The European Odyssey

The European Odyssey is a semester-length interdisciplinary study abroad program open to all undergraduate students at Hofstra. Accompanied by New College faculty, students travel for ten weeks by minivan throughout western and eastern Europe. The focus and itinerary of the program vary each year in order to address events and issues of relevance in Europe. The courses examine both historical and contemporary topics in specific countries and regions as well as in Europe generally.

Students receive 16 s.h. for the program composed of 12 s.h. of coursework and a four-credit independent project. The first aspect of the coursework examines the ancient and medieval roots of European civilization, including the mythological, religious and sociopolitical foundations of Greece, Rome, and subsequent civilizations. Accordingly, participants visit archeological and historical sites of importance to complement the readings and other course material.

The second part of the program focuses on the contemporary political, economic, and sociological landscape of Europe. It explores current issues concerning European integration, including questions about the common currency, cultural identity and Europe's relationship to the rest of the world. This component of the Odyssey includes visits to the European Union institutions such as the European Parliament in Strasbourg, France; the European Court of Justice in Luxembourg; and the European Commission in Brussels, Belgium.

The third aspect of the European Odyssey Program examines human values and human rights in the context of the history and culture of WW II and the post-war era in Europe. It focuses on thinkers such as Jean Paul Sartre, Elie Wiesel, Victor Frankl and Hannah Arendt and raises critical moral questions about human nature and history. It includes visits to sites such as Terezin and Dachau, concentration camps in the Czech Republic and Germany.

In addition to this coursework students also complete a supervised independent project focusing on topics of interest and relevance such as environmental policies, immigration issues, or current political or cultural developments in Europe. Students conduct interviews with scholars, politicians, and policy experts in order to deepen their research and analysis.

Course content is analyzed through a variety of formats including lectures, briefings, discussions, and presentations. In addition to regular exams, each student keeps a portfolio of reaction papers and a personal journal describing his/her experiences on the road.

The accommodations in youth hostels and inexpensive hotels are diverse, and program participants are expected to be flexible about housing arrangements.

For more information or to apply for the European Odyssey, contact Professor Linda Longmire at (516) 463-5828 or via E-mail