Summer 2013
Economics - Sociology Study Abroad Program
Amsterdam, The Netherlands
July 10 - August 2
Economics 410/410G Efficient Markets in the Low Countries: Sex, Drugs, Rocks, and Flowers
or
Sociology489 Social Deviance -- Amsterdam
Economics 410 Efficient Markets in the
Low Countries
This course will focus on economic markets. The Low Countries (The Netherlands, Belgium, and Luxembourg) offer a unique opportunity to study the diamond and flower markets, both of which are centered in the Netherlands and Belgium. The diamond market is largely oligopolistic, and the flower market is competitive. In addition, we will study prostitution and drugs -- markets that, due to social legislation, do not function openly in the United States and due to regulation in the Netherlands operate in markets of imperfect competition. We will also explore the workings of the European Union as a social and an economic institution. Students completing the course will (1) have a heightened awareness of markets and how they work; (2) better understand social legislation in the economic markets; (3) better understand how cultural differences affect international business; and (4) have a better understanding of the EU and how common currency and the free flow of labor affects the economies of Europe and the individual member countries.
Sociology 489 Deviant Behavior -- Amsterdam
Courses in social deviance examine how groups define certain behaviors,
beliefs, and conditions as violations of group norms.
Those who violate group norms are considered deviants or
outsiders and are subject to both stigmatization and negative sanctions.
Norms however vary overtime, cross-culturally, and among
subcultures within a given society. Thus the nature
of deviance is dynamic rather than static.
Academic and Cultural Program in Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
Cultural outings
-
The Van Gough museum. See original paintings of Van Gough, Gauguin, Manet, Monet, Toulouse La-Lautrec, others.
-
The Rijksmuseum. Contains twenty Rembrandts and works of other Dutch Masters.
-
The Anne Frank House. Visit the house where the Frank family hid from the Nazis during World War II. Special tour and lecture.
-
Rembrandt House Museum. Housed in the home of Rembrandt van Rijn, the Rembrandt House Museum recently celebrated the 400th birthday of the noted painter. The museum contains an extensive collection of Rembrandt's etchings along with the works of many of his contemporaries.
-
Canal Tour of Amsterdam
-
Bike Tour of Amsterdam, including highlights on the history of Amsterdam, and important sociological and economic facts.
Joint Academic Field Trips
-
Prostitution Information Center. Founded in 1994 by a former prostitute, the PIC provides information and advice about prostitution to anyone who has questions. The visit will include a lecture and guided tour of the red light district.
-
Needle exchange visit and lecture.
-
Hash, Marijuana, and Hemp Museum
-
European Union Headquarters. A trip, including an overnight stay, is planned to Brussels, Belgium, the home of the European Union. A lecture is planned by the staff of the EU.
Economics/BA Field Trips
-
Bloemen Veiling Aalsmeer. The Aalsmeer Flower Auction accounts for over forty-four percent of the world's flower and plant sales and sets the price of flowers and plants daily. The auction is housed in the largest commercial building in the world. The visit includes a guided tour of the flower auction and a lecture.
-
Diamond Factory Tour. Amsterdam is the home of many diamond cutting and mounting enterprises. We will visit one of these.
Sociology Field Trips
-
Our Lord in the Attic Museum
Weekends. Travel opportunities are available on two weekends, and students may extend their stay beyond the end of the class (with additional cost). Classes will end no later than noon on Friday, allowing independent student travel. Locations easily reached by train or low cost air include:
-
Paris
-
London
-
Brussels
Frequently Asked Questions
-
What is the cost?
The estimated cost is $3,600 excluding meals. This includes round-trip air transportation from Nashville to Amsterdam, housing, local transportation in Amsterdam (bus-subway-tram pass), entrance fees to required programs, and three hours credit. The final cost depends on the cost of air fare and exchange rates when final arrangements are made.
-
Where will we stay?
Housing is in dormitories at the University of Amsterdam. Students will share apartments with other WKU students
-
Does financial aid apply to this program?
This program is considered the same as any other academic term at WKU. Students eligible for student financial aid for the Summer Term may apply those funds towards this program.
-
Are scholarships available?
Western has a special scholarship for students participating in study abroad programs, the World Topper Scholarship. A link to the application is provided below. You need a letter of recommendation from a faculty member to be eligible, so have one faculty member provide one copy for the World Topper Scholarship and one for your application. The deadline for application is the Monday following Spring Break, but the earlier you apply the better.
- For more information, see http://www.wku.edu/flsa/amsterdam
Dutch Language
Dutch words with audio
For orientation slideshow 1 click here.
For Amsterdam 2013 Guide click here.
Contact Information and course links
| Sociology | Economics |
| Matt Pruitt | Dan Myers |
| 270-745-2376 | 270-745-3684 |
| Grise Hall 127 | Grise Hall 462 |
