University of the Andes.

The political science faculty of the University of the Andes is committed to research into the political phenomena particular to Colombia; and to using this research to provide insight into potential solutions to Colombian socio-political problems.

Overview

The Faculty of Social Sciences is an academic unit composed of six departments: Anthropology; Political Science; Philosophy; History; Languages and Socio-cultural Studies; and a centre of investigations, the Centre of International and Socio-cultural Studies (CESO).

Its work is orientated towards forming critical and responsible citizens with a firm grasp on the basics of the disciplines offered by the Faculty (at undergraduate level) or (for those taking MAs) a detailed knowledge of the more specific Masters programmes.

Political Science at the University:

The University considers that there is a clear need to understand the political background of social phenomena in Colombia and, since the creation of the Political Science Department in 1963, there has been special emphasis on research to complement teaching work. This effort has resulted in a large number of publications relating to elections, the structure of political power, the decision-making process, the State, political parties, and international policy. In order to maintain a high academic level and introduce advances made in political science in Colombia, in Latin America, and in more advanced societies; the Department offers courses in continued education, seminars, round table discussions, and lectures, all of which provide students with valuable opportunities to enrich their learning.

The Department has made important contributions through the years to an improvement in the understanding of political phenomena and to the formation of suitable policies to solve the problems which retard the development of Colombia. Problems which are also at the direct root of the Colombian armed conflict. In this way the Faculty in particular and the university in general is heavily committed to peacebuilding.

What Services Are Provided?

Undergraduate and postgraduate studies and research programmes.

Geographical Area of Operation

Bogotá D.C.

Funding Resources

Political science students’ fees.

What Further Information Would You Like?

Possibilities of cooperation in and financing reasearch. We would like to develop sufficient resources to establish an internally-managed fund to support research related to peacebuilding at the University of the Andes. This fund may originate in an institution or in a consortium of institutions interested in supporting policy-relevant research on peacebuilding in Colombia. We are also seeking funding for individual projects.

What New Contacts Would You Like To Make?

International universities interested in strengthening links in research around and teaching in political science.

Associated Organisations

Universities: Robert Schuman University (Strasbourg) and the Instituto Autónomo de México (ITAM).

Other organisations: Latin American Students Association (LASA), Participa (Chile), Latin-American Council of Social Sciences (Argentina) and International Students Association (ISA).