By Abigail Holihan, SAU Communications
MAGNOLIA – History courses are typically taught in classrooms, but sometimes the best way to learn is to go straight to the source. In December, Southern Arkansas University students will have that opportunity.
The Department of History and Political Science at SAU is planning a nine-day trip to Italy on Dec. 13-22 to visit Rome, Vatican City, Florence and possibly Pompeii. “Members of the history and political science classes and I have discussed this idea since September,” said Dr. Svetlana Paulson, associate professor of history at SAU. “We are planning to conduct some fundraisers for the trip, and we welcome any suggestions and ideas in this regard.”
Paulson is making arrangements for the trip through the Education First tour company. Anyone interested in the trip is welcome to sign up because it is not just for SAU students. “The tour is open to SAU students, alumni, and the Magnolia community. Friends and family are welcome to join us,” Paulson said. “In fact, some friends and family members of students are already planning to sign up.”
A larger group will mean a lower cost of travel for each individual.
But this trip will not be just for leisurely travel, school credit will also be offered to those who are interested. “A history and political science credit will be available,” Paulson said. “A tour participant can opt to sign up for World History I, World History II, or an advanced level course on Italy that will be cross-listed as a history and political science course.”
Paulson hopes that though this is her first trip to plan, it will not be the last. “I am planning to continue leading EF tours after this tour to Italy. I would like to take the next tour to another European country,” she said.
As a teacher, Paulson wants this trip to be exciting but also hopes that the students learn about history in a new way. “I hope that this trip will become a great learning opportunity for us,” she said. “And that it will allow us to experience living history, to meet new people, make new friends, and to have fun while doing all of this.”
For more information on this trip, contact Paulson at sepaulson@saumag.edu or at (870) 235-4228.
