Study Abroad Course: Pilgrimage Sites in Europe
Study Abroad Course, May 11-30, 2010
Pilgrimage Sites in Europe
The Department of Religious Studies will be offering its first study abroad program this May! Dr. David Bell will be teaching Pilgrimage (RELS 4290/6290, 3 hours credit, Maymester dates) on location at two pilgrimage sites in Europe: Lourdes in southern France and the island of Iona in northwestern Scotland. Limited to 20 students, the course will begin with two days of class sessions at GSU in Atlanta on May 11, fly to Paris and travel to Lourdes from May 13-21, then fly to Edinburgh and travel to the remote island of Iona from May 22-29, and returning to Atlanta on May 30.
Overview
The course will offer the experience to see two very different historical pilgrimage sites, as well as provide shorter stays in the larger cities of Paris and Edinburgh. Drawing over a million pilgrims a year, Lourdes is located in the south of France along the Pyrenees Mountains and draws multitudes seeking both physical and spiritual healing. From here, students will be able to study the real world experience of pilgrimage, as well as explore the centuries old sites in this historic town. Following a stop in Paris, students will then travel to the remote island of Iona on the western coast of Scotland. A stunning location for a pilgrimage site, Iona is home to a 1400-year-old monastery with a spiritual community that focuses on both contemplative practice and social justice issues. Following this time, the students will conclude the trip with 2-3 days in the vibrant city of Edinburgh.
What will you learn?
Most importantly, students will engage in the theories and methods of the field of religious studies through direct observation of the religious practice. Specifically, students will learn about the central role of pilgrimage in the religious lives of the pilgrims, the cultural contexts of the two pilgrimage sites, and how to study a religious practice using interdisciplinary methods. Students will keep a pilgrimage journal, meet for daily class sessions, and write a final paper upon their return to Atlanta. While some days will include organized excursions to surrounding towns, mountains, and islands, many afternoons and evenings will be free for the students to explore the sites of Lourdes, Paris, Iona, and Edinburgh.
How can I go?
As one of the least expensive study abroad programs offered by GSU, the program costs is tentatively $2950, including airfare, lodging, and approximately half of the meals. This does not include GSU tuition. Many scholarships are available for students, including Hope for the tuition, students loans can be applied, and the GSU Study Abroad Office assists students in making the trip as affordable as possible. If you are interested, please send an email to davidbell(at)gsu.edu. If you would like to go ahead and reserve a spot, a $500 deposit can be submitted on Marketplace (a link will be available shortly on this site and the Study Abroad Programs website). The deadline for the deposit is January 15, 2010, although the program may be filled by this time so register early!
Brochure for Study Abroad: Pilgrimage Sites in Europe
Deposit Payment for Study Abroad: Pilgrimage Sites in Europe
