The European Cultural History Tour is first and foremost an academic travel program. Students are required to enroll in at least three three-hour courses for credit in different disciplines and to complete all course requirements even if they do not intend to transfer the credits to their home institution.

Because we follow an extensive travel itinerary, instructional delivery is very different from the pattern of fixed class time and standard contact hours of campus courses. On ECHT, class sessions are usually scheduled around or during the program activities that take up most of the day: visits to museums, monuments, cathedrals and temples, historic sites, governmental institutions, etc. Thus, in a sense most of the waking hours of each day are contact hours because students are actively engaged in some aspect of European history, art, literature, and political science.

The faculty are very careful to balance the program activities described in the itinerary with sufficient time for students to reflect on and discuss the significance of what they have seen and experienced. Thus, class sessions are designed to contextualize and synthesize vivid first-hand impressions. Classes are taught in an interdisciplinary fashion, with history, art, religion, and political science professors helping the students to get an interconnected view. Instead of lectures, the emphasis is on dialogue and discussion that actively involves the students. And since the faculty travel with the group and are always available, meaningful discussions often take place during routine activities such as meals, walking from one site to the next, waiting for trains, etc. Course assignments, which include readings in European history, art, literature and political science, quizzes and presentations, are also aimed at organizing students' experiences. The faculty allow sufficient time for the completion of most course requirements on the tour. Because of the full itinerary and the academic requirements, there is relatively little free time on this program.

Credit

Students may earn up to 15 semester hours of Eastern Michigan University credit in history, art, religion, and political science. Students must enroll in at least three three-hour courses for credit in different disciplines and must complete all course requirements even if they do not intend to transfer the credits to their home institution. The courses offered are designed to meet basic studies or core curriculum requirements at most universities. Courses at the 300 and 400 level may meet major or minor requirements. The decision to accept the credits earned on this program rests with the appropriate officials at the student's home institution. Students should consult with their study abroad adviser or academic adviser to learn their institution's policies and procedures regarding transfer credit.

Orientation

The Fall Semester European Cultural History Tour begins outside of London with an intensive orientation that will help create a community of culturally aware traveling scholars. Staff and students will get acquainted with each other and learn the ground rules for ECHT, and its unique approach to study and travel. There will also be essential introductions to each of the academic subject areas and the interdisciplinary framework that will be used throughout the program.

Courses

The following is a tentative list of courses, with Eastern Michigan University catalogue descriptions, to be offered on the program during the Fall of 2002. HIST 100 and HIST 302 may not be taken concurrently except with the permission of the tour director. FA 100 and FA 379 may not be taken concurrently as FA 100 is the pre-requisite for FA 379.

History

HIS 101
History Of Western Civilization To 1648
3 semester hours

A topical survey of Western Civilization from Greco-Roman origins to the 17th century. Cultural development and institutional growth are emphasized. Greco-Roman contributions, the Judeo-Christian heritage, Byzantine and Islamic cultures, European expansion and militarism, the Renaissance and the Reformation are among the major topics considered.

HIS 333
Europe Since 1919
3 semester hours

A history of Europe since Versailles with emphasis upon the Communist, Fascist and Nazi revolutions and their impact on the world, the origins and outbreak of the Second World War and the post-1945 era.

Art

FA 100
Art Appreciation
3 semester hours

A course for non-specializing students. The aim is to acquaint students with art philosophies, their elements, principles and values. Most major art museums in the cities on our itinerary will be visited and key works studied. For the art museums to be visited see the itinerary. FA 100 and FA 379 may not be taken concurrently.

FA 379
Art And Architecture Of Europe
3 semester hours

This course studies the development of Western European art and architecture. Guided tours will be taken of most major art museums in London, Paris, Scandinavia, St. Petersburg, Berlin, Vienna, Munich, Venice, Florence, Rome, Naples, Pompeii, Agrigento, Palermo and Athens. Architectural structures such as churches and palaces of artistic significance will also be visited and discussed on location. In addition, numerous archeological museums and sites will be visited in Greece and Turkey as detailed in the itinerary. The pre-requisite for this course is FA 100.

Religion

HIST 100
The Comparative Study of Religion
3 semester hours

An introduction to the systematic study of religious experience and expression; organized around representative motifs, phenomena and institutions, and illustrated with relevant examples from the various historical religious traditions. HIST 100 and HIST 302 may not be taken concurrently except with the permission of the tour director.

HIST 302
Near Eastern and Western Religions
3 semester hours

A survey of the historical evolution of the several religions originating in western Asia, concentrating especially on the development and interaction of Judaism, Christianity and Islam. HIST 100 and HIST 302 may not be taken concurrently except with the permission of the tour director.

Political Science

PLS 212
Introduction to International Politics
3 semester hours

This course is an introduction to the study and principles of international relations with special attention to problems of international politics and organizations related to Europe, Russia, and the Middle East.

PLS 379
Special Topic
3 semester hours

To be arranged.