Professor: Dr. Andia Augustin-Billy

Travel Dates: May 16-31, 2025

Cost: $3550

Additional Expenses: $100 - $150 (for souvenirs, for example)

Course Description:

Rihanna, grapefruit, and Britain's first slave society all have one thing in common - they originated in Barbados, the 13th smallest country in the world. With the removal of the English monarchy, the island became the world's newest republic. With this module, get ready to immerse yourself in an experience that goes far beyond the usual clichés of crystal-clear waters, sandy beaches, and delicious cuisine.

As someone who loves to learn and explore, you will have plenty of chances to engage with the local culture on a personal and intellectual level. Your time in Barbados will involve adopting and studying a project that is close to your heart, offering a unique Bajan perspective on topics such as global warming, education, healthcare, LGBTQ, music, and more. You will present your findings at the conclusion of the trip. You'll have the chance to visit schools in the area and donate books, enhancing your experience in Barbados even more. 

Students will have class May 7-16 to discuss course assignments, expectations, and culture in Barbados. Exact details will be communicated to those enrolled sometime in February 2025.

Professors: Jeff Hendricks and Scarlett Hendricks
Cost: $ 3995
Deposit: $2000 

Additional Expenses: $225 -- for meals during travel; entry fees for activities on free days in Paris

Course Descriptions: 
At the end of World War I, Parisians danced in the streets with British, Canadian, and American soldiers to celebrate the end of the war.  The party continued into the roaring 20s, when artists like Cocteau, Picasso, Chagall, and Man Ray; intellectuals like André Gide and Colette; performers like Josephine Baker; and expatriates like Gertrude Stein, Ernest Hemingway, Ezra Pound, and F. Scott Fitzgerald flooded Paris's cafés and bistros.  Whereas Thomas Jefferson and Benjamin Franklin loved Paris during the 18th century as the city of Light and Reason; Ernest Hemingway and the Lost Generation of the 1920s and 30s were attracted to Paris as a site of artistic energy and cultural tolerance;  Americans (and many other nationalities) today visit Paris because it has come to represent the embodiment of "the good life."  In this module we will examine this proposition by living for two weeks in Paris and asking each student to compare aspects of French culture with aspects of their own culture, with the goal of wrestling with the question of what it means to live a “good” and “meaningful” and “quality” life. 

This module--"Americans in Paris: The Quest for the Good Life" – will examine numerous texts by American writers, artists, musicians, and intellectuals about Paris.  We then ask Centenary students to compare and contrast their own experience of Paris with their own lived-experiences in the U.S. and with these readings from American writers, philosophers, statesmen, and artists who have traveled to Paris since before the American Revolution.  We ask students to focus their cultural comparisons around the following topics, picking one from the following to write about in-depth:  1) religion, 2) food, 3) art, 4) music, 5) fashion and dress, or 6) transportation.  As much as it's possible, we will try to live as the Parisians themselves: we will buy bread and cheese and ham from the corner markets; we will wash our clothes in the hotel laundromat; we will negotiate our way around the city using public buses and the metro; we will live for two weeks amidst some of the world's greatest historical monuments and art.  All the while we will be reading, observing, taking notes, and talking to the French that we meet about our impressions and our thoughts.

Professors: Dr. Kyra Rietveld, Assistant Professor of Art and Ms. Alissa Klaus, Director of the Meadows Museum of Art

Dates: May 11 – 29

Cost: $594

Course Description:

GLAM-orous Shreveport: Shaping the Identity of a City is an immersive May Module designed to fulfill the Culture component of the TREK program. This course examines how Shreveport’s current cultural institutions—Galleries, Libraries, Archives, and Museums (GLAM)—are actively involved in constructing and communicating the city’s cultural identity today. 

Rather than simply preserving culture, GLAM institutions play a vital role in shaping how Shreveport defines itself in the present: whose histories are foregrounded, which values are promoted, and how community belonging is imagined. Through site visits, guest conversations, and hands-on reflection, students will explore how these institutions produce and project a specific local identity—one informed by Shreveport’s complex racial, regional, and economic landscape, yet distinct in its contemporary expression. 

By engaging directly with the people, spaces, and practices that shape cultural narratives in Shreveport, students will study a unique subcultural identity within the U.S.—one that both reflects and challenges broader national norms. The course centers on institutions as active agents in building civic meaning and community coherence in real time. 

Professors: Dr. Chris Ciocchetti and Jessica Panzini

Travel Dates: May 7-21

Cost range: $4350-$5200

Max Enrollment: 18

Deposit: $2000 

Course Description

It is not that life is short but that we waste much of it. (Seneca, De Brevitate Vitae)

Ciao tutti! Come with us to Rome, Subiaco, and Bari to learn about Italian food, philosophy, and culture. You will learn about empires when visiting the Coliseum. We will visit the heart of Catholicism in the Vatican, spend the night in a Franciscan nunnery, and learn at the first Benedictine monastery. We will walk in the mountains and raft the same river that feeds the Roman aqueducts, the Aniene. We will travel to Bari to experience life in Puglia, a region with stunning beaches and a rich, Arab-influenced history. We will see Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel and the Pietà firsthand. You can learn to make pasta a mano as we discuss Italian culture and the Italian diaspora.

Does it sound like too much? Don’t worry. We will take time to experience dolce far niente. Students will see beyond the stereotypes to appreciate what Italian culture can teach us about life, philosophy, and food.

Va bene? A presto.

Professor: Dr. Matthew Blasi

Dates: May 11- 24

Price: $1800- $2300

New Orleans isn’t simply the largest and most famous city in Louisiana–it’s one of the most culturally diverse and historically complicated cities in the country. In this course, we will read the works of writers who lived and worked in New Orleans and explore the complicated relationships between literature, art, food, and history as they shape our cultural idea of the city and all it entails. 

Living Myth(ology)

Professors: Mr. Patrick Morgan and Ms. Catherine Walsh 

Dates: May 11- 29

Cost: $475

This immersive, experiential course will encourage students to think like anthropologists, exploring Myth as a fundamental human cultural phenomenon through an in-depth exploration of Ancient Near Eastern (ANE) texts. We will grapple with classic questions: What work do myths perform in human cultures? What do they preserve and teach, and how do they resonate with such deep meaning for members of a culture? How do myths relate to and inform the structure of social concepts of truth, shared memory, purpose, personal identity, morality, and values? Drawing on a range of related ancient texts and contemporary readings, we will explore the complex relationship of Myth with Truth, the intricacy of specific cultural webs of meaning, aspects of human meaning-making, and the strange power of created (but deeply felt) narrative experiences. After examining the Gilgamesh tradition and its cultural context in detail and surveying secondary literature on the concept of Myth, students will demonstrate mastery of these themes by collaboratively creating their own coherent mythological narrative, which they will both perform (in groups) and analyze (individually).

Professors: Mr. Logan Sledge and Ms. Kennedy Wilcher

Dates:  May 11-23

Price: $2600 - $3000

This module offers students a unique opportunity to experience, appreciate, and critically engage with the rich and diverse cultural fabric of New York City’s performing arts scene, and  understand how theatre cultures flourish in New York City — from commercial Broadway and the grandeur of the Met Opera to the experimental downtown arts scene. Students will also touch on the history of NYC theatre, from its emergence as America’s cultural center to its current vibrant status.  Students will explore how the identities of New Yorkers—informed by the city and by ability, class, ethnicity, gender, race, and sexuality—are performed in the theatre of everyday life, and will compare these dynamics to the very different theatre culture in places like Shreveport. 

Professors: Dr. Scott Chirhart and Assistant Athletic Director Jackie Fain
Travel dates: May 10 - 26
Module Cost: $5200

Additional possible expenses: $500
Deposit: $2000 

Course Description:

Did you know that the islands of New Zealand were the last habitable landmass settled by humans?

Despite its remoteness, New Zealand ranks highly in national comparisons in categories such as quality of life, education, protection of civil liberties, government transparency, and economic freedom. We'll explore the culture and country of modern New Zealand, including. everything from the distinctive Māori culture and history, biological and geographical features such as plants and animals’ endemic to things distinctly New Zealand: educational systems including colleges and medical schools, socialized healthcare, as well as exploration of the role of international sports such as rugby and sports management.

Join us on our journey and perhaps find something unexpected!

Professors: Dr. Amanda Donahoe and Dr. Jessica Alexander
Module Cost: $4000

Additional possible expenses: $140-180
Deposit: $2000 

Course Description:

You'll spend time in Northern Ireland's capital, Belfast and second largest city, Derry/Londonderry as well as a few days at Corrymeela, a rural reconciliation community learning the history and complexities of this conflict as well as learning about ongoing peacebuilding practices on the ground. Maybe you'll even develop some conflict resolution skills of your own.

Come tour the Peace Walls, see the murals, talk with ex-prisoners and peacemakers, and enjoy a cuppa tea!

Professors: Dr. Katherine Brandl and Dr. Cory Wikan
Travel Dates: May 11 - 25 
Module Cost: $4500 - $4900

Additional possible expenses: $30

Course Description: 

This module will explore the rich history and culture of Spain. Students will gain an in-depth understanding of the influences of Moorish (Muslim) and Roman Catholic rule on architecture, food, art, sport, and regional traditions. Students will experience world-class museums, ancient ruins, royal palaces, agriculture, and industry of the Iberian Peninsula. Students will also experience Spain’s global cultural influence as well as regional influences from North Africa and Europe via historic and current migration patterns and international trade. The experience will include time in Barcelona, Madrid, Granada, and a day trip to Morocco.

Professor: Dean Mark Miller

Travel Dates: TBD

Cost range: TBD

Additional Expenses: $200

Max Enrollment: 18

Deposit: $2000

Other information: 

Costs included: round-trip flight from SHV (details tbd); in-country lodging and transportation; two meals per day.

Course description:

What is the Finnish Miracle?

In the 1950s, Finland was a poor, agrarian nation, battered by wars to expel both the Soviet Union and Nazi Germany from their country during WWII. In fewer than 50 years, Finland became one of the wealthiest and most advanced countries in the world. We will study the role of the storied Finnish education system as we explore the history, business, culture, sights and people of the country Newsweek magazine named Best in the World based on education, health, political environment, economic competitiveness, and quality of life.

Where will we go?

Helsinki: The nation's capital is a modern European capital with art, culture, nightlife, and shopping.
Rovaniemi: At the edge of the Arctic Circle don't expect darkness even after the sun goes down around 11pm.
Oulu: This seaside town is a hub for technology and innovation in Northern Finland.
Turku: Finland's first capital city, the European Union named historic Turku the Cultural Capital of Europe in 2011.
Stockholm, Sweden: Finland was part of Sweden for more than 600 years and has been independent for only 100, so we will also visit Stockholm, one of the most beautiful cities in the world.

Professors: Dr. Andia Augustin-Billy and Dr. Dana Kress
Cost range: $2900-3400 (2022 estimated costs)
Max Enrollment: 15
Deposit: $1000

Other information: 

• Class will meet weekly for Creole lessons during the Spring semester.
• Costs include: round-trip flight (details tbd); lodging; transportation; most meals

Are you looking for an unforgettable experience? Then, hop on the Haiti Module!

Together, we will explore cultural traditions of southern Haiti while taking a critical look at the disbursement of aid and its ramifications on Haitian society. We will undertake various service projects (teaching English to local school children, building a library, and an art initiative in the artistic city of Jacmel), which will ultimately give you a culturally sensitive approach to doing aid in developing countries.

Module flyer

Professors: Loren Demerath and Janine Gomezjurado Demerath
Cost range: $500-600
Max Enrollment: 22 
Deposit: $100

Other information

Our focus is on Latino culture as it exists in our own region of the “Ark-La-Tex”. We listen and dance to Latino music; cook and eat Latino food, sampling everything from restaurants to food trucks to snacks; learn about the Latino context of sports like soccer, baseball, and volleyball; look at examples of fashion and architecture; watch movies, music videos, and even a game show; read poetry displayed as graffiti; learn about social differences like “sobre mesa” (talking over the table), physical contact, and the significance of relationships and social life. We hear personal stories and talk with a range of guest speakers; and we share our own personal interests and research on a topic of each student’s choice.

While no knowledge of Spanish is required of students, all students will learn to speak at least some Spanish in the course of the module, and there will be many opportunities for those more experienced in Spanish to improve their facility with the language. Furthermore, since we’ll be reviewing academic research on Latino culture(s), even if you have a Latino background, you’ll learn a lot and are very welcome to take the course!

NOTE: _{This module is currently in the planning phase for 2024, but there is a possibility of cancellation if the post-pandemic shift does not allow Chimp Haven to re-open for guests.}

Professors: Dr. Jessica Alexander and tbd
Module Cost: $800-1000
Max enrolment: 16
Deposit: $100
 

Other Information

• There will be readings and two (2) class meetings during the Spring semester.
• Students will retain access to their residence halls and meal plan during the month of May.

Did you know that culture isn't just something that humans have? Nonhuman primates also have culture!

In this course, we will travel to Chimp Haven, the national chimpanzee sanctuary that's just outside Shreveport, and we will observe cultural behaviors in nonhuman primates. Chimp Haven is home to over 300 chimpanzees who have been retired from NIH biomedical research. They live in communities and build friendships, engage with caregivers, and spend their days learning to be social chimps.

Going behind the scenes at such an incredible facility is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Come examine what culture means with our primate relatives!

COURSE FULL

Professor: Andia Augustin-Billy

Cost: $0

Max Enrollment: 15

Deposit: $0

For the North American tourist, the Caribbean evokes images of sun, white-sand beaches, and lush landscapes. This course will go beyond these idyllic images and examine the ways in which Caribbean women writers portray coming-of-age narratives in contemporary fiction and popular culture. We will study how young girls’ sexuality is profoundly intertwined with race, gender, and class in a setting that encourages an erasure of their sexuality. Along the way, we will discover how migration to the United States often disrupts and transforms the girls’ journey to womanhood and exposes diasporic preoccupations around issues of identity, power, and, subjectivity. Students will be enabled to develop openness and curiosity around a sensitive topic not often broached in cultural studies.

Professors: Logan Sledge and Don Hooper
Cost range: $3000-3500 (2022 estimated costs)

Additional estimate expenses: $300

Max Enrollment: 24
Deposit: $1000

Other information: 

• Class will meet several times during the Spring semester.
• Costs included: round-trip flight from DFW (details tbd); lodging; all transportation in-country; all breakfasts; most evening meals.
• Additional budget required per student: $300 -- for meals not included and personal expenses.

In As You Like It, Shakespeare has Jaques say, “All the world’s a stage, and the men and women merely players.” Shakespeare also said theatre, as an art form, is meant “to hold, as ‘twere, the mirror up to nature.”

In this course we will explore the idea that theatre is all around us, from social constructs, dialogue, ritual, costumes/clothing, spectacle, government, psychology, art and architecture, all of these helping to shape a cultural identity. Our goal will be to identify and examine the elements of theatre that are seemingly hiding in plain sight within a culture and to comparatively analyze these elements with the same elements in American culture.

• Explore how theatre permeates a culture, including cultural, material, social, ethical, and political, and religious factors.

• Understand historical aspects of theatre in the UK.

• Compare theatre in London, Scotland to theatre in the United States.

• Consider how theatre and storytelling is used to shape cultural identities in the UK.