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International SOS

WINTERSESSION PROGRAMS

Each year Wellesley College offers a number of faculty-led course trips during January. The programs are administered by the relevant academic department, and inquiries should be addressed to the program director listed.

Financial aid is available for students who receive aid during the academic year. The percentage of aid given for a Wintersession program will be the same as that given for the rest of the year, although the first $750 of Wintersession aid will be in the form of a loan.
Students who do not normally receive Financial Aid, or would like more financial help to cover the cost of a Wintersession, program should contact Student Financial Services.

January 2011 Offerings

PS347 CULTURE AND SOCIAL IDENTITY WITH WINTERSESSION APPLIED RESEARCH
Examines the sociocultural and developmental aspects of gender-specific instruction for girls and boys. The impact of single-gender public school education on social identity, gender stereotypes, motivation, and academic achievement will be explored. An experiential component will be conducted during wintersession in partnership with the Office of Public School Choice at the South Carolina Department of Education. Students will collect and analyze classroom-based observational and interview data. During the spring, students will review pertinent research literature, state-wide survey data, and reflect on the psychological and public policy implications of differential education. Open to juniors and seniors who have taken 205 and two 200-level units within the Psychology Department. Application required. More information and application available here.
Unit: 1.25 (wintersession and spring semester)
Contact: Prof. Nancy Genero

GER 202W INTERMEDIATE GERMAN IN VIENNA
Like 202 on campus, this course strengthens and expands all language skills including idiomatic grammar review, oral and listening practice, readings on contemporary and historical topics, and practice in composition. This course is offered as an immersion experience with an extensive cultural component to introduce students to the rich cultural heritage of the arts in Vienna. In the course of our exploration, we shall visit sites of special significance, attend concerts and visit museums.
Prerequisite: 201 or permission of instructor.
Distribution: Language and Literature
Unit: 1.0
Contact:Prof. Thomas Nolden

HIST 290 MOROCCO: HISTORY AND CULTURE
An introduction to Moroccan culture, history, and society through experiential and classroom learning. Students will participate in seminars and attend lectures given by Moroccan faculty at the Center for Cross-cultural Learning in Rabat. Program themes include: women in private and public life, Berber culture, Islam, Arabic, Morocco’s Jewish heritage and history, and the legacy of European cultural rule. Students will travel as a group to the central and southern regions of the country to study historic sites and contemporary life and culture in a variety of rural and urban settings.
Prerequisite: None
Distribution: None
Unit: 1.0
Contact: Prof. Wil Rollman

BISC 308 Tropical Ecology with Wintersession Laboratory
***This course is full for Spring 2009.
The ecology of coral reefs and rain forests is the focus of the course. Lectures and discussions during the fall prepare students for the field portion in Belize and Costa Rica. The first half of the laboratory takes place on an island bordering the world's second longest barrier reef; the second half is taught in an intact lowland rain forest. Laboratory work is carried out primarily in the field and includes introductions to the flora and fauna, as well as testing of student-generated hypotheses.
Prerequisite: 201, 207, or 210, and permission of the instructor. Application required. Distribution: Natural and Physical Science
Contact: Profs. Koniger and Helluy

SPAN 258 BARCELONA AND THE SPIRIT OF MODERNITY : ART, HISTORY AND CULTURE (1859-PRESENT)
The city of Barcelona offers a unique case study in order to understand the 20th century in a world context. In the historical arena, the city has gone from political upheaval and anarchistic rebellions early in the century, to the fight against fascism in the middle years, and finally to the struggle for nationhood and the “jouissance” of democracy at the end of the century. Students will learn about modernity and modernization in Spain and Barcelona in particular with special attention to Gaudí, Picasso, Miró, Mies van der Rohe, Sert and Dalí in the historical, aesthetic, and philosophic context that inspired their works. Includes visits to museums and institutions in Barcelona, Romanesque churches in the Pyrenees, and the Dalí Museum in Figueras. Group is limited to 15 students.
Prerequisite: At least one course above 241/242.
Distribution: Language and Literature or Arts, Music, Theatre, Film, Video
Unit: 0.5
Contact: Prof. Carlos Ramos

AFR 280: WINTERSESSION IN GHANA
Application required.

January 2010 Offerings

ANTH 211/RAST 211 Wintersession Program in the Republic of Georgia
Students travel to Tbilisi, Georgia for Winter-session. They attend lectures in English at Tbilisi State University on Georgian history, language and culture and on contemporary political developments there and visit sites of historical interest in and around Tbilisi. They live with Georgian families and spend three weeks completing a self-designed internship with a local organization. Students may register for either ANTH 211 or RAST 211 and credit will be granted accordingly.
Prerequisite: One course in anthropology or Russian area studies. Application required.
Distribution: Social and Behavioral Analysis or Historical Studies
Unit: 0.5
Contact: Prof. Philip Kohl

GEOS 220 Volcanoes: Agents of Global and Regional Change with Wintersession Laboratory
From Mount Saint Helens to Vesuvius to Krakatau, volcanoes affect global climate, change landscape evolution, and are sometimes the cause of tremendous disasters. Understanding the wide variety of phenomena associated with volcanoes provides a broad perspective on how science can be used to protect lives and further human needs and interests. Using geologic literature, Internet search, and a general text, we will study case histories of volcanoes on earth and in the solar system. Written papers and oral presentations will be important parts of the course. An optional laboratory is a three-week long Wintersession trip to New Zealand that requires payment of additional fees.
Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor and GEOS 101, 102, or ES 101.
Distribution: Natural and Physical Science
Semester: Fall
Unit: 1.25 with Wintersession trip, 1.00 without Wintersession trip
Contact: David Hawkins and James Besancon

ITAS 202 WS Intermediate Italian in Rome
This intensive three-week program is a rigorous linguistic and a valuable cultural full-immersion experience in Italy. Like 202 on campus, the course consists of a fast-paced grammar review with prBanner 7 copyactice of all language skills through readings of literary texts and newspapers articles, oral discussions and presentations on Italian current events, and compositions on cultural topics examined in class. The course includes a rich program of guest speakers, both Italian university professors and artists, guided visits to sites of historical significance, and attendance to film screenings and theater performances.
Prerequisite: ITAS 201 or permission of instructor.
Distribution: Language and Literature
Unit: 1.0
Contact: Flavia Laviosa

PEAC 324 Grassroots Development, Conflict Resolution, and the Gandhian Legacy in India
This three and a half week wintersession course in India focuses on the understanding of the historical development of the Gandhian philosophy of nonviolence adn on how Gandhian strategies have been adapted by grassroots community-based organizations to address the challenges facing India and the world today. The course involves both experiential and classroom learning. During this course we will meet with women's organizations, peace organizations, environmental actioan groups and community health activists in rual and urban communities in the North of India. In addition we will take part in a seminar series on intercultural and interreligious conflice resolution at the Malviya Centre for Peace Research at Banaras Hindu University.
Prerequisite: Two 200-level courses in related fields. Application required.
Distribution: Social and Behavioral Analysis or Religion, Ethics, and Moral Philosophy
Contact: Professors Kazanjian and Rosenwald

RUSS 203W/303W Russian in Moscow
This course is offered as an immersion experience, designed to improve students' oral proficiency in Russian while introducing them to the cultural treasures of Russia's capital. Mornings students study language with instuctors at the Russian State University for the Humanities. Afternoons and evenings they visit sites associated with Moscow's great writers, art galleries and museums, attend plays, operas and concerts. This course may be taken as either 203W or 303W.
Prerequisites: 203: 201 or permission of the instructor; 303: 301 or permission of instructor. Application required.
Distribution: Language and Literature
Contact:Professor Epsteyn

Wintersession Study Abroad Options
sponsored by other institutions and organizations
The programs below are not pre-approved for credit. Students who are seeking credit should get courses approved in advance of their application using the on-line Transfer of Credit Form

Argentina & Uruguay- Art, Literature and Politics in Argentina and Uruguay (Brooklyn College) December 26 - January 15

Bahamas- Marine Biology (SUNY Brockport) January 1 - January 24

Bangladesh- Development & Community (HECUA)

Central Europe- Great Cities of Central Europe (George Mason University) January 3 - January 16

Chile (University of Albany) December 26 - January 15

China (University of Albany) December 27 - January 19

China- Hong Kong Winter Program (CCSA) December 26 - January 9

Czech Republic- CEECE in Prague at Anglo-American University January 3-January 23

Ecuador- Andean Spaces- Traversing the Colonial City and the World (University of Maryland) January 1- January 24

Ecuador- Social & Political Transformation (HECUA) January 1- January 24

RIOBAMBA, ECUADOR: Politics and Ethnicity in the Andes (IES)

Egypt- A Literary Journey (University of Maryland)

England- London Theatre Seminar (SUNY- New Paltz)

England- London Art Seminar (SUNY- New Paltz)

England- London Winter (CCSA) December 26 - January 8

Ghana- (Suny Brockport) December 26 - January 15

India- India Program (CCSA) December 26 - January 9

ITALY: From Pontius Pilate to Theodosius: The Advent of Christianity (IES)

Italy - Siena School for Liberal Arts

New Zealand- SUNY Brockport

Peru- Medicinal Plants in the Amazon (University of Maryland) January 5 - January 22

Senegal- Manding Drumming and Culture in West Africa (University of Maryland) December 27 - January 16

South Africa- International Human Rights- Apartheid and HIV/AIDS (University of Maryland) January 2 - January 22

Spain- University of Salamanca (API)

SPAIN: Spain and Morocco: Historic, Artistic, and Religious Crossroads (IES)

Turkey- Education and the Islamism-Secularism Debate (University of Maryland)

January 2009 Offerings

RUSS 203W/303W Russian in Moscow
***This course is full for Spring 2009.
This course is offered as an immersion experience, designed to improve students' oral proficiency in Russian while introducing them to the literary treasures of Russia's capital. Mornings students study language with a Wellesley College instructor and a Muscovite instructor. Afternoons and evenings they visit literary sites associated with Moscow's great writers. On selected evenings, students attend plays, operas and concerts based on literary sources. This course may be taken as either 203W or, with additional assignments, 303W.
Prerequisites: 203: 201 or permission of the instructor; 303: 301 or permission of instructor. Application required.
Distribution: Language and Literature
Contact: Professor Epsteyn

ANTH 211/RAST 211 Wintersession Program in the Republic of Georgia
Students travel to Tbilisi, Georgia for Winter-session. They attend lectures in English at Tbilisi State University on Georgian history, language and culture and on contemporary political developments there and visit sites of historical interest in and around Tbilisi. They live with Georgian families and spend three weeks completing a self-designed internship with a local organization. Students may register for either ANTH 211 or RAST 211 and credit will be granted accordingly.
Prerequisite: One course in anthropology or Russian area studies. Application required. Distribution: Social and Behavioral Analysis or Historical Studies
Unit: 0.5
Contact: Prof. Philip Kohl

AFR 300 Heritage and Culture in Jamaica: A Wintersession Experience
Jamaica is a country that provides a unique opportunity for the study of multiculturalism in action. Its national motto is "Out of many, one people." The study abroad wintersession course in Jamaica will explore the history, culture, and politcal economy of the country and promote an understanding of the Caribbean as a whole through seminars, participatory field research, and internships. The program will give students an opportunity for total immersion in the Jamaican environment and for participation in several community-based projects that will add experiential value to their classroom-based education.
Prerequisite: By permission of the department. Application required. Distribution: Social and Behavorial Analysis
Deadline: October 3, 2008, application available here
Contact: Prof. Steady

GER 202W Intermediate German in Vienna
Like 202 on campus, this course strengthens and expands all language skills including idiomatic grammar review, oral and listening practice, readings on contemporary and historical topics, and practice in composition. This course is offered as an immersion-experience and will feature an important cultural component.
Prerequisite: 201 or permission of the instructor. Application required. Distribution: Language and Literature
Contact: German Department

ITAS 202 Intermediate Italian in Rome
Held over Wintersession in Rome, the aim of this intensive course is to develop students' fluency in spoken and written Italian. The reading of short stories, articles from Italian newspapers, and selected texts on Italian culture are used to promote critical and analytical skills. Listening is practiced through the viewing of Italian films. Both reading and listening activities are followed by in-class discussions. Students must have received credit for ITAS 201 in order to receive credit forr ITAS 202.
Prerequisite: 101, 102, 103, 201, or permission of the instructor. Application required. Distribution: Language and Literature
Contact: Professor Laviosa

PEAC 324 Grassroots Development, Conflict Resolution, and the Gandhian Legacy in India
***This course is full for Spring 2009.
This three and a half week wintersession course in India focuses on the understanding of the historical development of the Gandhian philosophy of nonviolence adn on how Gandhian strategies have been adapted by grassroots community-based organizations to address the challenges facing India and the world today. The course involves both experiential and classroom learning. During this course we will meet with women's organizations, peace organizations, environmental actioan groups and community health activists in rual and urban communities in the North of India. In addition we will take part in a seminar series on intercultural and interreligious conflice resolution at the Malviya Centre for Peace Research at Banaras Hindu University.
Prerequisite: Two 200-level courses in related fields. Application required. Distribution: Social and Behavioral Analysis or Religion, Ethics, and Moral Philosophy
Contact: Professors Kazanjian and Rosenwald

January 2008 Offerings

ANTH 211/RAST 211 WINTERSESSION PROGRAM IN THE REPUBLIC OF GEORGIA
Students travel to Tbilisi, Georgia for Winter-session. They attend lectures in English at Tbilisi State University on Georgian history, language and culture and on contemporary political developments there and visit sites of historical interest in and around Tbilisi. They live with Georgian families and spend three weeks completing a self-designed internship with a local organization. Students may register for either ANTH 211 or RAST 211 and credit will be granted accordingly.
Prerequisite: One course in anthropology or Russian area studies. Application required. Distribution: Social and Behavioral Analysis or Historical Studies
Unit: 0.5
Contact: Prof. Philip Kohl

FREN 228 Le Paris de Balzac et Zola
An examination of the rapid modernization and urbanization (haussmanization) of Paris in the Nineteenth Century and the changes it brought to the life of Parisians. Two authors fond of Paris: Balzac, the eternal Parisian wanderer, and Zola, the social scientist, will be the focus of this course. Balzac witnesses the birth of the bourgeoisie and of the power of money; Zola evokes the monsters they engender. While in Paris, we will follow their steps and discover the neighborhoods dear to Balzac as well as the modern Paris Zola describes in his novel. .
Prerequisite: At least one unit of French 206, 207, 208, or 210, an SAT II score of 690-800, an equivalent department placement score or an AP score of 5.
Distribution: Language and Literature
Unit: 1.0
Contact:Prof. Marie-Paul Tranvouez

GEOS 220 VOLCANOES: AGENTS OF GLOBAL AND REGIONAL CHANGE
From Mount Saint Helens to Vesuvius to Krakatau, volcanoes affect global climate, change landscape evolution, and are sometimes the cause of tremendous disasters. Understanding the wide variety of phenomena associated with volcanoes provides a broad perspective on how science can be used to protect lives and further human needs and interests. Using geologic literature, Internet search, and a general text, we will study case histories of volcanoes on earth and through the solar system. Written papers and oral presentations will be important parts of the course. Required laboratory will be two weeks in and near Hawaii Volcanoes National Park during Wintersession, with a final project due after return.
Prerequisite: GEOS 100 [GEOL 100], GEOS 101, GEOS 102 [GEOL 102] or ES 100 and permission of the instructor. Not open to students who have taken [GEOL 220]
Distribution: Natural and Physical Science
Unit: 1.25
Contact: Prof. James Besancon

GER 202W INTERMEDIATE GERMAN IN VIENNA
Like 202 on campus, this course strengthens and expands all language skills including idiomatic grammar review, oral and listening practice, readings on contemporary and historical topics, and practice in composition. This course is offered as an immersion experience with an extensive cultural component to introduce students to the rich cultural heritage of the arts in Vienna. In the course of our exploration, we shall visit sites of special significance, attend concerts and visit museums.
Prerequisite: 201 or permission of instructor.
Distribution: Language and Literature
Unit: 1.0
Contact:Prof. Thomas Nolden

ITAS 202W INTERMEDIATE ITALIAN IN ROME
Like 202 on campus, this intensive three-week program is a rigorous linguistic and a valuable cultural full-immersion experience. The course consists in a fast-paced grammar review with practice of all language skills through readings of literary texts and newspapers articles, oral discussions on Italian current events, and compositions on cultural topics examined in class. The course includes a rich program of visits to sites of historical significance in Rome and attendance to theater performances.
Prerequisite: ITAS 201 or permission of instructor.
Distribution: Language and Literature
Unit: 1.0
Contact: Flavia Laviosa

POL1 213 WASHINGTON DECISION-MAKING
Intensive Wintersession course on American politics. Analysis of the political process based on readings and discussions of contemporary political and legal issues and interaction with members of Congress, congressional staff, executive department officials, activists in nonprofit organizations, Supreme Court law clerks, political campaign professionals, and reporters. This course will meet for the first week of Wintersession in Wellesley and then will move to Washington for two weeks of briefings, seminar, and policy research. Mandatory credit/non credit.
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor required. Enrollment limited to juniors and
seniors. One unit in American politics or law strongly recommended.
Distribution: Social and Behavioral Analysis
Unit: 0.5
Contact: Prof. Alan Schechter

REL290 KYOTO: CENTER OF JAPAN'S RELIGION AND CULTURE
Hands-on observation and critical analyses of religion and culture in Kyoto, Japan’s capital for over a millennium. Topics include: Shinto and Buddhism in traditional Japanese art and culture, such as “tea ceremony,” calligraphy, poetry, theater and martial arts; Shinto and Japan’s appreciation of nature; Japan’s selective memory of the Pacific War and Japan’s growing nationalism; today’s Buddhist clergy as specialists of the world of the dead, in sharp contrast to the earlier (pre17th century) focus on meditation and acts of mercy for the living; “new religions” in contemporary Japanese society and politics; Japan’s assimilation of Western religions, as manifested in youth culture; the complicity of religion in the resurgence of nationalism and xenophobia; the contemporary Japanese fascination with the “other world”. Kyoto will be the center of operation with side trips to Nara, Ise and, if possible, to Hiroshima.(download flyer)
Prerequisite: at least one course in Asian religions; though not required, preference given to students of Asian religions and of East Asian Studies. Japanese language is not required. Students who have never been to Japan, but with a strong interest in Japan, would be preferred.
Enrollment: limited to 10 and with written permission of the instructor.
Contact: Prof. T. James Kodera

SPAN 258 BARCELONA AND THE SPIRIT OF MODERNITY : ART, HISTORY AND CULTURE (1859-PRESENT)
The city of Barcelona offers a unique case study in order to understand the 20th century in a world context. In the historical arena, the city has gone from political upheaval and anarchistic rebellions early in the century, to the fight against fascism in the middle years, and finally to the struggle for nationhood and the “jouissance” of democracy at the end of the century. Students will learn about modernity and modernization in Spain and Barcelona in particular with special attention to Gaudí, Picasso, Miró, Mies van der Rohe, Sert and Dalí in the historical, aesthetic, and philosophic context that inspired their works. Includes visits to museums and institutions in Barcelona, Romanesque churches in the Pyrenees, and the Dalí Museum in Figueras. Group is limited to 15 students.
Prerequisite: At least one course above 241/242.
Distribution: Language and Literature or Arts, Music, Theatre, Film, Video
Unit: 0.5
Contact: Prof. Carlos Ramos

Created by Mireille McLaughlin
Date Created: June 25, 2007
Last Modified: October 28, 2009
Expires: March 19, 2010

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