Shawn Bates Assistant Professor SIS | Peace, Human Rights & Cultural Relations
- Degrees
- J.D., Georgetown University Law Center, M.A. International Communication, American University
- Favorite Spot on Campus
- Amphitheater
- Book Currently Reading
- Democracy in America; The University and Revolution; On Corruption in America
- Bio
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Mr. Bates is an international lawyer, mediator, educator, intercultural communication consultant and trainer with over 20 years of experience in the international arena. He is currently Assistant Professor in the School of International Service, and a former Director of the Chile/Argentina Summer Law Program for the Washington College of Law. Prof. Bates was the founder and Academic Director for American University’s Washington Semester Program in International Law and Organizations. With the assistance of the Washington Semester Program staff, Mr. Bates developed the International Law and Organizations Program into one of the most successful visiting academic programs at American University. He designed and led a study tour of Western Europe and international legal institutions, as well as directed the academic development of the students in Unit I of the program.
In addition to teaching, Prof. Bates is actively involved with the American Bar Association and the American Society for International Law (ASIL). He is a frequent lecturer on cross-cultural conflict and mediation, as well as an advisor to various multilateral institutions.
His primary research interests are in Anti-Corruption, Alternative Dispute Resolution, International Arbitration, Green Infrastructure Development and intercultural communication. He is also deeply interested in the intersection of culture and law, as well as the interdisciplinary study of governance through commodities such as coffee and chocolate. (Though really, who isn't?)
- For the Media
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Teaching
Spring 2025
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HNRS-151 AU Honors Research Experience: Civil Rights/Human Rights/DC
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SISU-106 First Year Seminar: From Bean to Brew
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SISU-205 Intercultural Communication
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SISU-294 Comm Service Learning Project: Intercultural Communication
Fall 2025
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CORE-102 Encounter AU
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CORE-107 Complex Problems Seminar: Cultures of Corruption
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CORE-107 Complex Problems Seminar: Cultures of Corruption
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SISU-205 Intercultural Communication
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SISU-294 Comm Service Learning Project: Intercultural Communication