May 19-June 7, 2010. We are proud to offer a new technical seminar to Israel and Jordan led by Marvin Marshak, professor of physics. For the first time, Minnesota students will have an opportunity to study this historic and strategically important area in a seminar led by a faculty member.
May 19-June 7, 2010
Seminar Description
We are proud to offer a new technical seminar to Israel and Jordan led by Marvin Marshak, professor of physics. For the first time, Minnesota students will have an opportunity to study this historic and strategically important area in a seminar led by a faculty member.
There is arguably no region in the world outside of our own country that plays a larger role in the American consciousness than the Middle East, which is also a unique region in the context of science and technology. The region generally lacks water and arable land. The distribution of energy resources is dichotomous. Some countries have huge petroleum and natural gas surpluses. Others are desperately short of energy resources.
Science and technology, if it can be developed appropriately, offers considerable benefits to the countries in the Middle East. However, various factors make such development problematic. Can American scientists and engineers participate positively in the development of scientific and technological infrastructure in the Middle East? The goals of this course are to better understand this region, how it has been affected by science and technology, and how can science and technology improve the lives of its people.
Included will be visits and discussions with scientists and engineers at university and industrial sites in Israel. Possible sites include universities in Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, Haifa, Beersheva and technology companies such as Intel, Teva Pharmaceutricals, Israeli Aircraft Industries, and Tadiran Electronics. Of particular interest in Jordan is the region around Aqaba, where the U.S. Agency for International Development is working with Jordanian government to promote a Special Economic Zone with technology industry and a new university. The group will also visit some historic sites to achieve a better understanding of the historical context that continues to shape culture and politics in the Middle East. See itinerary (coming soon)>>
