Curb Cafe

SWITZERLAND STUDY ABROAD - SUMMER 2010

THE WORLD INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY ORGANIZATION (WIPO)

Geneva, Switzerland

May 31, 2011 - June 20, 2011

Study international policymaking while visiting the land of the Swiss Alps and the world's center for diplomacy.   The program will include visits to companies and organizations that help in the understanding of Intellectual Property (IP) policymaking, as well as visits to popular sites like Chillon Castle and Mont Blanc.

 Course Description:  (6) Prerequisite: MBU 1110.  MBU 2520 and FRE 1010 strongly encouraged.  This course provides a comprehensive study of international IP policymaking through an introduction to and study of The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). WIPO is one of the 16 specialized agencies of the United Nations, created in 1967 "to encourage creative activity, to promote the protection of intellectual property throughout the world." This course includes a general overview of copyright and trademark policymaking through WIPO. Specific topics include the nature of exclusive rights, how international IP policy is made, international protection of exclusive rights through WIPO, and a comparative study of international treaties and cultural concepts of IP ownership and infringement.

Special course features:

  • The course will include examination of the impact of international policymaking on the arts and entertainment industries;
  • The course will include an overview of Swiss culture, including some introduction to French language, given Geneva's proximity to France
  • A total of six (6) credits may be earned for this course
  • This course may be counted as either a General Education elective, Music Business elective, or International Business elective
  • Tours as an introduction to Swiss and French culture

 Faculty:  Dr. Cheryl L. Slay, Assistant Professor of Music Business

              Dr. John Paine, Professor, Foreign Languages

  Estimated costs: The cost for this trip is estimated at $4796.00 + tuition.  Note that these are estimates only; Final costs will be available December 2010.

 Faculty Advisor/Contact: Prof. Slay, x6534; cheryl.slay@belmont.edu