J-Term 2012: Where will you go?

Professors announce J-Term study tours for 2012

Students interested in traveling during J-Term 2012 will choose from such varied destinations as India, Roatán Island, China, Ireland, Sweden, New Zealand, and New York City. Carthage faculty members have announced the following J-Term study tours.

Please note: All trips are tentative. Costs are estimates, and may or may not include all trip expenses. Travel dates will vary. Please contact the professor for details. Some courses may be full already.

August 2011 Trips

NEW HAMPSHIRE
Wilderness Adventures — Hiking & Outdoors Experience: New Hampshire

Douglas Arion, professor of physics and astronomy, and Matthew Zorn, professor of geography and earth science, team up in August 2011 to take students to New Hampshire. This trip counts as a J-Term 2012 trip. Students will hike, do trail work, and learn about nature in a partnership with the Appalachian Mountain Club. The trip will include several day-long hikes of major peaks; an overnight camping hike to the Lake of the Clouds shelter on Mount Washington; and an overnight camping hike to summit Mount Washington, the highest peak in the northeast.

Estimated cost: $1,250
Contact: Prof. Doug Arion, Prof. Matthew Zorn

January 2012 Trips

CARIBBEAN
Comparative Economic Models

This study tour, led by economics professor Yuri Maltsev, will explore British, Dutch, French and the U.S. territories in the Caribbean and St. Lucia. Students will spend a week in Puerto Rico, studying the territory's economic and social changes, before taking a cruise to the other study tour destinations. The course is designed to enhance students' global perspectives by exploring diverse economies, societies and cultures of the Caribbean. The economies of British, Dutch, French and U.S. Caribbean islands are the most prosperous in the Caribbean. Their economies are based upon the "twin pillars" of tourism, which generates an estimated half of the national income, and financial services, which generates almost all of the rest. Students will meet with government officials, bankers and financial sector experts, and hear lectures by guest speakers.

Estimated cost: $1,800-$2,000 (dependent upon the dollar exchange rate and oil prices).
Contact: Prof. Yuri Maltsev

CHINA
Tea, Medicine and a Globalizing China

Wenjie Sun, a professor of geography and earth science, and Dan Choffnes, a professor of biology, will lead an exploration of China's southern and eastern coastal regions during J-Term 2012. These areas bear witness to ancient indigenous culture, centuries of international exchange, and rapid economic development. Examine first-hand how the Chinese have incorporated medicinal plants and age-old health practices into modern life, giving rise to a unique and influential cultural landscape. Students will visit areas that represent some of the major ports of the maritime Silk Road, the famous sites of global trade and wealth. Today, they are dubbed the "head of the dragon" for their economic success, thanks to the Open Door Policy and inarguable geographic advantage. At the forefront of globalizing China, how do the local people in these Special Economic Zones strive to preserve their rich cultural traditions? The three-week study tour will take students to the large, cosmopolitan cities of Shanghai and Guangzhou, and to the small and scenic villages of Fujian, rich in traditional architecture and tea cultivation. The class will visit the European treaty ports that opened China to commerce during the late 19th century. Sample the local culinary specialties, from tasty handmade noodle dishes, to fresh seafood, to traditional snacks. Learn how tea is cultivated, processed, marketed, prepared, and consumed ritually across China's important tea-growing regions.

Estimated cost: $3,000-$3,500, all-inclusive
Information meeting: 5 p.m. April 20, Straz B4
Contact: Wenjie Sun or Dan Choffnes

GERMANY
Representations of Germany's Past

Students in this interdisciplinary course, led by German professor Greg Baer, will visit three German cities over the course of 17 days. Each city will serve as a base in which to explore ways that various aspects of Germany's past are remembered and represented. In Berlin students will consider the Prussian, Nazi, and Socialist aspects of German history. In Dresden, students will examine representations of the Saxon and East German periods. And in Munich, students will study the ways that Bavarian and Nazi periods are remembered. We will study monuments, memorials, museums, theatrical productions, castles and cathedrals. Students will also have the opportunity to meet and discuss representations of the past with German students, academics, and civic planners.

Estimated cost: $3,150
Informational Meeting: 4-5 p.m. Tuesday, April 19, Clausen Center 113
Contact: Prof. Greg Baer, Straz B6-E

GUATEMALA
Sustainable and Unsustainable Development in Rural Guatemala

Edward Montanaro, professor of modern languages and economics, and Alejandra Jiménez, a Spanish Target Language Expert, will take students to Guatemala to study the sustainability of rural development practices around Lago Atitlán and in El Petén. While primarily an economics class, the sustainability of economic progress often depends on questions of environmental sustainability as well as the effectiveness and sustainability of social institutions responsible for governance, education, contract enforcement and dispute resolution, to name just a few. For that reason in this course we will be equally attentive to the non-economic factors that affect the sustainability of economic progress.

Estimated cost: $2,200
Informational meeting: Tuesday, April 19
Contact: Prof. Edward Montanaro

INDIA
Religion and Society in Modern India

James Lochtefeld, professor of religion and director of the Asian Studies and Global Heritage programs, leads this study tour to sacred places in India including Delhi, Agra, Amritsar, Haridwar and Pushkar.

Estimated cost: $2,400
Informational meeting: By permission of instructor
Contact: Prof. James Lochtefeld, Lentz Hall 207, ext. 5913

IRELAND
Financial, Cultural, and Historical Analysis of Ireland

This study tour, led by business professors David Schlichting and Joseph Wall, focuses on history, culture and international business in Ireland. An additional focus on community service will help to paint a picture of life and business in a European context. Particular attention shall be given to the currency hedging, ancient literature, and multicultural analysis. Each weekday begins with a lecture series taught by experts in history, culture, or international business. Immersion experience fieldtrips to historical/cultural/business sites of particular significance help to apply the theory learned in the morning session. Evening assignments will focus on the social and cultural aspects of the local environment. Papers, presentations, and projects shall be intertwined, being performed both at Carthage and at colleges in Ireland.

Estimated cost: $2,500
Informational meetings: Meetings have been completed. The next meeting for participants is April 19.
Contact: Prof. Joseph Wall

IRELAND
Carthage Choir Tour

The Carthage Choir has been doing European concert tours every third J-Term for more than 30 years. The 2012 tour will center on Ireland. The group, led by Dr. Eduardo Garcia-Novelli, will meet for a week of intensive rehearsals on campus at the beginning of the J-Term. Departure to Ireland is scheduled for Jan. 11, and the return will be on Jan. 26.

Estimated cost: $1,600 to $1,700
Special Notes: This trip is only available for members of Carthage Choir. Membership into Carthage Choir is open to any Carthage student, regardless of major. Audition is required.
Contact: Dr. Eduardo Garcia-Novelli, (262) 551-5918

NEW ZEALAND
New Zealand Field Studies

Brent McClintock, a professor of economics, and Michael Phegley, a professor of business and pre-law, will lead a study tour to New Zealand. This small trading nation in the South Pacific has undergone substantial changes in recent decades in business and the economy, the legal system, politics, environmental conservation, social policy, and cultural diversity and understanding. The economy underwent market liberalization through deregulation, privatization, and trade reform. The political system was transformed into a hybrid electoral and proportional representation system. Environmental policy reform addressed resource management and conservation. In social policy, thoroughgoing changes have been made in the areas of education, health, and social welfare. The unique partnership between Maori and Pakeha New Zealanders has been transformed as the Treaty of Waitangi has been revisited and reinterpreted for the 21st century. Through field work, tour participants will explore the nature and consequences of these public policy changes on the performance and structure of New Zealand’s economy and society. Suitably equipped, participants will be able to conduct comparative analysis of U.S. and New Zealand public policy experience.

Estimated cost: $4,000
Informational meeting: 4:10 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 15, Clausen Center 205
Course web site: https://sites.google.com/a/carthage.edu/newzealand2012/
Contact: Prof. Brent McClintock, Prof. Michael Phegley

NICARAGUA
Biology and Geography of Nicaragua (January and Summer 2011)

Biology professor Patrick Pfaffle and geography professor Matthew Zorn will team up for this annual trip to Nicaragua. Because of the course's popularity, it will be offered in June 2011, January 2012 and June 2012. (The June 2011 course is full.) Students travel to the island of Ometepe, Nicaragua, where they spend two weeks studying tropical ecology, visiting historical sites around the island and country, and volunteering in rural medical clinics. Watch a video about the trip.

Estimated cost: $2,500
Informational meeting: TBA
Contact: Prof. Patrick Pfaffle, Prof. Matthew Zorn

ROATAN ISLAND, HONDURAS
Biodiversity, Brains and Behavior

This J-Term trip is an opportunity for adventurous students to study the ecology of a Caribbean coral reef ecosystem while learning about the evolution of nervous systems and behavior. The study tour will be led by biology professor Scott Hegrenes and psychology and neuroscience professor Dan Miller. Students will learn about unique aspects of tropical coral reef ecosystems while becoming certified in open-water SCUBA. We will study behavioral interactions among reef life, and students will learn the neurobiology of marine invertebrates to humans. In addition to a week of diving on Roatán Island, we will also explore the wildlife of the rainforest on the northern coast of Honduras for three days. This class is approved as a Carthage Symposium and satisfies Natural Science SCI (lab science) and is an elective for Biology or Neuroscience majors.

Estimated cost: $3,100
Informational meeting: 4 p.m. April 20 in Straz 218
Contact: Prof. Scott Hegrenes, Prof. Dan Miller

ROME
Shakespeare in Rome

For this J-Term study tour, led by English professor Seemee Ali and Great Ideas and philosophy professor Michael McShane, students will read a number of Shakespeare plays set in Rome, including Coriolanus, Julius Caesar, and Antony & Cleopatra. The class will consider the symbolic landscape in the plays and in the living city itself. Students will emerge with a clear notion of both Shakespeare's understanding of Rome and of the city itself, both past and present.

Estimated cost: Approximately $3,500, including airfare, hotel, meals. (Subject to revision in accordance with currency fluctuation and other exigencies.)
Contact: Prof. Seemee Ali, Prof. Michael McShane

SENEGAL, WEST AFRICA
Roots of African-American Religion and African Art

In this study tour led by art professor, Anne Cassidy, and religion professor, David Musa, students will examine the crucial and ambiguous roles of religion and artistic practices in the history of African Americans. Learn about the history of West Africa's interaction with non-African peoples, including the Atlantic slave trade, the tourist art trade, and the synthesis of African and non-African practices. Visit Gorée Island, Saint-Louis, and meet with some community leaders of Senegal's Muslim groups. Experience the art and ritual of Senegal's indigenous groups. Learn from traditional leaders about performance and the sacred as you experience the Ndawarabin (the Dance of the Sea) or watch the Lizard Totem Dance. Visit sacred sites of traditional peoples, experience a traditional Wolof tea ceremony, and visit with the Wolof, the Fulani and the Serer peoples. Visit with artists working in their studios in Dakar; and feel the pulse of urban life in a modern French-speaking West African city.

Estimated Cost: $3,400
Informational meeting: 7 p.m. Monday, April 18, Art Department (JAC)
Website: https://sites.google.com/a/carthage.edu/senegaljterm2012/
Contact Information: Prof. Anne Cassidy, (262) 551-5888; Prof. David Musa, (262) 551-6312

SWEDEN
International Business/Marketing and Cultural Analysis of Sweden

Learn about international business and marketing in this exploration of Goteborg, Sweden, led by business professor J.J. Shields. Students will have incredible access to executives from many major companies including ABB Robotics, Volvo Cars, Astra-Zeneca Drugs, Nudie & Pace Jeans Company (the fastest growing jeans in Europe), LBi (the largest marketing agency in Scandinavia), and a few small start-up companies. Carthage College has partnered with the University of Goteborg, which will provide local subject matter experts for intimate lectures and discussions.

Estimated cost: $2,500 (includes airfare, transfers, hotel, all breakfasts, most lunches and dinners)
Office Hours: 1-2 p.m. Mondays, 9-11:30 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays
Contact: J.J. Shields, (262) 551-5886

WESTERN AND SOUTHERN TURKEY
Divine Design: Architecture and Religion in the Greek and Roman World

In January, religion and classics professor Daniel Schowalter will lead an 18-day study tour of Turkey, starting in Izmir and ending in Istanbul. Along the way, the class will visit some of the best preserved remains of Greco-Roman cities and sanctuaries, including Ephesus, Priene, Perge, and Aphrodisias. In addition to learning about the ritual space and practice of the ancient Mediterranean world, students will experience the rich history and modern culture of Turkey. Requirements include reading, site research and presentations and a learning journal. The course fulfills the second course in religion (If taken as REL 200T) or the Humanities distribution (if taken as CLS 200T). Application can be downloaded at https://files.me.com/schowa25/ik1snc.

Estimated cost: $3,500
Informational meeting: 4 p.m. Monday, April 18, Lentz Hall 220
Contact: If you are unable to make the meeting, or for more information, contact Dan Schowalter

Summer 2012 Trips

CUBA
19th and 20th Century Foundations of Contemporary Cuba

Modern Languages and Economics Professor Edward Montanaro and Visiting Professor José Gomariz will take students to Cuba to study the intellectual and historical foundations of our least visited island neighbor. A recent relaxation of travel restrictions to Cuba allows undergraduate trips to Cuba after a decade-long hiatus. (Professors Jeffrey Roberg and Yuri Maltev led previous Carthage trips to Cuba.) The trip will be based in Havana at the Centro de Estudios Martianos, one of Cuba's most important academic research institutions in the humanities and a hub of Cuba intellectual life. Approximately two weeks will be spent in Havana and the third week will be devoted to travel to important historical sites including Trinidad.

Approximate travel dates: June 1-21
Estimated cost: $2,200
Informational meetings: A trip meeting has been held and others are being planned.
Contact: Prof. Edward Montanaro

ISRAEL
Field Archaeology at Omrit in Northern Israel

From May 16 to June 22, 2012, professor Daniel Schowalter will co-direct excavations at Omrit near Kiryat Shemona in northern Israel. The Omrit site features a series of Roman temples built between 50 B.C.E. and 80 C.E. No experience is needed. This is a teaching dig, and students will be exposed to the details of field archaeology, the history and religious development of the "Holy Land," and the modern social and political challenges of the region. Requirements include reading, field work and a learning journal. The course fulfills the Carthage Symposium requirement and either the second course in religion or the Humanities distribution in Classics. The course can be taken as either a J-Term or a Summer term course. Application can be downloaded at https://files.me.com/schowa25/jjubep.

Estimated cost: $3,750
Informational meeting: 5 p.m. Monday, April 18, Lentz Hall 220
Contact: If you are unable to make the meeting, or for more information, contact Prof. Dan Schowalter.

NEW YORK
Exploring New York City: A Slice of Cultural Cheesecake

Herschel Kruger, professor of theatre, and Maureen Chavez-Kruger, professor of art, will lead students on an exploration of the theatres, museums and art galleries of New York City. Students will see productions at varying venues throughout the city including Broadway, Off-Broadway, and Off-Off Broadway theatres. Students will visit some of the major art museums of New York with a focus that will encompass Modern Art History artists, movements and traditions. We will also go on a walking tour of the studios and galleries of Soho and Tribeca. Site-specific public art will be studied as well, such as the Picasso sculpture the Bust of Sylvette, found on display at Soho Plaza. Day trips will be made to study the various architectural achievements of New York City including the Brooklyn Bridge and the Empire State Building. Students will also attend and participate in workshops at the NYU Stella Adler Acting Conservatory, as well as tour the performance venues of the Metropolitan Opera.

Estimated cost: $2,250
Informational meeting: 4 p.m. Thursday, May 3, Wartburg Auditorium
Contact: Prof. Herschel Kruger, (262) 551-2133

NICARAGUA
Biology and Geography of Nicaragua (January and Summer 2011)

Biology professor Patrick Pfaffle and geography professor Matthew Zorn will team up for this annual trip to Nicaragua. Because of the course's popularity, it will be offered in June 2011, January 2012 and June 2012. (The June 2011 course is full.) Students travel to the island of Ometepe, Nicaragua, where they spend two weeks studying tropical ecology, visiting historical sites around the island and country, and volunteering in rural medical clinics. Watch a video about the trip.

Estimated cost: $2,500
Informational meeting: TBA
Contact: Prof. Patrick Pfaffle, Prof. Matthew Zorn