Office of International Education and Development

Program Dates: May 29, 2024 - June 19, 2024

Dates subject to change by one to two days.

This study abroad program examines the themes of Love, Sex, and Power, and the Meaning of Life, and consists of three components: (a) PHL 3535: Philosophy of Love and the Meaning of Life (3hr); (b) REL 3535: Love, Sex and Power in the History of Christianity (3hr), (c) 3 weeks abroad in Italy and France. The main objective of this program is to examine some central philosophical problems related to the nature of love, sex and power, and how they relate to the meaning of life. As a specific case study, we will study how love, along with sex and power, is reflected in the History of Christianity. Paris and Rome serve as ideal locations for this study abroad course, as both cities have abundant resources conducive to studying these topics.

Locations

Students will travel to Rome, Florence, Pompeii, Paris, Giverny, and Chartres. Each of these locations contains either a church, landmark, or museum that will be important for studying the program's main themes. 

Academics

Faculty Leaders

Dr. Jack Kwong

Professor, Philosophy
Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies
kwongj@appstate.edu

Dr. Jack Kwong is a Professor of Philosophy at App State. He has research interests in the philosophy of mind, moral psychology and theory of knowledge, and regularly offers classes in these areas. Since 2009, he has successfully co-led (with Dr. Reed) the short term study abroad program "Love, Sex, and Power" , which spends 3 weeks abroad in Rome and Paris to explore, among other things, philosophical problems concerning the title topics.

Dr. Randall Reed

Professor, Religious Studies
Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies
reedrw@appstate.edu

 Dr. Randall Reed is a Professor of Religious studies. He has taught classes in the history of Christianity and social theories of religion. These classes have focused on understanding the way that power has manifested itself through time in the story of the Christian religion. He has for the past 10 years, co-led, this trip with Dr. Jack Kwong, where students have firsthand seen the way that power has been manifested through art, architecture, ritual, and belief.

Program Cost: $4,399

Program cost includes meals, lodging, in-country transportation, and tickets/admission to events and museums.  

Please note - Students are responsible for the total program cost upon submiting the application and deposit. Refunds are contingent upon meeting the minimum enrollment of the program. If a student decides to withdraw before departure, that student may be eligible for a refund if the program has met minimum enrollment and is therefore viable. 

Non-billable costs are estimates only and will be affected by personal spending habits, currency fluctuations, etc. Prices listed in USD unless otherwise noted.  Students are encouraged to start planning for their study abroad program costs well in advance. 

Appalachian reserves the right to cancel or alter the program format or to change costs in case of conditions beyond the university's control.  Further details about Appalachian's withdrawal/cancellation policy can be found at this link.

Application Process

1. In order to apply for this program, you will need to contact one of the program leaders and provide your Banner ID and email address. Program leaders may request additional information or a meeting to discuss the details of the program and your interest.
2. When permission to apply for the program is granted, you will receive an email from your program leader with instructions to apply.
3. Apply to the program following the instructions from the program leader.
4. Print, sign and drop off your application at the Office of International Education and Development at Plemmons Student Union (PSU), Suite 321 ( 3rd floor), 263 Locust Street Boone, NC 28608. Your application will be considered complete when you have submitted your digital application, paid the $300 deposit, and dropped off your printed and signed application. The fee cannot be paid until it appears on your student account. Please note that it may take 2–3 business days for it to post to your account. You will receive an email with Instructions for paying the deposit fee. Instructions can also be found in the application.