of Amman, a modern city spread out over
towering hills. Students engage in
intensive Arabic language study, and study the country’s rapid change and
growth, with its many complex issues in the environment, economics, politics,
development, sociology, and religion. The program includes numerous education
excursions to explore Jordan’s ancient heritage and contemporary culture, as
well as a trip to Egypt.
Dates: Fall semester: early September to mid-December
Spring semester: early February to mid-May
Fields of Study: Arabic language,
Jordanian culture and society, religion, gender, history, politics, development
issues, environmental studies.
Eligibility: Candidates are required
to have completed a college-level course with Middle Eastern content.
Number of Students: Approximately 3
Pomona students; total program enrollment 25 per semester.
Academic Program: The program begins
with a one-week orientation in Amman. After orientation, the following
components of the academic program begin: Intensive Arabic Language Study (1.5
Pomona credits), Modernization and Social Change Seminar (1 Pomona credit),
Field Study Seminar (0.5 Pomona credits), and an Independent Study Project (1
Pomona credit). There is no P/NC option on this program.
The program also includes educational
excursions to Petra, Wadi Rum, Jerash, Aqaba, Alexandria, and Cairo. There is a
five-day rural visit when students live with Bedouin families in the southern
Ma’an region of Jordan.
Living Arrangements: Students live in homestays
for nine weeks in Amman. If homestays are not available due to cultural
considerations, students will be housed in apartments. Other accommodations
during the program include hostels and small hotels.
Faculty Liaison: Zayn Kassam
Internet Link:
http://www.worldlearning.org/ssa_jor.htm
Weather and Time in Amman
