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Rome, "the eternal city," is a magnificent example of cultural continuity. Now more than 2,700 years old, Rome was the heart of classical civilization and antiquity in the Western world. Evidence of life throughout these years are found in the modern city: a Roman bridge with an archaic Latin inscription; a modern wall built into a medieval wall, itself built into a pre-Roman wall; a column from a Roman temple holding up the ceiling of a medieval church; richly decorated tombs of pre-Roman peoples, the Etruscan; and in nearby Tuscany, remains of places for worship, entertainment, leisure, business, and pleasure. The city of Rome and its environs hold all of these and more, and they are waiting for students who enroll in the Rome program.
The itinerary and logistics of this study tour have been designed by faculty in the Department of Classics and Ancient Mediterranean Studies at Penn State. The program is designed specifically to enhance and extend previous classroom studies by a unique travel experience, through which students can earn 3 or 6 credits. The program aims at offering qualified students an opportunity to study firsthand the physical remains of ancient Roman cities in central Italy.
The students will stay in the heart of Rome, within walking distance of many ancient remains, museums, and other cultural sites. The daily activities will be built around visits to the important archaeological and museum sites in Rome and at other nearby sites (the Roman port and suburb of Ostia, for example). There also will be a three-night trip to Pompeii, Herculaneum, and other important sites (often not accessible to the average tourist) around the Bay of Naples.
In Rome the students will visit the Roman Forum, the Palatine Hill, the Colosseum, and the Baths of Caracalla. Guided tours to several museums — the Capitoline Museum, the Vatican Museums, and the Museo Nazionale Romano — form an essential component of the program. In addition, there will be opportunities to visit several early Christian churches and sites.
Historical and archaeological lectures will accompany each site visit. The students will be required to participate actively in site and museum visits, based on readings assigned and other exercises.
Application deadline is February 17, 2012. Participation is limited to twenty students.
All students must take the following foundation course:
CAMS or HIST 199 Roman Cities (3 credits)
This course fulfills a general education or bachelor of arts degree requirement in humanities for Liberal Arts students; students majoring in history or classics and
ancient Mediterranean studies may count this course toward their requirements.
Students opting to take a total of 6 credits should choose one below:
CAMS or HIST 499 Foreign Study (3 credits) (optional)
This course is offered as an option for students to earn an additional 3 credits. The students will be required to write a research paper on an approved topic. The course fulfills a
requirement for all students majoring in history or classics and ancient Mediterranean studies.
The program is open to all Penn State students and students from other institutions with a minimum 2.5 grade-point average. Applicants are considered on a continuous, first-come, first-served basis. Students are encouraged to apply early, as enrollment is limited.
Preference for admission will be given to those who have completed one of the following courses (or an equivalent): HIST/CAMS 101 The Roman Republic and Empire; CAMS 033 Roman Civilization; CAMS 150 Classical Archaeology — Ancient Rome; Latin or Greek at any level.
Mary Lou Zimmerman Munn is Associate Head and Senior Lecturer in Classics and Ancient Mediterranean Studies. She was educated at Pitzer College (BA), the Intercollegiate Center of Classical Studies in Rome, the American School of Classical Studies in Athens, and Bryn Mawr College (PhD). She has excavated at the Etruscan site of Murlo in Tuscany, at Roman Carthage in Tunisia, and at ancient Corinth and Panakton in Greece. Between 1981 and 1992, Mary Lou co-directed Stanford University's summer study and archaeological fieldwork program in Greece. She has co-directed Penn State's spring semester in Athens program (1999, 2005, and 2011), and co-directed the summer session of the American School of Classical Studies at Athens (2005 and 2011).
Pamela M. Cole holds a lectureship in the Department of Classics and Ancient Mediterranean Studies at Penn State. She was educated at Penn State and Brown University. For the last ten years, she has taught Latin language and literature and Roman Civilization. In addition, she has traveled extensively in Rome and Italy.
The total program fee includes two components: tuition (based on the number of credits) and a class fee (based on activities and location). All the students will pay the in-state tuition rate for 2012 Summer Abroad programs. All the students will pay for 3 credits of tuition. Students who choose to take CAMS/HIST 499 will pay for an additional 3 credits.
Expenses NOT covered are: (American dollars; estimated)
For passport information, visit www.travel.state.gov/passport.
Out-of-state students will be charged the out-of-state tuition rate until the first day of the program. At that time, the students’ bursar account will be adjusted to reflect the in-state tuition rate of $681 per credit.
In-state students will pay tuition according to their standing and the Penn State tuition schedule.
Tuition (3 credits) $2,043 in-state/out-of-stateThe University reserves the right to revise the schedule of tuition and charges without further notice. For more information on tuition, visit http://tuition.psu.edu.
Published rates are effective for fall 2011 and spring 2012.
The class fee of $2,795 ($1,000 nonrefundable deposit applies to class fee) includes lodging in Rome and Sorrento, breakfast, transportation within Italy, two group meals, entrance to all program-related sites, insurance, and administrative costs.
Total Program Fee (3 credits) The program fee of $4,838 ($1,000 nonrefundable deposit applies to the class fee) includes tuition as well as the class fee.
Total Program Fee (6 credits) The program fee of $6,881 ($1,000 nonrefundable deposit applies to the class fee) includes tuition as well as the class fee.
Information Technology Fee: 1 to 4.5 credits, $82; 5 to 8.5 credits, $180; 9 or more credits, $240
All cancellations must be received by the program manager, in writing, by mail or fax. Do not use eLion; it does not remove you from the course, and you will be held responsible for all fees. Full refunds minus the nonrefundable $1,000 application fee will be made for cancellations received at least thirty days prior to the first day of the program. Refund requests made after that time will not be honored, and the participant or sponsoring organization will be responsible for the fees.
Students are limited to one application in the Summer Education Abroad registration database; however, if dates allow, applicants may participate in
more than one program.
If you are interested in having your application ‘copied’ to additional programs, please email summerabroad@outreach.psu.edu. The $1,000 nonrefundable deposit must be submitted for each program in order for the applications to be complete. The deposits are later credited to the
class fee or refunded if the student is not accepted. Please email summerabroad@outreach.psu.edu if you have any questions.
Submit your online application through Penn State Education Abroad.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: February 17, 2012
Deposit: The $1,000 nonrefundable deposit must be submitted to complete an application. If the student is not accepted, the deposit is refunded. Otherwise, the deposit is applied to the class fee.
Cancellation: The University may cancel or postpone any course or activity because of insufficient enrollment or other unforeseen circumstances. If a program is canceled or postponed, the University will refund registration fees but cannot be held responsible for any related costs, charges, or expenses, including cancellation/change charges assessed by airlines or travel agencies.
Access: Penn State encourages persons with disabilities to participate in its programs and activities. If you anticipate needing special accommodations or have questions about the physical access provided, please contact the program manager at 800-252-3592.
Space may be available after the application deadline. Please contact the program manager to determine availability and/or to be added to the waiting list.
Regarding program content:
Mary Lou Zimmerman Munn
The Pennsylvania State University
310A Weaver Building
University Park PA 16802
Phone: 814-867-0250
Email: mzm10@psu.edu
Pamela Cole
The Pennsylvania State University
310A Weaver Building
University Park PA 16802
Phone: 814-865-7773
Email: pmc12@psu.edu
Regarding application process:
Carolyn Andersen, Program Manager
The Pennsylvania State University
128 Outreach Building
University Park PA 16802
Phone: 814-863-5143 Fax: 814-865-3749
Email: summerabroad@outreach.psu.edu
Regarding financial aid:
Office of Student Aid
The Pennsylvania State University
314 Shields Building
University Park PA 16802
Phone: 814-865-6301
For alternative grant, loan, and minority scholarship information, visit the Education
Abroad Financial Aid and Scholarships Web page.