Location:

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Program Type:

Study Abroad

Degree Level:

Undergraduate

Term:

Summer

Program Overview

Program Description:

The Roman Empire was one of the greatest and longest-lasting in world history. Within its huge territory, Rome ruled over an enormous diversity of tribes and groups with vastly different ethnic, linguistic and cultural backgrounds. This course looks at how the empire impacted those pre-existing communities. How did conquest and incorporation into the Roman Empire change the lives of individual people at grass-roots level?

To make sense of the enormous wealth and great variety of archaeological, documentary and ecological data available to help us answer this question, we take an anthropological approach. Alternately adopting a global and a local perspective, we look at the whole spectrum of evidence – from battlefields, military forts, cities, farms, temple sites, quarries and mines to papyri, writing tablets, monumental Latin inscriptions, coins, production stamps, votive offerings, agricultural implements, human and animal bones, pollen and ice cores. 

But our outlook extends far beyond the historical. This course also invites you to reflect upon “hot” current issues such as globalization and identity, migration, social exclusion, mass violence, colonialism and sustainability by considering similarities and differences between the modern and Roman worlds. We use the example of this empire as a pathway to reflect critically upon contemporary society and the globalizing world in which we now live.

Setting Description:

With over 180 unique nationalities, Amsterdam is a melting pot of cultures and embraces different cultures, religions, and lifestyles. 165 canals criss-cross the entire city, giving it its nickname ‘Venice of the North.’ The city also features more bikes than inhabitants! With a bustling creative industry, Amsterdam offers plenty of cultural activities and events throughout the year. In Amsterdam you can benefit from the advantages of a big city with enough quiet spots to kick back and relax.

Cost:

1150 EUR. The tuition fee includes: • Airport pick-up service • Welcome goodie bag • Orientation programme • Course excursions • On-site support • Emergency assistance • Transcript of records after completion of the course

Additional Program Information

Scholarships:

Yes

Scholarships Description:

The VU Amsterdam Summer School offers ten scholarships that cover the full tuition and housing fees of one course. Information about how to apply for the scholarship will be posted on the VU Amsterdam Summer School website.