Leisure & Sport in Ancient Rome

  Italy

• Rome: 
Roma (Rome)

Term: Summer 
Dates: throughout the year

Description: Here is a new course and a unique opportunity to visit one of the most inspirational cities in the world! Rome, and the empire that it supported, have contributed in so many ways to our modern world. From art, to theatre, architecture and sport, our western heritage is rooted in the Roman way of doing things.

This is particularly evident in how the people of ancient Rome spent their leisure. The philosopher Josef Pieper tells us that leisure is the basis of culture. That is to say, what we do in our free time as individuals and societies contributes to our understanding of our selves and our identity as a community. We will learn about Rome through an understanding of how they recreated; how they used their free time.

The course will position the role of sport and leisure in the cultural/political reality of ancient Rome. Similarities between ancient Roman and Greek cultures will be explored, as well as the impact of the Etruscans on the Roman culture. The control of leisure by the roman ruling class, the influence of religion, slavery, warfare, immigration and varying levels of moral behavior will be examined as to their respective contribution to the development of sport and the use of leisure in roman society. The course will consider the role of the Ludi Romani (the Roman games), the gymnasia, the baths, and tavern life during Pax Romana.

Our program will be so much more than an academic exercise. Rome is a colorful, vibrant city full of sites, both ancient and modern, that are a pure pleasure to experience. We will spend time at famous locations like the Coliseum, the Circus Maximus, the Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps, but we will also step off the main streets to explore the real city of Rome as it is experienced by its residents. We will also leave the confines of Rome to visit the important seaport of Ostia Antica, the mountainside retreat of the Emperor Hadrian in Tivoli and the summer home of our host, Dr. Lee deLisle, for a taste of village life in the beautiful medieval village of Roccantica.

We will spend several weeks preparing for our trip by learning more about Italy and Rome, practicing some basic phrases in Italian, and preparing ourselves for "la vita bella", the beautiful life, which best describes the way Italians approach living.

Ci vediamo a Roma!

Degree Level: Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

Cost in US$: USD 2,595 (undergraduate) USD 2,920 (graduate)

Experience Required: no

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants.

Typically Participants Work in Groups

Scholarships are Available. Dean's Scholarship for Summer Study Abroad

Application Process Involves:

• Disciplinary Clearance Form
• Essay
• Letters of Reference
• Physical Exam/Health Records
• Transcript

Western Michigan University's Mission Statement: The Diether H. Haenicke Institute for Global Education, established by the Board of Trustees in 1998, promotes and supports efforts towards globalization and internationalization of the academic environment of Western Michigan University. The Institute works closely with the International Education Council of the WMU Faculty Senate, as well as with international education committees and projects within and across colleges.

Year Founded: 1903