Academics : International Education Study Abroad

Study Abroad, Tapestry

2006-07 Study abroad program, Tapestry

 

Open to: International juniors & seniors

Program:
This U.S. History class for international students includes an off-campus component, designed to teach the history of this country in context. Students will be exposed to the richness of the American Experience by actually seeing a cross-section of it.  Looking at democracy as a foundation for present day American thought, students will study the evolution of democratic principles in America from its colonial origins to the present day.  Democracy will be viewed not only through a political lens, but also through the changing role of religion, education, industry, and civil rights during the course of American history. Through research into primary and secondary documents, class discussions, and on-site exploration, students will examine many themes in American history, with the concept of democracy serving as the cornerstone for this experience. Students will write a research paper on some specific aspect of U.S. history.

Travel:
Halfway through the term, we begin the 3 ½ week travel portion of the course, which begins with the historic sites in Philadelphia & Washington DC, then continues into the South, where we will study the Civil Rights Movement in and around Birmingham, visit the Mississippi bayou, enjoy Cajun food and discover the birthplace of jazz and blues.    From there, we fly to Arizona, where we will see firsthand the blending of Native American, Mexican and Anglo cultures. The travel concludes with San Francisco and its environs, where we will study the patterns of immigration to the American West, and interact with citizens from a variety of cultural backgrounds as we explore Asian, Latino and European neighborhoods.

Length of trip: Approximately3 1/2 weeks off-campus in addition to day-trips in New England.

Requirements/Credits:
This U. S. History class is open to international juniors and seniors by application during the spring of their sophomore or junior year.  Students earn 2 credits, one for U. S. History and one graduation credit.