Uncommon topics, travel on tap for ‘interim’ January 9, 2007 When people say there’s no limit to how far LaGrange College students can go, believe them. Try Costa Rica (1,700 miles), Greece (5,745 miles) or New Zealand (7,966 miles). During the college’s January Interim Term, LaGrange students take in a world of experiences. Whether it’s Moorish architecture in southern Spain or printmaking in Paris, Interim classes provide insight into specialized subjects, and opportunities for travel abroad.
Since 2001, LaGrange College has laid claim to being the only institution in the state that offers January Interim Term, an intensive four-week learning experience designed to encourage students to focus on innovative subject matter or explore topics outside their majors.
Sandwiched between fall and spring semesters, the four-week interim term is a “mini-semester” where students select only one subject to study. That luxury makes room for travel opportunities and other options that wouldn’t be possible during a regular term.
This year, LaGrange students are studying in New Zealand, Costa Rica, Italy and Ireland. Destinations in years past have included Turkey, Greece, the Galapagos Islands, France and Botswana.
For those who chose not join the jet set, there are plenty of interesting subjects students could ponder without leaving LaGrange.
Students interested in pop culture can examine the Music, Faith and Politics of U2, the renowned rock group. Others can unlock their inner artist through Watercolor and Water Media Techniques. Personal financial planning is another subject on tap. And the award-winning Care Giving at the End of Life allows students to learn the poignant truths of life’s final journey.
In all, students were given the opportunity to choose from more than 45 disparate subjects that make up this year’s January Interim Term, and each student will spend a minimum of 30 hours a week plumbing the depths of his or her course.
