Come to LaGrange and see the world
The Interim, or 'Jan Term,' is the middle of LaGrange College's academic calendar,
between fall and spring semesters. Interim courses are designed to encourage students
to explore course content outside of their majors through personal, hands-on experience.
Jan Term classes include on-campus projects, independent research, internships
and study-travel experiences. Capture a glimpse of the fun and challenge of Jan
Term by taking a look at recent classes below.
2014 Study-Away Courses
Download the complete course listing.
International Travel Projects
ITALY
Art and Architecture of Rome
This course focuses on the art and architecture of Rome and the surrounding area.
After classroom study, the group will visit Rome and explore its fascinating "layers"
of art and history: Etruscan, Republican Rome, Imperial Rome, Early Christian,
Medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque. Students will visit the Villa Guila Museum,
the Forum, the Colosseum, the Pantheon, the Campidoglio, the Catacombs, Santa Costanza,
St. Peter's Basilica, the Vatican Museums, and the Borghese Gallery, among other
sites. The group will also visit Pompeii and the Archeological Museum in Naples.
Picturing Rome
Rome has been a center of artistic interest since the creation of the Roman Empire.
This course will be a study of how artists and film makers have used ancient and
modern Rome as subject matter since the 15th century. Rome is the location of the
American Academy of classical studies as well as the European Art academies. After
classroom study, the group will visit Rome and explore its fascinating "layers"
of art and history: Etruscan, Republican Rome, Imperial Rome, Early Christian,
Medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque. Students will visit the Villa Guila Museum,
the Forum, the Colosseum, the Pantheon, the Campidoglio, the catacombs, Santa Costanza,
St. Peter's, the Vatican Museums, and the Borghese Gallery, among other sites.
The group will also visit Pompeii and the Archeological Museum in Naples.
Pagans and Christians in Rome
This course will focus on paganism and Christianity in Rome and the surrounding
area. After classroom study, the group will visit Rome and explore the nature of
paganism in Rome and Christianity in several stages of its development in the city
from Early Christian, Medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque. Students will visit the
Villa Guila Museum, the Forum, the Colosseum, the Pantheon, the Campidoglio, the
Catacombs, Santa Costanza, St. Peter's Basilica, the Vatican Museums, and the Borghese
Gallery, among other sites. The group will also visit Pompeii and the Archeological
Museum in Naples. The question of the "footsteps" of Peter and Paul will be considered,
including their probable martyrdom in Rome.
SPAIN AND FRANCE
Barcelona and the South of France
Students will travel to Europe and discover the cultures of both France and Spain.
They will be instructed and enlightened by a team of expert professors from the
Spanish, French, and Sociology/Anthropology programs at LaGrange College who will
accompany the group every step of the way.
Spain is a vibrant country that combines the spirit of its various rulers over
the centuries, from the Phoenicians and Romans, to the Moors and Christians. Its
rich history is complimented by an expansive landscape of mountains, deserts, and
glorious beaches. From the pounding rhythms of the flamenco and the unique experience
of the bullfight, to the food that brings all people together, Spanish culture
is defined by a deep passion for life that is contagious to all visitors.
France is an enchanting country that evokes elegance, opulence, and richness.
But the country is so much more than luxurious castles, fashionable cities, and
delicious food and wine. France has an incredible history spanning thousands of
years, history that can be found in every crevice of its countryside. Each region
is unique, and amid the beauty of the mountains, coastline, and cities there are
charming small towns filled with friendly people who embrace the true meaning of
joie de vivre.
GREECE
The "Good Life?" Athens and the Peloponnesian War
Warfare was fundamental to ancient Greek identity. While Spartan society is best
known to us as a training ground for warriors, the same can safely be argued of
poleis across Greece, including Athens. Athenian victory in the Persian war propelled
her into her Golden Age, a period when Athens achieved a degree of political and
cultural dominance never before seen in Greece. A mere 50 years later, however,
Athens was at war again, this time against a coalition of Greek city states led
by Sparta. The Peloponnesian war ended the Athenian empire and much more. This
travel course seeks to examine the Greek world during this period with particular
focus on Athens and the Peloponnesian War. We will conduct this examination through
close readings of primary and secondary texts before departure for Greece and visits
to key sites relevant to the story of Greece in this period including several days
in Athens plus excursions to Delphi, Olympia, Epidaurus and more.
In the Crucible: Greek Civilization and the Persian Wars
It is clear that Greek civilization in general and Athens in particular was on
the verge of emerging as a great civilization by the 5th century BCE. This flowering
which saw the concepts of democracy, theater, philosophy, and culture was directly
threatened by the first real world superpower, the Persian Empire. In the true
fashion of David vs. Goliath, the Greeks rose to meet this challenge. This course
will follow this epic struggle and trace the influence on our civilization today
as a result of these remarkable ancient peoples.
CENTRAL AMERICA
Natural History of Central America
This ten-day trip will feature the study of the fauna and flora of Central America
with an emphasis on birds.
Archaeology and Adventure in the Mayan World
Lara Croft meets Indiana Jones in the jungles of Central America. This course
will provide a careful examination of the Mayan history and culture as well as
that of their predecessors, the Olmecs. The study will culminate with a ten-day
trip through the modern countries that make up the ancient Mayan homeland, exploring
their sacred temples, ruins, stelae, statues, and artwork firsthand. We will be
staying in the archaeology zones and exploring the ruins with the archaeologists
after the sites have been closed off to the public, gaining access to restricted
areas. This adventure will be a rare opportunity to visit the Mayan world and explore
the wonders of this ancient civilization.
INDIA
Contemporary Indian Culture
This course includes an introduction to contemporary Indian culture via literature
and film, as well as two weeks of travelling in India. Students will read two books,
Behind the Beautiful Forevers by Katherine Boo and Midnight's Children by Salman
Rushdie, and various articles and essays. Films to be viewed will be chosen from:
The Apu Trilogy (Pather Panchali, 1955/Aparajito, 1956/Apur Sansar, 1959); Charulata,
1964; Pyasa, 1957; Sholay, 1975; Gandhi, 1982; Junoon, 1978; Nayagan, 1987; God
Lives in the Himalayas, 2009 and something big from Bollywood.
SCOTLAND AND IRELAND
Experience Scotland and Ireland
From misty mountains to historical castles and distilleries, discover the history,
the beauty and the rich cultural heritage along with the vibrant city life of Edinburgh,
Aberdeen, and Dublin. We will also look for the Loch Ness Monster! Topics to be
highlighted in this trip are: European History, European Economy, European Union,
European Multiculturalism and the Arts. Sites to be visited on this trip include:
Edinburgh Castle, the Palace of Holyroodhouse, St. Patrick's Cathedral, Glenfidditch
Distillery, and Robert Gordon University. Actual classes will be attended with
local students at Robert Gordon University. Tour lasts approximately 9 days leaving
just after graduation May 2014. Exact dates and locations will be announced later.
PHILIPPINES
Service and Sustainability in the Philippines
This travel course provides an opportunity to experience service learning with
the poor of Manila, Philippines and study of coral reef ecology in the island of
Mindoro, Philippines. The Philippines is a nation of almost staggering complexity.
This nation of over 80 million people includes 7000 islands and 80 local languages.
Since English is the language of instruction in schools, it is the 3rd largest
English-speaking country in the world. Filipino culture has an Asian foundation,
but has been modified by 4 centuries of Spanish and American colonial rule. The
Philippines ecology also is diverse and beautiful, including volcanoes, rain forests,
beaches, and one of the world's most extensive coral reef systems. Students will
engage in service learning in Manila in these areas, based on student interest:
(1) educational enrichment, community development, or community health with the
10,000 homeless residents of Manila's North Cemetery; (2) helping lead Christian
formation retreats for students at all age levels at Philippine Christian University.
After approximately 10 days of service, all students will travel to the island
of Mindoro to explore the biodiversity of coral reefs and upland tropical rain
forest. Students will snorkel in reefs to observe corals and aquatic creatures.
Some students may choose to complete a scuba diving short course for an additional
fee. Trip duration: 14 days.
Domestic Travel Projects
LAS VEGAS
Aesthetics of Las Vegas
This travel course is an examination of the aesthetics of Las Vegas. Students
will engage in research and discussions around the art and culture presented by
the casinos, museums and productions in Las Vegas, NV. This is a travel course
that will include ten days and nine nights spent in Las Vegas. Students will first
spend time in LaGrange learning more about aesthetics and design fundamentals so
that they can experience Las Vegas and discover just how the entire city has been
designed to entice customers and audiences.
NEW MEXICO AND ARIZONA
Spirit and Connection: Healing Practices of Native Americans
This course explores Native American healing practices and the role of Spirit
and Connection in the indigenous cultures of the American Southwest. The course
includes a ten-day trip to New Mexico and Arizona in order to further our knowledge
and understanding of the ancient cultures of the Pueblo, Navajo, and Hopi and their
healing beliefs.
HAWAII
Ecology and Culture of Hawaii
The geographic isolation of the Hawaiian Islands contributes to its unique ecology,
culture and social issues. This course will examine the diverse habitats and unique
geologic features found on Oahu and the Big Island as well as the social and economic
factors affecting native Hawaiians. Several snorkeling events and day hikes will
provide the opportunity to explore current and ancient volcanoes, rain and cloud
forests and marine ecosystems. Students will experience the history and culture
of the Hawaiian Islands with day trips to the last palace of the monarchy as well
as a luau. Finally, our participation in two service projects, including rainforest
restoration and the mentoring of children at a transitional homeless shelter, will
provide the opportunity to witness and effect economic and social issues in Hawaii.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT
Dr. Sarah Beth Mallory
Associate Provost and Biology Professor
Office of General Education and Global Engagement
smallory@lagrange.edu
Phone: 706-880-8338
Fax: 706-880-8738
Michele Raphoon
Program Coordinator
Office of General Education and Global Engagement
mraphoon@lagrange.edu
Phone: 706-880-8429
Fax: 706-880-8738
Office of General Education and Global Engagement
Study Away
200 Quillian Building
LaGrange College
601 Broad Street
LaGrange, GA 30240
Although no major revisions are anticipated in the courses described in this brochure,
LaGrange College reserves the right to make whatever changes may be necessary in
the status, costs, requirements, or other details of its Interim courses. Any course
may be canceled for adequate reason, such as lack of sufficient enrollment.