Academics

W’Internationals 2013-2014

Fall 2013

The fashion and high end goods capitals of the world have been concentrated in Paris and Milan for over a century.  This course includes a history of fashion & luxury product lines which include the evolution as well as an inside look, during our travel, at French designers such as Coco Chanel, Christian Dior, Cartier, Louis Vuitton, Hermes, and St. Laurent based in Paris.  The most famous Italian fashion brands are based in Milan: Prada, Armani, Marni, Dolce & Gabbana, Trussardi, and Ferrè. Museums in Paris and Milan that highlight the fashion industry will also be part of this course.  Each of these famous designers and location cities will be addressed both in the seminar and during the travel portion of the course.  If you are adventurous and love fashion, clothes, and travel this is the W’International for you.

2. Brazil: The Music of Brazil - Beauty and Diversity --Dr. John Blizzard

Contemporary Brazil owes its vibrant cultural life to more than the tiny mother country Portugal.  International flavors are seen – and heard – in a wide variety of ways throughout the country and its inhabitants. Brazil has given the world its own unique syntheses of tastes and styles, and these are seen particularly through its music – from the bossa nova of Carlos Jabim (The Girl from Ipanema) to the samba of Carnival, to the classical music of Heitor Villa Lobos.  Come experience the most visited city in the Southern Hemisphere – Rio de Janeiro! Ride to the top of Corcovado, be inspired by the statue of Christ the Redeemer, taste the culinary delights of a genuine churrascaria, and listen…listen to the vibrancy that makes Rio unlike any other city in the world. NOTE: This program has an additional fee of $185 to cover required visa costs.

Spring 2014

1. Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia: The Baltic Chain, 25 Years of Freedom --Dr. Joseph Ellis

In the summer of 1989, a remarkable gesture of defiance swept through the Baltic states.  Lithuanians, Latvians, and Estonians linked arms in a “human chain” to both commemorate and publicly protest Soviet occupation of the Baltic region.  This human chain, which stretched 400 miles from Vilnius, Lithuania through Riga, Latvia and into Tallinn, Estonia became a global curiosity and a watershed movement in the move for political independence.  The 25^th anniversary of the Baltic Chain is summer 2014, and this W’International will coincide with what will be a monumental celebration in the Baltic states.  We will study and subsequently travel to Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia – three remarkable but distinct countries situated along the Baltic Sea.  Students who take this course will have a greater understanding of the context of revolution and independence, not only in the Baltics, but as well as other post-Soviet states.

2. Poland: The Past, Present, and Future --Dr. Magdalena Krajewska

Now is a fascinating time to get to know Poland.  In 1989, Poland engaged in a peaceful transition from command socialism to free-market democracy. In 1999, Poland became a member of NATO; in 2004 it became a member of the European Union and has had very stable economic growth. We will study the past and present of Poland, by learning about key events. We will visit two major cities: Warsaw- the capital of Poland and its largest city, also known as the “phoenix city”, and Cracow- the “cultural capital” of Poland. In both cities, magnificent castles, palaces, and churches fit well with modern architecture, and cozy cafes, bakeries, and tea rooms complement trendy restaurants. Students will discover countless reasons to fall in love with Warsaw and Cracow, be it for the cities’ fascinating history, vibrant atmosphere, or delightful culinary treats. 

3. Italy: Agriturismo, the Marriage of Tourism, Cuisine, and Agriculture -- Dr. Erika Scocco

This course will focus on how tourism has impacted the economic development of family farms and sustainable agriculture in Italy, and how this has affected the growth of agritourism in the United States.  Italy is populated with successful, small family-run farms that benefit from tourism, rather than crop sales.  Since agritourism has to provide locally-grown produce, this impacts the Italian cuisine of the regions.  Aside from the cultural influences of the Italian cuisine, this seminar will focus on how true Italian cuisine concentrates on few ingredients that have been grown locally.  Thus, introducing the idea of sustainable agriculture, and how different Italian cuisine is from that of Italian-American cuisine.  The seminar will also focus on organic farming practices, pesticide use, genetically modified plants, fermentation, and agricultural legislation in the European Union.  Travel will consist of touring different agricultural areas, from olive orchards to vineyards to cheese-making facilities, while tasting the cuisine of the areas.  

4. Singapore and Malaysia: Multiethnic Crossroads of Asia -- Dr. James Hastings

The countries of Malaysia and Singapore sit on the Malacca Straits, crossroads of trade routes that have been used for the millennia by Arab, Indian, Chinese, and the European traders.  This seminar will look at their historical development, focusing upon the mix of cultures that has given each its distinctive contemporary identity while acknowledging their colonial legacies and unique roles in the Indian Ocean spice trade.  Through guided walking tours of the ethnic enclaves in the cities of Singapore and Melaka, students will be introduced to several distinct Asian cultures through their markets, foods, places of worship and contemporary modes of living.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

*All seminars have a class fee of $850 except for Poland, which has a $200 fee. International health insurance at $26 will also be added to your account for participation. Brazil has an extra $185 visa fee. 

More information about eligibility, classroom locations, the camp out process and other international opportunities can be found at www.wingate.edu/academics/international. You may also contact the individual professors about their courses or Jennifer Armentrout, Director of International Studies at 704-233-8034.