Student Comments : European Archaeological Heritage

Vast numbers of English and French soldiers who died from disease and poison gas are buried in beautifully kept cemeteries around Ypres. These cemeteries are actively maintained by English families and the relatives of the dead as living memorials. The German cemeteries which hold equally large numbers of dead are unkempt and rarely visited.

Summer 2005
July 11 - 30

Dr. Mark Leone,
University of Maryland

Dr. Frank McManamon,
U.S. National Park Service

Dr. Ann Killebrew,
Penn State University

Mr. Neil Silberman,
Ename Center

Guest Lecturers from Belgium

Registration for this course is through the Study Abroad Office. For complete registration details, costs, etc., follow this link to Study Abroad-Belgium.

Some comments from students of the Summer 2005 course

“This course really helped me gain an overall understanding of the Flemish and French cultures and at the same time provided an adequate amount of free time to get to experience the night life. All of my misconceptions about archaeology were cleared up as well. I really feel like I have a handle on what the profession entails.”

“This course really changed my perception and feelings about both World Wars. I saw more sites than I could ever thought to see in my life – Mont. St. Michel, the Normandy beaches, the great French Cathedrals…It’s just amazing to see the way of life of the Belgians and even the French to live like them for even a short period of time. It’s a little unreal.”

“This course changed the way that I think about my identity as an American. In addition to studying the European perspective of America’s role in WWI and WWII, we studied the way Europeans experience and express their grief. The memorialization of a certain event or person can allow insight regarding specific cultures and bereavement.”

“Not only did we get a chance to experience participation in active archaeological digs – both digging as well as some surveying/stratigraphy, but we also saw/walked around many sites that represent the roots of our own American heritage/culture – the beginnings of England and France and some sites have romantic resonance – Mont. St. Michel; Honfleur; Entretat.”

“This course is a wonderful opportunity to see legendary historical sites. The Normandy Beaches, Flander’s Field, Mont. St. Michel…for 6 credits! I had a great time!”

“The Monuments of War, Sites of Peace program in Belgium and France was truly a life-changing experience. I saw some of the most amazing sites that this world has to offer and I developed an intense appreciation for a lifestyle that is quite different from my own. I will never forget this trip or the people that I have met here.”

“The Monuments of War, Sites of Peace course that took place in Belgium and France undoubtedly exceeded my expectations. Having the opportunity to visit the same sites upon which some of the most historic battles in history took place was an experience unlike any other. We were able to experience European culture in every aspect – the course was beyond memorable.”

Registration for this course is through the Study Abroad Office. For complete registration details, costs, etc., follow this link to Study Abroad-Belgium.