Summer 2015

Economics - Sociology Study Abroad Program

Amsterdam, The Netherlands and Brussels, Belgium

July 15 - August 7

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: Sex Drugs Rocks and Flowers.

    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. 

Tentative syllabus for ECON 410/ECON 410G

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.  Amsterdam, a cosmopolitan, world-class city has a long history of tolerance toward many behaviors and lifestyles that are considered deviant by many social groups.  With its red light district, coffee shops, Anne Frank House, and needle exchange program, Amsterdam provides a unique, natural setting to study social deviance.

 Tentative schedule for SOC 489/SOC 489G

 

Academic and Cultural Program in Amsterdam, the Netherlands and Brussels, Belgium.

Cultural outings

·   The Van Gogh museum.  See original paintings of Van Gogh, Gauguin, Manet, Monet, Toulouse-Lautrec, others.

 

·      The Rijks Museum. Contains twenty Rembrandt 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

 

·     Dutch Resistance Museum

 

·     Bike Tour of Amsterdam, including highlights on the history of Amsterdam, and important sociological and economic facts.

 

·      Visit the town of Bruges, Belgium

 

Academic Field Trips

 

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

·         Flora Holland. 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

Physical Considerations

This program involves significant walking and climbing of stairs.  The Netherlands and Belgium do not adhere to the standards set forth in the Americans with Disabilities Act.  If you have a physical limitation that might affect your participation, it is imperative that you discuss this with the instructors to determine whether this program is a good fit for you. 

Frequently Asked Questions

·         What is the cost? 

The cost is $3,710 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. This does not include the $150 Study Abroad and Global Learning application fee. For more information on the cost and how you will pay and refund information, visit the DELO information page for this program.

·         How much should I budget for food and entertainment?

It is difficult for us to estimate your individual expenses for meals and entertainment.  You have the option of cooking in your apartment or eating out every meal.  Here are links to two web sites that provide cost-of-living information for Amsterdam.

  • Numbero.com provides a comparison of prices for Nashville and Amsterdam.  On 15 January 2015 it showed restaurant prices in Amsterdam to be slightly less than 50% higher than those in Nashville.  However, grocery prices were shown to be 9.43% lower in Amsterdam. These numbers were 35% higher for restaurants and 14% lower for groceries on 31 January 2015. What a difference in the exchange rate makes.
  • Price of Travel shows a Big Mac to cost $3.57.

·         Where will we stay?

Housing is in dormitories at the University of Amsterdam.  Students will share apartments with other WKU students. In Brussels, we will stay in a hotel in the center of the city.

·         Is there financial aid available?

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.

Western has a special scholarship for students participating in study abroad programs, the World Topper Scholarship.  The earlier you apply the better. Here is a link to WKU's SAGL scholarship information page. In addition DELO offers scholarships for our program.

·         Do I need to know another language?

The official language in the Netherlands is Dutch. Belgium has three official languages -- Dutch, French, and German -- and the language spoken most frequently often depends on the region of the country. The population of both countries are mostly bi-lingual (or multi-lingual) and English is a common language among most people you will encounter.

 

This sounds great. How do I apply?

To apply, see the information at the Faculty Led Study Abroad page. SPACE IS LIMITED TO 24. THERE CURRENTLY ARE 13 ACCEPTED AND 8 PENDING APPLICATIONS.

 

Contact Information and course links

Information for participants.

A note from Dan Myers for parents.

Sociology

Economics

Matt Pruitt

Dan Myers

270-745-2376

270-745-3684

Grise Hall 127

Grise Hall 462