The 2010 International Field Studies Program is offering a course on the Cultural Impact of World War One.  The objective of this class is to try and understand why, and how, the First World War created a cultural break between the innocence and well-deserved optimism of the 19^th century, and the troubled disillusionment of the 20^th century.  We will explore this apparent discontinuity by examining how people perceived the quality of their lives and the condition of the world in the years just prior to the War, through the War itself, and into the post-War period.  These perceptions are reflected in the art, literature, and poetry of the times, and we will study these (along with video documentation) to try and “feel” what these people must have felt as their old world and ways of life were destroyed, and were replaced by what we now call “modernity.”  We will also look at how the First World War is remembered today; how it has been memorialized, and to a large extent mythologized, and its continuing impact on our world.

The course will include a trip to France during spring break to visit many of the battlefields of the war.  Although the battlefields today are quiet woods and fields, the monuments, cemeteries, and memorials that commemorate the battles give a sense of the enormous struggle and loss that took place less than 100 years ago. 

CLASS:  The course will be offered during the spring semester 2010.  Students will receive four credits for HONR 311 or HIST 399.  The co-instructors for the course will be Dr. Stephen Gehnrich of the Department of Biological Sciences and Dr. Lucy Morrison of the Bellavance Honors Program; both from Salisbury University.  The amount of information about the First World War and its effects on the people and cultures of the world is enormous.  We have selected a variety of texts, videos, poems, etc. that we feel represent a good “overview” of the War and its cultural impact.  Students will be expected to read, analyze, and evaluate these materials, and keep a journal in which they will write responses to questions posed by the instructors.

 EXCURSIONS:  In France we will visit some of the most significant battlefields of the War, including the Somme, Verdun, and the Meuse-Argonne.  During these visits we will observe and study the monuments, cemeteries, and memorials that have been constructed by each of the combatant countries, and the museums that house the artifacts of the War.

HOUSING:  In France we will stay in hostels or hotels near the sites we are visiting.

COST:  The cost of this travel course is estimated to be close to $3500 (which includes airfare, hotel, meals, and all travel in France). Final costs will be determined in the fall 2009.  Costs not included are passport fees, costs for personal items purchased in France, and small miscellaneous expenses. US citizens do not need visas to visit France, but passports are required and must be valid for three months beyond the end of the intended stay.

DEPOSIT AND PAYMENT INFORMATION:  An initial deposit of $250 is due at the time of application.  This deposit is part of the total advertised cost of the program. Once the student is admitted to the course, the initial non-refundable deposit is due to the Cashier’s Office.  The student will be automatically enrolled into the study abroad course.  The University Billing Office will then bill each registered student for the total cost of the study abroad program (less the deposit amount) through the regular university billing system. Standard university deadlines for withdrawals do not apply to study abroad programs.  Once the published Application Deadline occurs, the accepted student is responsible for the entire amount of the study abroad program charge. 

APPLICATION INFORMATION: Application forms are available at the Center for International Education or from the faculty director. Completed application forms are currently being accepted by the faculty director or by the Center for International Education.  Students should also submit a completed faculty recommendation form from a faculty member who knows the student well.  Recommendation form is available here.  Admission is competitive and enrollment is limited.  Students will be admitted on a rolling basis until the program is full.  The application deadline is December 1, 2009.   All questions concerning the program should be addressed to the program director:

Dr. Stephen Gehnrich
Department of Biological Sciences
Phone: 410-543-6423, e-mail: scgehnrich@salisbury.edu

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