Since 1979, Lafayette has offered students the opportunity for a study abroad experience through its optional Interim Abroad Program. This coming January, Lafayette faculty will be mounting seven Interim Abroad courses: Africa (Kenya and Tanzania), Bahamas, Berlin/Prague/Munich, France, Ireland, and Thailand. Two additional courses will be offered in May: France and National Parks in the U.S.

Typically, Interim Abroad courses run for approximately three weeks, beginning in late December or early January (or immediately following May final exams). Program costs will range from $3,200 to $4,400, with that amount covering tuition, airfare, room, and admission fees; in some cases, meals are included in the cost. For Marquis Scholars, the College covers the program cost (i.e., the announced cost of the course). All students, including Marquis Scholars, are responsible for the cost of their passports, visas, and inoculations; any meals not covered in the program cost; any medical costs that may be incurred during the trip; and incidentals and personal expenses. If you withdraw from an Interim Abroad course after the stated withdrawal deadline, you will be charged a $250 cancellation fee and will also be responsible for all non-refundable charges incurred by the College on your behalf, e.g., airfare, hotel, etc.

If you are currently receiving financial aid and are interested in applying for Interim Abroad assistance, please submit your essay to the Office of the Provost, 219 Markle Hall, by Friday, September 10. The essay should explain why you are interested in enrolling in the course, what you could bring to the course, and what you hope to take away from the course. The essay should not exceed two double-spaced pages.

January 2005 Course Descriptions
Withdrawal Deadline: Friday, October 8, 2004

INDS 135: THAILAND AND MYANMAR: THE CHALLENGES OF DEVELOPMENT.
The Southeast Asian countries of Thailand and Myanmar (formerly Burma) have developed very differently, despite the fact that they share a similar climate, natural resource endowment and religion. We seek to understand these differences through firsthand experience in both countries. We will spend approximately two weeks in Thailand and one week in Myanmar. Issues discussed will include imperialism, political development, economic planning and grassroots capacity building. (This course will depart on Monday, January 3 and return on Saturday, January 22. The program cost is $4,200.) This course qualifies as a Social Science course. Mr. Englehart, Mr. Stifel.    CRN 20001

INDS 170: MODERN SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA: KENYA AND TANZANIA.
This course combines a first-hand look at the socio-cultural environment and natural resources that shape development and change in Kenya and Tanzania. Particular attention is devoted to the rich indigenous history and traditions that provide social and economic purpose for art, the foundations for democratic institutions, support for dignity, industriousness, and accommodation for development. This course examines the degree to which Kenya and Tanzania have achieved their development objectives by managing cultural acculturation, natural resources, and modernization. (This course will depart on Friday, January 2 and return on Monday, January 19. The program cost is $4,400.) This course qualifies as a Social Science course. Mr. Ahene, Mr. Opoku.    CRN 20003

INDS 190: WEST INDIAN IDENTITIES.
This course introduces students to the key political and economic issues facing the nations of the Caribbean. Attention will be given to the relationship between West Indian culture(s) and West Indian literature(s). Offered in the Bahamas. (IThis course will depart on Monday, December 31 and return on Friday, January 21. The program cost is $3,200.) This course qualifies as a Humanities course or may count toward the major in Government and Law. Mr. McCartney, Mr. Hay.   CRN 20004

INDS 200: THE LAND AND LANDSCAPE OF IRELAND.
This course examines the many ways the land of Ireland has figured in Irish history and the Irish imagination, examining the economic, political, symbolic and religious roles of Irish land. Using written sources culled from Irish history, ethnography, politics, and literature, along with some guest lectures, and an extensive field program in the Boyne Valley, Galway, Donegal, Dublin, and other sites, the instructors will take students on an exploration of the shifting Irish landscape. (The course will depart on Monday, January 3 and return on Saturday, January 22. The program cost is $3,800.) TThis course qualifies as a Humanities course. Mr. Heavey, Mr. Martin.   CRN 20005

INDS 250: FRENCH COMMERCE AND CULTURE.
An introduction to the business environment of France and its role in the ever changing economic marketplace of the European Community. The course examines French culture and its impact on the manufacturing, production, and marketing process. Students are immersed simultaneously in the cultural and business aspects of the French marketplace while contrasting it to that of the American business environment. The course will study the business and cultural links embedded in the wine, tourism, and transportation industries of France. (The course will depart on Monday, January 3 and return on either the 19th or 20th of January. The program cost is $3,900.) This course qualifies as a Social Science course or may count toward the major in either International Affairs or International Economics and Commerce. (Students cannot receive credit for INDS 250 and INDS 275.) Ms. Bukics, Ms. Lalande.    CRN 20006

GEOLOGY 140: CORAL REEFS AND CAVES: THE GEOLOGY OF THE BAHAMAS.
This course will present an opportunity to study physical, chemical, and biological processes that operate to produce carbonate platforms (e.g., tides, waves, and the growth of corals), geomorphic processes that operate to further shape carbonate platforms (e.g., ground-water flow, cave development, and soil development), and the environmental impacts of human activities on carbonate platforms. Field studies are based on San Salvador Island and Andros Islands. ((This course will depart on Thursday, January 6 and return on Friday, January 21. The program cost is $3,600.) This course qualifies as a Natural Science Laboratory course. Mr. Germanoski, Ms. Schubel.    CRN 20007 for non majors        CRN 20008 for declared geology majors

Summer I May 2005 Course Descriptions
Withdrawal Deadline: Friday, February 4, 2005.

GEOLOGY 160: GEOLOGY FROM A (ARCHES) TO Z (ZION): THE GEOLOGY OF NATIONAL PARKS IN THE WESTERN UNITED STATES.
The National Park System in the Western United States provides a unique opportunity for us to examine how geological processes shape the Earth. In the course, we will travel to different National Parks in Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico, California, and Utah to develop an understanding of basic geological processes. In essence, we will study many of the topics covered in an intro-geology course, but do so with an experiential field experience instead of the traditional semester lecture-lab model. For example, in the canyon lands (Grand Canyon, Bryce and Zion) we will be able to examine processes of sedimentation, igneous intrusion and erosion. We can also look at the record of life on Earth by examining the fossil record preserved in the rocks. In California an understanding of process related to geological hazards (earthquakes, landslides and volcanism) can be developed by field studies of the San Andreas Fault, mass-wasting in Pt. Reyes National Seashore and volcanism at Lassen volcano. (This course will depart on Monday, May 23 and return on Monday, June 13. The program cost is $3,800.) This course qualifies as a Natural Science Laboratory course. Mr. Malinconico, Ms. Schubel.    CRN 40002 for non majors        CRN 40003 for declared geology majors