Faculty-led domestic and international study and service courses that provide students opportunities to explore and experience other cultures, learn in new environments, develop skills not readily acquired elsewhere, and deepen their understanding of the global community. Curricular offerings earn .5 course credit and count toward satisfying the Extended Studies requirement; co-curricular offerings do not carry academic credit but do count toward the Extended Studies requirement.
Students will learn about Japanese culture, technology and design with an emphasis on the way these three areas are interrelated. The Japanese concept of monozukuri will serve as the central theme of the course. Monozukuri is one of the key concepts that inspire product manufacturing in contemporary Japanese industry. Mono literally means 'tangible things' while zukuri means 'making.' The compound word implies the spirit or determination to produce excellent products and the ability to constantly improve the products. The spirit of craftsmanship has been the driving force behind traditional art and craft-making throughout the history of Japan. In contemporary society, it is one of the foundations for the production of modern products from cars to robots to video games. As such, the spirit of monozukuri can also be seen in small items commonly found in a regular household. The course will be built around approximately two weeks that are spent on site in Japan. This part of the course will include two primary destinations including three day trips: a) In Kyoto, students will learn about traditional craftsmanship in Japan. We will have a one-day city overview in Kyoto and visits to Nara or Himeji Castle, depending on the weather. On a day trip to Nagoya, students will learn about industrial development in Japan through Toyota and will visit the Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology as well as the Toyota assembly plant. We will also take a day-trip to Hiroshima and will relate this trip to the need to carefully consider the negative implications of designing new technologies. b) In Tokyo, we will focus on recent technology advancements and innovations. Students will investigate the development of advanced technology through the lens of monozukuri. The Tokyo stay will consist of a one-day city overview, a visit to the National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation (Miraikan), a visit to the Mori Building Digital Art Museum which features the work by teamLab, and a visit to the department of Advanced Robotics at the Chiba Institute of Technology. Additional course time will be spent on campus to develop background and basic language skills prior to departing for Japan and to complete course work upon our return.
There are no required prerequisites, however previous exposure to Japanese history, culture or language and/or to technology or design would be be helpful.
For more information on program costs and how to apply for the program, paste this URL into your web browser: https://offcampus.depauw.edu/_portal/program-discovery
Use the filter to search for "Winter" Term.
This year's choir tour will take us to London and Paris. Through this course, students will have the opportunity to explore rich culture, history, and musical artistry through visits in select sites and performing concerts in prestigious venues. Performances in London will include collaborative concerts at Southwark Cathedral, and St. Paul's Cathedral. Students will also be permitted to explore Oxford, the Tower of London, the Crown Jewels at the Palace, and to enjoy a show on the West End. In Paris, students will have a guided tour of Versailles, including the Palace of Versailles, in addition to the Louvre Museum and the Musee d'Orsay. A closing, collaborative performance in a prestigious church will be planned in Paris as well. Prerequisite: Students either must be enrolled in one of the university's choir classes (Chamber Singers, Vox Animae, Festival Choir) or sign up for an audition.
For more information on program costs and how to apply for the program, paste this URL into your web browser: https://offcampus.depauw.edu/_portal/program-discovery
Use the filter to search for "Winter" Term.
This year's choir tour will take us to London and Paris. Through this course, students will have the opportunity to explore rich culture, history, and musical artistry through visits in select sites and performing concerts in prestigious venues. Performances in London will include collaborative concerts at Southwark Cathedral, and St. Paul's Cathedral. Students will also be permitted to explore Oxford, the Tower of London, the Crown Jewels at the Palace, and to enjoy a show on the West End. In Paris, students will have a guided tour of Versailles, including the Palace of Versailles, in addition to the Louvre Museum and the Musee d'Orsay. A closing, collaborative performance in a prestigious church will be planned in Paris as well. Prerequisite: Students either must be enrolled in one of the university's choir classes (Chamber Singers, Vox Animae, Festival Choir) or sign up for an audition.
For more information on program costs and how to apply for the program, paste this URL into your web browser: https://offcampus.depauw.edu/_portal/program-discovery
Use the filter to search for "Winter" Term.
This course explores the postcolonial experience in the Netherlands, examining the lingering effects of Dutch colonialism on contemporary society. Through lectures, discussions, site visits, and cultural immersion, we will explore themes of cultural identity (including race, gender, ethnicity, religion, and others); representation of colonialism and former colonized peoples; family and community structures and experiences; and government and social justice. Across these broad themes, students will have opportunities to study nearly any aspect of life in contemporary Netherlands, with just a few examples being economic structures, healthcare, drug policy, policing, education, migration, environmental practice, labor laws and practices (including sex work), art, media, or some aspect of social life. Each student in the course will analyze how the Netherlands grapples with its colonial past and its role in the globalized world by focusing on a topic relevant to their majors, personal interests, or future goals.
For more information on program costs and how to apply for the program, paste this URL into your web browser: https://offcampus.depauw.edu/_portal/program-discovery
Use the filter to search for "Winter" Term.
How does a place become sacred? Are some places more inherently sacred than others? How do religious traditions emerge, grow, mutate or fade away? Can different religions exist in the same spaces? The landscapes of Greece -- from the sea coasts to the mountains to the cities -- provide an opportunity for us to explore those questions through the first-hand study of topography and the environment, archaeological sites, churches, and monasteries. From the Neolithic period (ca. 7000 BCE) through the Bronze Age to the Classical era, the inhabitants of Greece worshipped a range of divinities in caves, on mountain tops, and in the city centers. Sacred places could be as simple as a pile of stones at a cross-road or as complex as an elaborately decorated temple. The Roman conquest of Greece simultaneously brought both the worship of the Emperor and a greater emphasis on mystery cults, ultimately paving the way for Christianity and the Byzantine church. With the rise of the Ottoman Empire in the eastern Mediterranean, parts of Greece became centers of learning and worship for both Muslims and Jews, a legacy that was systematically dismantled and destroyed in the wake of the World Wars. Today, Greece's rich sacred history can be seen in its archaeological and historic places, and felt in its open coastal plains and remote mountain passes. Athens sets the stage for our course, introducing us to the history of Greece through its museums and to urban religion through the remains on the acropolis and its Byzantine churches. From Athens, we will head south to the Peloponnese to understand the very beginnings of religious expression in the Argolid during the Mycenaean period and the complexity of pilgrimage sites, such as Epidauros. Along the way, we will stop at Corinth, our first encounter with the Apostle Paul. We then had west and north to the panhellenic sanctuaries of Olympia and Delphi. From Delphi, we plunge even further into the mountain crevices of central Greece to reach the hanging monasteries at Meteora. From there we head north to Thessaloniki, a center of Christian, Muslim, and Jewish life in Greece up until the early 20th century.
For more information on program costs and how to apply for the program, paste this URL into your web browser: https://offcampus.depauw.edu/_portal/program-discovery
Use the filter to search for "Winter" Term.
The Galapagos Islands occupy a unique place in biology that far exceeds their geographic span. These small volcanic islands were on of the stops made by Charles Darwin in 1835, as a part of his trip aboard the Beagle, the time when he is generally considered to have formed his initial thoughts on the Theory of Evolution by Natural Selection. What was it about these tiny islands that inspired Darwin? Just how central were they to his formulation of the Theory? Are the Galapagos central to evolutionary theory in general? These are some of the questions we will address through our study of the historical aspects of the Galapagos. We will actually go to the Galapagos and see, firsthand, what all of the fuss is about. Biologists around the world comment that descriptions cannot do the locale justice. Armed with our new appreciation of the islands, we will tour several of the major islands. During tours on land and in the water, students will record their observations in writings and in pictures (much as Darwin did), and report on their observations and reactions to the rest of the class. Students will be expected to complete frequent individual responses to writings and discussions, as well as exercises in observation/documentation. Students will also prepare written and oral topics by researching the topics in somewhat more depth than the rest. Finally, students will prepare a more formal written account of their experiences and observations on the Islands, and present this upon their return.
For more information on program costs and how to apply for the program, paste this URL into your web browser: https://offcampus.depauw.edu/_portal/program-discovery
Use the filter to search for "Winter" Term.
This winter term course explores connections between and among space, identity, and storytelling across France's diverse cities and regions. From Paris to Strasbourg, Marseille, and Nice, students will engage with France's history and its cultures, past and present, through guided tours, site visits, and food experiences, as well as readings, journals, and class discussion. The course combines immersive experiences with site-based learning encouraging reflection on France's diverse cultural landscapes and their role in shaping contemporary narratives of France and Frenchness. Through an exploration of the linguistic and cultural diversity of France in 2026, students will reflect on how these specificities shape contemporary narratives of France and Frenchness, while engaging with global contexts. The course draws on history, geography, literature, and cultural studies emphasizing interdisciplinary inquiry. By fostering an appreciation for cultural diversity and critical analysis, the course encourages students to think critically about their own identities and place(s) in the world and seeks to cultivate lifelong intellectual engagement and a deeper connection to global perspectives.
For more information on program costs and how to apply for the program, paste this URL into your web browser: https://offcampus.depauw.edu/_portal/program-discovery
Use the filter to search for "Winter" Term.
Soccer (voetbal), the most popular sport in the world, is: 1) a simple game played on a flat pitch between two teams trying to kick a ball into the opposing net; 2) a massively complex game played in three-dimensional space, whose players are constantly in complementary and contradictory motion. Both statements are true. Both statements are also qualified and shaped by the traditions, histories, and values of the countries in which the sport has grown. Via travel, museum and site visits, readings, and on-field training, this course aims to develop students' understanding of the game and its socio-cultural contexts by examining and experiencing the conception, design, and employment of artistic, geometric, architectural, and ludic space in the 'Low Countries' of The Netherlands and Belgium, from the 16th century to the present day. At the same time, the course will seek to understand how the brain observes, learns, analyzes, improves, and executes in space and sport; the neurobiology of soccer. That is, to understand: How do we actually do it? What makes someone good at it? What inhibits our capacity to play it (e.g., head injury)? How do humans perceive, process, manipulate, orchestrate, and enjoy space?
For more information on program costs and how to apply for the program, paste this URL into your web browser: https://offcampus.depauw.edu/_portal/program-discovery
Use the filter to search for "Winter" Term.
This course will expose students to the historical and cultural roots of some of the most important and revolutionary ideas in science that continue to influence our lives today. Some of the foci of the course constitute paradigm shifts in the Kuhnian sense in that they changed the underlying assumptions we have in our understanding of the natural world. Other foci of the course do not necessarily constitute paradigm shifts, but rather are examples of how scientific discoveries profoundly influence how we see ourselves in the world. The course will take place in the U.K. (London and Cambridge), as well as in Italy (Rome and Florence). We will meet to discuss the people and ideas linked with the scientific and cultural sites, as well as visit academic centers and hear from experts about important historical influences. We'll examine the influence of Charles Darwin, Isaac Newton, Galileo, Francis Crick and James Watson. We will visit the Greenwich Observatory, University of Cambridge, and Darwin's home amongst other sites in England. In Italy, we'll visit the Galileo Museum, the Uffizi, and Accademia. We'll also spend time at the Vatican. There will be history of science readings and writing assignments which will require students to critically evaluate the ideas being presented to them.
For more information on program costs and how to apply for the program, paste this URL into your web browser: https://offcampus.depauw.edu/_portal/program-discovery
Use the filter to search for "Winter" Term.
This course is designed to explore Istanbul (Turkey) and its surrounding areas through the lens of literary and critical readings with a specific focus on the concept of 'orientalism.' Looking at texts by eight American authors (Melville, Twain, Hemingway, Dos Passos, Bowles, Algren, Baldwin and Settle), students will be encouraged to reflect on and discuss the narrative and aesthetic strategies used to romanticize Istanbul and tell its stories. As we travel within and outside Istanbul, we will conduct a series of workshops to discuss and write about the lasting impact and legacies of such literary and artistic representations produced by the Western imagination. Length of stay: 15 days. Location: Istanbul (primary site) and West Coast (Bursa, Bergama, Selcuk, Pammukale, and Fethiye).
For more information on program costs and how to apply for the program, paste this URL into your web browser: https://offcampus.depauw.edu/_portal/program-discovery
Use the filter to search for "Winter" Term.
This course delves into the social, cultural, and economic effects of businesses on local economies in both Kenya's metropolitan and rural areas. Students will study how various industries, government policies, and economic activities influence access to essential services like healthcare and public transport, as well as the social fabric of local communities. Emphasizing equity, diversity, and inclusion, the course encourages students to conduct comparative analyses between metropolitan and rural environments, focusing on issues of economic inequality, social inclusion, and how businesses can either promote or impede progress. Students will investigate the complex interplay between business operations, government initiatives, and the socio-cultural landscape, examining how these elements shape access to resources, opportunities, and community unity.
For more information on program costs and how to apply for the program, paste this URL into your web browser: https://offcampus.depauw.edu/_portal/program-discovery
Use the filter to search for "Winter" Term.
Jamaica is a beautiful island country, known for its crystal waters and pristine beaches, Bob Marley, Reggae, and a 'no worries' atmosphere. The beautiful imagery Jamaica's beaches, serene resorts, and relaxed lifestyle makes it an ideal location for tourists looking to travel and have 'fun in the sun.' This course examines how different communities in Jamaica create tourist spaces and engage with tourists (e.g., sandy beaches and cocktails by the water, or cliff diving). The course begins with service work and home-stays with the Petersfield Galloway Benevolent Society, where students will experience Jamaica from community members' perspectives. We then travel to an all-inclusive resort to experience Jamaica from a business and resort lifestyle perspective.
For more information on program costs and how to apply for the program, paste this URL into your web browser: https://offcampus.depauw.edu/_portal/program-discovery
Use the filter to search for "May" Term.
Our team will arrive in Dublin, Ireland and bus directly to Belfast, Northern Ireland. Upon arrival we'll orient ourselves to Belfast, then embark on a 2-day trip with Peace Players staff to Derry/Londonderry and the Antrim coast that will include visits to the Giants Causeway, the Theatre of Witness, and the peace murals in Derry (the sight of the 'Bloody Sunday' massacre in 1972). This retreat meets multiple objectives: learning more about Northern Ireland, deepening understanding of the conflict, acclimating to Peace Player methodologies, and developing a working relationship with PPI-NI staff. On our return, students will be embedded in the historic city of Belfast, working in teams with PPI-NI staff to foster positive and lasting relationships among Catholic and Protestant youth and to deliver PPI-NI's culminating event of the year, Summer Jam. Our team will then travel to Dublin for 3 days of sightseeing and reflection.
For more information on program costs and how to apply for the program, paste this URL into your web browser: https://offcampus.depauw.edu/_portal/program-discovery
Use the filter to search for "May" Term.