Ethical Tolerance in Amsterdam

  Netherlands

Amsterdam

Term: Spring 
Dates: May 21-June 14

Description: Discover the importance of tolerance in Dutch society while living in one of the most interesting and vibrant capital cities in Europe. Amsterdam has long been recognized as a center of the progressive social policies that the Netherlands is well known for. This makes the capital the perfect place to see and explore the impact of tolerance on Dutch society.

Excursions
There are two full-day excursions to experience other parts of the country. Students visit Edam, one of the best preserved 17th Century cities of the Dutch Golden Age; Almere, a city constructed completely from scratch only 30 years ago; the Deltawerken, a marvel of 20th Century Dutch engineering; and Rotterdam, the Netherlands "second city" and a total contrast to Amsterdam. There are also be several field study visits in Amsterdam to selected neighborhoods and places of interest in Amsterdam. Students also visit a number of local museums, including the Anne Frank House, the Rijksmuseum, and the Amsterdam Historical Museum.

Housing & Meals
Students are housed in a hotel with other program participants. A welcome dinner and farewell luncheon are included in the program fee. Additional meals can be taken in the apartments or at local eateries.

On-Site Support
The University of Amsterdam Summer Institute provides the on-site support for this program. Students receive a student ID card from the University of Amsterdam giving them access to a variety of students facilities, including the library, computer center, and sports facilities. Students also receive a museum card providing admission to virtually all museums in the country and a transport card providing access to the tram, bus, and metro system in Amsterdam.

Support Services
The Learning Abroad Center will facilitate all on-campus arrangements, which include:

    * Advising
    * Pre-departure orientation
    * Airline arrangements
    * International insurance
    * Financial aid arrangements
    * Application and registration processing
    * Room and board
    * In-country staff for on-site support

Highlights: Academics

This Global Seminar is 3 credits at the 3xxx level. Coursework may include:

    * Pre-departure work
    * Classroom and field learning
    * Readings
    * Excursions
    * Guest lectures
    * Some language instruction
    * Assignments
    * Presentations

Plan to travel after the program to ensure sufficient time to complete the coursework during the program.

Curriculum

This course examines the arguments both for and against tolerance with respect to a set of ethical issues including euthanasia, same sex marriage, prostitution, drugs, and immigration. Are individuals free to decide what they want to do, or does society have the right to regulate these actions? Explore the Dutch experience and policy with respect to these issues and try to understand the cultural, historical, and geographical factors that have produced these policies. Integral to this is a study of the Amsterdam urban environment and ways in which the built environment shapes human behavior, including the development of tolerant attitudes. Knowledge of Dutch is not required.

Program Structure
Prior to departure, students attend a pre-departure orientation and receive pre-departure readings and requirements. Upon arrival, students participate in a welcome reception and orientation, followed by a tour of Amsterdam canals (including dinner on the boat). Students receive ten hours of Dutch instruction in small groups. Classes, guest lectures, and field trips take place Monday through Friday with weekends free for studying and exploring Amsterdam and surrounding area. Before departure there is a farewell luncheon.

Experience Required: no

This Program is open to World Wide Participants.