Course Outline

1. Preparation
In October 2001, PASSIA began to consult with colleagues and experts – both locally and internationally – in order to plan and implement the training program. The seminar was advertised in the local press during that month, and notification was also given to national institutions such as ministries, NGOs and research centers. No fees for undertaking the course are required from the participants.

2. Participant Selection Procedure
By the deadline of 12 November 2001, PASSIA had received over 100 applications from all over the Palestinian Territories. Of these, 97 were invited for interviews. In line with PASSIA policy not to interfere in the selection process, Dr. Faisal Awartani, lecturer at Birzeit University, was invited and agreed to conduct the interviews. Eighteen of the interviewees were selected to participate in the training program, as well as five reserves.

3. Reading Period
Following the selection of participants, the preparatory reading period commenced; each participant received a reading package containing assorted background articles that would enable him/her to become familiar with the concepts of the seminar beforehand.

The reading period included the preparation of a short paper assignment, whereby each participant received one of the following instructions, to be answered on two pages, drawing on personal experience and the pre-seminar reading materials, and to be submitted by 19 December 2001 to PASSIA:

“What makes in your opinion a leader and give an example/examples from Palestine or the Arab World.”

or (alternatively):

“Where do you see Palestine’s role and position in the international arena ten years from now?”

4. Lecture Program
From 21-23 September 2001 experts and practitioners in the fields of leadership and international relations will give a series of presentations and lecturers. The participants will be encouraged to relate what they learn to their own living/working environment. During the three-day seminar, beverages, luncheon and snacks for all participants and lecturers will be provided by PASSIA, as will accommodation for those participants who are unable to travel every day.

6. Certification
At the close of the program, participants will receive a second writing assignment related to a subject discussed during the course. Those participants who submit this assignment within the given deadline and who have performed all other required tasks will be handed a certificate affirming their successful participation in the PASSIA training program on Leadership and International Relations.

Dec. 21, 2001

9:15 a.m. – 10:15 a.m. – Opening Session Leadership Challenges and Qualities – An Introduction

Dr. Mahdi Abdul Hadi, Head of PASSIA, Jerusalem

10:15 a.m. – 11:15 a.m. – Palestine’s (Future) Role in International Affairs Discussion

Dr. Ali Jirbawi, Professor of International Relations, Birzeit University

11:15 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. – Break

11:30 a.m. – 12:45 p.m. – Psychology of Leadership I (leadership types, various personalities)

Dr. Khader Musleh, Dean of Students, Bethlehem University

12:45 p.m. – 2 p.m. – Lunch

2 p.m. – 3 p.m. – Psychology of Leadership II (convincing others, leaving an impression, dealing with conflict)

Dr. Khader Musleh

3 p.m. – 3:15 p.m. – Break

3:15 p.m. – 4 p.m. – Discussion: What makes a leader and examples from the Palestinian context

Dec. 22, 2001

9:15 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. – Communications Skills

Aref Hijjawi, Deputy Director, Media Center, Birzeit University

10:45 a.m. – 11 a.m. – Break

11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. – Decision-Making and Supervision Skills (chairing meetings, building and working in teams, motivating others)

Aref Hijjawi

12:30 p.m. – 2 p.m. – Lunch

2 p.m. – 3 p.m. – PRACTICAL EXERCISE

Dr. Mahdi Abdul Hadi

3 p.m. – 3:15 p.m. – Break

3:15 p.m. – 4:45 p.m. – Introduction into International Law

Omar Dajani, Internal Regional Affairs Officer, UNSCO

Dec. 23, 2001

9:15 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. – The International System, International Organizations and the World Order

Roger Heacock, Professor of History, Chair, Graduate Program in International Studies, Birzeit University

10:45 a.m. – 11 a.m. – Break

11 a.m. – 1 p.m. – The Role and Function of Diplomacy – Theory and Practice

Nabil Amero, Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, Palestinian Authority

1 p.m. – 2 p.m. – Lunch

2 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. – What Is ‘International Affairs’?

Dr. Ali Jirbawi, Professor of International Relations, Birzeit University

3:30 p.m. – 3:45 p.m. – Break

3:45 p.m. – 4:45 p.m. – Final Discussion and Wrap up