Winter, 2007
Welcome to the homepage for Furman University's Winter 2007 travel program in Rome. This page has basic information about the trip, and will be updated as new information becomes available. The information sheet distributed at the preview session is here.
The links on the left will take you to pages that discuss the various aspects of the program, including descriptions and requirements for the courses that we will be offering. The "Top 10" page gives the Top 10 reasons to go on the trip, and will be supplemented with other lists as we go. The pictures page is where we will post photos from the trip as they are available so that parents and friends back home can follow our progress. Finally, be sure to check out our links, and to suggest other sites that you may find or know about.
About the Program
Traditionally, the Religion department has sponsored a yearly "Mediterranean Trip," and our Winter 2007 offering follows the spirit of that program, even while changing the focus to some degree. The extended time in Rome and its environs will give us the opportunity to reflect on the history of religious expression in Italy, especially as seen in the development of sacred architecture and religious ritual. This religious focus will be augmented by an examination of the history of classical rhetoric, especially as evidenced in the Roman Empire. For more on the academic dimension of the program, see our courses page.
Like Rome itself, then, our Winter 2007 program will integrate sacred and secular, church and state, as students encounter something of what has made Rome such an enduring and powerful Western symbol. The Italians love food, friends, and relaxation as well, and the trip will provide plenty of opportunities for those things. Because of our close geographical focus, we will be able to stay in places long enough to "settle in" and absorb the surroundings. We will be in Rome for 3 weeks, and spend the remaining 3 weeks visiting the cultural and artistic treasures of Venice, Florence, Ravenna, and other cities. The goal will be to find quaint and cozy lodging and authentic meals for the group, and to give each person plenty of time to wander, study, and reflect on their own. For more on the details of the journey as they are available, see our itinerary page.
About the Professors
Two Furman professors will be planning and leading this program, Bryan Bibb in the Religion department, and Sean O'Rourke in the Communication Studies dept. Each has been at Furman for 6 years, and are guiding their first Travel Study program. Dr. O'Rourke has experience traveling in Italy, and Dr. Bibb went on the Religion department's travel study program as an undergraduate in 1994. They are quite excited about this unique Engaged Learning opportunity. You can find their smiling faces on our pictures page.
How to Apply
There will be two informational sessions before the end of Winter term. The first will be Monday, February 6th at 7:00pm, and the second will be Tuesday, February 14th at 5:00. Both sessions will be in Furman Hall 208. At those meetings, information about the itinerary and cost of the trip will be presented, and applications will be distributed. You can also pick up an application in the Religion office from Sharon Dilworth, or download one from here. Applications will be due on Monday, March 13th, followed by interviews of all applicants. The final roster of trip participants will be announced by the end of March.
