Study abroad, special courses highlight Winter Term 2004

More than 4,000 students are expected to enroll in classes for Winter Term 2004 at Elon University, which begins Tuesday, Jan. 6. Students will study on campus and in more than 30 foreign countries during the three-week program that offers unique and intensive academic experiences.

A cluster of special courses will be centered around the theme for Winter Term 2004, Living in a Global Age, giving students the chance to explore the global nature of today’s world. Students in Physics 272, “Astronomy: Mission to Mars,” will consider the scientific, political and practical perspectives of a manned space mission to Mars. In General Studies 312, “Developing Global Leaders,” students will learn about the rules and customs of conducting business in foreign countries and the skills required for success in a global marketplace.

For the second straight year, Heifer International will co-sponsor a Global Village on campus Jan. 12-15. The village will depict lifestyles, homes and food from cultures around the world. Heifer International promotes sustainable development, providing livestock to families and communities, as well as education to promote self-sufficiency. Throughout the week, students will participate in various activities and discussions related to sustainable development and issues surrounding the world’s food supply.

Renowned journalist and author David Gergen, who has served as an adviser to four U.S. presidents, will be the Isabella Cannon Distinguished Visiting Professor of Leadership during Winter Term. Gergen will host three public lectures and hold extensive discussions with students about the unique characteristics of world leaders and the challenges they face.

Elon’s study abroad program, which was recently ranked second nationally among master’s-level universities for the number of students who study abroad, will have more than 600 students enrolled this Winter Term. Course offerings will include field biology in Belize, fine arts in Italy and a firsthand look at ancient Greek civilization.

“Our winter term classes will be exciting, educational and challenging,” says Mark Albertson, registrar and director of Winter Term. “This will be one of the most comprehensive and innovative academic programs I have seen on this campus during my 25-year tenure at Elon. I do not know of any other college or university that will duplicate this effort.”

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