Dance salsa in Peru? Explore religion in the Mediterranean? Look for Neanderthals in France? Sign me up!
The Columbian College of Arts and Sciences’ newest summer abroad programs promise to immerse participants in exciting and fun learning experiences that go well beyond the classroom, the museum, and the library. Just look at the program led by Theatre and Dance Chair
Dana Tai Soon Burgess whose students get to dig into spicy Peruvian food, meet innovators in South American cultural circles, visit pre-Columbian archaeological sites and—oh, yes—dance.
“From the Incas to Salsa” will map Peruvian history and culture through the performing arts, exploring the dances that emerged with each era in an environment that is bursting with music, dance, and culture. Students will examine immigration trends and religious beliefs and interact with local dancers and dance professors at the National University of San Marcos—the oldest university in the Americas and one of the oldest universities in the world.
On the lighter side, participants will be encouraged to learn the lively dances of the Andes highlands, the elegant barefoot courting dance of the coast,
la marinera, and dances from the Amazon jungle. Also planned is an opportunity to watch the energetic folkdance
la tijera, in which men dance with oversized scissors.
Exploring One Religion’s Origins 
Also new this year is “Early Christianity in its Pagan Context,” which will transport students from Athens to Thessaloniki, Corinth, Ephesus and other ancient cities to explore Christianity’s origins and rituals in the locations where they first emerged. Students will explore some of the places visited by the apostle Paul and the cities addressed by John, the author of the biblical Book of Revelation.
“We’ll be traversing by train and visiting early Christian sites, such as Ephesus,” said Assistant Dean of Undergraduate Studies
Katherine Zapantis Keller, who is returning to her ancestor’s native land of Greece to help lead the program. “Students will get a sense of how far this religion had to travel.”
Not only will students visit sites important to early Christians, they will also see the Oracle of Delphi and pagan temples where miracles were reported. Time will be set aside for students to tour Istanbul, cruise the Bosphorus and swim in the Mediterranean Sea
“What students will physically ‘do’—following the footsteps of St. Paul, for example—will be combined with studying first century Christianity in its original context in the place where it happened,” said
Paul Duff, associate dean for Undergraduate Studies and professor of Religion, who is also leading the program.
The Neanderthals—A French Connection Another new addition to this year’s Summer Abroad agenda is “The Neanderthals,” which will take students across France on the trail of this ancient species. Students will begin their journey in Paris and then travel to the Dordogne area, known for its beautiful countryside, historic castles and famous archaeological sites.
Amanda Henry, who will lead the program, said France’s archaeological artifacts rarely leave the country, making this course a “must” for those interested in the study of the Neanderthal species.
“We’re hoping students will have the opportunity to visit and talk with the people working on the excavations that are currently active,” Henry said. “On the agenda are guest lecturers by prominent archaeologists, museum curators and French geographers.”
The program includes visits to the Musee d'Archaeologie Nationale in St. Germain en Laye and a special guided tour of the Musee National de Prehistore in Les-Eyzies. In addition, students will see the famous cave paintings at Lascaux II and travel, possibly by canoe, down the Vézère River to see the cave and rock shelter sites in the cliffs overlooking the river.
These three programs are among the nearly two dozen Summer 2010 study abroad offerings. For more information or to apply, visit www.studyabroad.gwu.edu. The application deadline is March 1.
Search
