The first component, the academic, consists of a Minor and a Certificate program in Moral Courage. Because the subject is multidisciplinary, faculty and students from different fields will be engaged in the study of ethics, religion, philosophy, psychology, history, and other relevant topics. Several new courses in Moral Courage are being developed to examine theoretical questions of human rights, genocide, and personal responsibility and to identify specific exemplars of moral courage. A service-learning component, internships, and international study and travel abroad are contemplated as part of the package.

The academic part contributes to the second component, the community, which is involved in programs on moral courage. Individuals and topics identified by faculty will shape these programs, which will draw on significant leaders from the U.S. and abroad to come to San Diego to talk about important issues relating to moral courage. We are working with other universities in the community to build a broad base of community interest in these programs.

Finally, the global component comprises a major award given to someone identified by the International Advisory Board of IMC in recognition of their exemplary moral courage. The academic component contributes to this by providing some names, though not all names, of potential nominees. The community contributes to this through participation on the board, and through direct nominations. The individual award winner will come to San Diego to deliver a keynote speech to receive the award.