GED 375A Australia - Gary Fawver, Paul Chamberlain The overriding theme of thiscourse is built on how the scientist and theologian look at nature. Just as we can learn about God through the Bible we can come to a greater appreciation of God through studying and experiencing his creation, the natural world. We will study the distinct culture and unique wildlife of Australia by visiting a variety of rich and distinctive ecosystems, such as natural eucalyptus forests, tropical rain forests, and marine habitats. Our trip will begin in Sydney, New South Wales, travel up the east coast of Australia, visiting, among other places, the Blue Mountains, the Gold Coast, and the Great Barrier Reef (the largest coral reef in the world. Along the way we should encounter, kangaroos, koalas, and duck bill platypuses. To add to the cultural flavor of the trip, students will have the opportunity to visit sites in and around Sydney; including, the Sydney Opera House, Sydney Harbor, and various museums.
GED 375B England, France and Germany - Ron Mock, Phil Smith, Melanie Mock We will spend about a week in and around London, England. We will visit important places in our political and religious history, including all the favorites (Buckingham Palace, The Tower of London, Parliament, etc.) plus several tied to our theme: from the British War Museum to landmarks in the development of the Quaker peace witness. Then we will cross the Channel and visit Normandy (the site of D-Day in World War II) on your way to Paris. During our several days in Paris, we will see the centers of French culture: Notre Dame, the Champs d'Elysees, the Eiffel Tower, etc., including Versailles, a monument both to French monarch, and to the doomed attempt to build world peace after World War I. From Paris we will visit historic battlefields in northern France, especially those connected to the slaughter of World War I, and make a brief visit to Holland and the headquarters of the World Court in The Hague (and get a glimpse of pacifist Christian Anabaptism on the continent). Then we will go into Germany, visiting castles, a World War II concentration camp, and the city of Munich (and possibly Nuremberg), on our way to Berlin. There we will spend the last few days of our trip seeing the revived capital of Germany, the ornate palaces of Potsdam, the remains of the Berlin Wall, and other reminders of how Europe ended a bloody 20th century with a nonviolent victory over communism.
GED 375C Israel - Tom Johnson, Michele Johnson Students on the trip to Israel will explore the historical and geographical background to the Bible. Participants will follow the paths Jesus traveled and visit Jerusalem, Cana, Bethlehem, Tiberias , Jericho, and many other Biblical and historical sites. A boat ride on the Sea of Galilee, a visit to a Kibbutz, hiking, stops at archeological digs, shopping, sightseeing and free time in Jerusalem will round out the adventures. The trip will also give students an understanding of contemporary tensions and politics in Israel today with a visit to Turkey and an opportunity to visit some of the places on Paul's journey.
GED 375D Italy and Spain - Alex Pia, Debbie Behro
The purpose of the trip is to enhance the participants' understanding and appreciation of the richness found in the history, arts, land, and people of Italy and Spain. In Italy, students will have an extended stay and will visit Italy's internationally known cities of Rome, Venice, and Florence, as well as have time to relax in the resort town of Sorrento. The study tour will include sites such as the glorious ruins of the Colosseum, the Catacombs, and Pompeii as well as the magnificent architecture of the Vatican and the Trevi Fountain, along with the breathtaking art of the masters: Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Raphael. In Spain students will see history reflected in the great architecture and art of Spain, including works by Picasso, GaudÃ, and the Alhambra. Students will have opportunities to visit the Olympic Village in Barcelona, feast on paella and tapas, spend a day at a Mediterranean beach, visit a replica of Columbus' ship, enjoy a flamenco performance, and even take in a bullfight! This study tour includes the historically rich cities of Barcelona, Madrid, Sevilla, and Granada. Finally, Italian and Spanish language lessons will be added to enable students to experience the Italian and Spanish cultures more fully.
GED 375E Latin America - Viki Defferding, Terrie Boehr
Latin American Christianity, Culture and Cuisine is designed for the adventurous student who wants to develop a deeper understanding of our neighbors to the south: Costa Rica, Mexico and Puerto Rico. From tropical rainforests to sandy beaches, from verdant plantations to ancient pyramids, participants will experience the arts, history and exotic species of flora and fauna that have made these cultures unique. Our destinations include the teeming capital cities, pre-columbian pyramids, ancient palaces, floating gardens, colonial churches, National parks and preserves and beaches, including Acapulco. Besides a homestay in Costa Rica and ministry opportunities in Mexico City (the largest City in the world), participants will have the opportunity to try new cuisines, experience the differences in music and art and participate in a variety of outdoor activities including hiking, snorkeling and other water sports on this sunny, warm tropical adventure.
GED 375G Paris to Prague - John Bowman, Dave Howard This study-tour seeks to enhance the liberal arts experience at GFU by providing participants with an expanded understanding of historical events, artistic achievements, and significant cultural movements in France, Germany, Austria, and the Czech Republic. Major cultural centers on our itinerary include Paris, Vienna, Berlin, Munich, Salzburg, and Prague. In addition to the "academic" pursuits in these major international cities, we will take a boat cruise on the Danube river, visit Wittenberg, Germany (home of Martin Luther fame), and visit a Holocaust site. Students may select from a number of additional options such as attending music concerts, hiking, bike riding, visiting castles and palaces, and meandering through quaint towns such as Berchtesgaden (Germany) and picturesque towns along the Danube (Melk, Krems).
GED 375H Rome to London - Steve Grant and Mel Schroeder This European Humanities Study Tour will highlight the art, history and architecture of Medieval and Renaissance Europe with glimpses of Ancient Rome, glimpses into early Church history and glimpses into the era of the World Wars. Significant museum and architectural sites will be visited. In addition to Rome and London, many other cities/sites to be experienced on the tour will include Florence, Venice, Vienna, Salzburg, Munich, Paris, and the beaches at Normandy. There will also be opportunities to experience theatre in some of these locales as well the availability of unique tours and side trips of the student's own choosing.
GED 375I Switzerland and Italy - Manfred Tshan, Tim Tshohantaridis This trip will explore the history, and geography of Italy and Switzerland from 5 main locations (Swiss Alps, Tuscany, Rome, Venice, Lake Geneva). The natural beauty and cultural diversity of Switzerland and the compelling landscape, museums, and historical sites of Italy will be reached by van. This mode of transportation allows some flexibility in the itinerary, but it requires packing light. People who get car sick should not sign up for this trip, since the roads in the Alps and in Tuscany get a little crazy. The food will be delicious in both countries. Some cooking will be required when we stay in 6-person bungalows in Tuscany. Physical fitness (walking steep mountain trails) will be needed when we stay at a YMCA Camp in the Swiss Alps. All students will be expected to give a presentation to the group either in the classroom or on location.
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