Active Learning

Years after the war ended, Bosnians still must be wary of landmines planted during the conflict. UW-Superior students Beth Wilfert, Mary Guenette and Ken Carlson wear protective clothing and helmets during a visit to an area cleared of mines.

"War and Peace in Bosnia"

Renee Lorence
Owen-Withee, Wis.
History and Political Science major

Renee Lorence was among 11 students and three professors who traveled to Bosnia as part of "War and Peace in Bosnia" -- a course that gives students a unique opportunity to learn some gritty lessons first hand. It's also an example of how imaginative faculty members create active teaching and learning opportunities at UW-Superior.

In Bosnia, the students met with people from all walks of life who were involved in the war during the 1990s and the country's continuing reconstruction. They talked with city officials, politicians, government ministers, people who run aid organizations, "de-miners" who remove leftover landmines and explosives, and ordinary people -- survivors whose family members are still missing, women engaged in "micro-industry," such as sewing garments at home.

The experience provides many important lessons to young people who soon will be moving into government offices, jobs and aid organization jobs in the United States and abroad, says Dr. Khalil "Haji" Dokhanchi, a political science professor who leads the trip.

"The theme of the class is very applicable to Afghanistan and Iraq. The issues are not unique to Bosnia," he says. "If you learn something about Bosnia, you can apply the lessons to Afghanistan, Iraq and other countries."

After the course was over, Renee stayed in Bosnia and completed a four-week internship with the International Campaign to Ban Landmines.

"I researched and interviewed various people involved directly or indirectly with landmines, and wrote an article about the environmental impact of landmines on Bosnia-Herzegovina," she says. "This information will be used on the ICBL's website to provide information about Bosnia-Herzegovina, and also on the environmental impact of landmines since there has not been any recent work done in that area. This experience gave me a much better understanding of the important role that non-governmental organizations play in spreading information within and between countries."

A new group of students visited Bosnia in May 2006, and another class is being organized for May 2007. Dr. Dokhanchi says he hopes to offer War and Peace in Bosnia every year to gain a long-term perspective on the country's healing process.

"War and Peace in Bosnia is the only program like this in the country," says Dr. Dokhanchi. "We are the only school taking students there. There are many study abroad programs and they are wonderful, but this one has an edge to it."