Science Via EuroRail Syllabus 

Pre-requisites - Thinking... Pondering... Wondering... Rigorous Curiosity.

Required Text (s) and Resources

• One packet of 6" by 3" Post-It Notes®. 
• Engaging, pondering, connecting and learning attitude, regardless of context.
• Literature

  Location	Title	Web Resources
  England	Isaac Newton by James Gleick	http://www.newton.cam.ac. uk/newton.html
  France (1)	The Razor's Edge by W. Somerset Maugham	http://galileo.rice.edu/
  Italy (2)	Discoveries, Leonardo da Vinci by Alessandro Vezzosi	http://www.mos.org/leonardo/
  Germany (3)	The Everything Einstein Book by S. Priwer & Cynthia Phillips	http://www.westegg.com/einstein/
  Culminating	The Physicist play by Friedrich Durrenmatt trans James Kirkup	http://www.unf.edu/coas/ chemphys/phys/physics.html

  (1) Supplemental material to the Razors Edge is The Upanishads; Confucius: The Analects & Tao Te Ching
  (2) Supplemental - da Vinci's notebook free at http://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/etext04/8ldvc10.txt
  (3) Supplemental - General Theory by Einstein free at http://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/etext04/relat10.txt

Course Description

This course focuses on conceptual, contextual science as a broad integration of history, literature, music and media will be overtly infused into the course.  The course will be taught throughout Europe aboard Eurorail passenger trains.  Students will facilitate learning sessions as we cross the continental Europe.  Students will have met prior to the trip, and complete assigned readings, music and planning to prepare them for the trip.  Upon departure, “classes” or gatherings will commence in which instructors share material, and activities, although most of the course will involve students participating in individual or group activities as they travel through particular areas of several countries.

Course Goals

      1. Apply theories, techniques and content of science to practical, contextual settings.
2. Actively engage in how learners construct science knowledge and apply this knowledge to their world.
3. Value the need for science, understanding, and making connections between concepts.
4. Expose students to cultural and geographic diversity of Europe.
Common to all objectives is the use of a combination of lecture, discussion, demonstration, multimedia, journaling (or blogging/podcasting), collaborative and cooperative small group inquiry, research, presentation, literature review and observational experiences.

Technology Considerations
Prior to travel, participants are expected to access information from a variety of websites and to use technological resources in the development of learning tasks. Assignments will be required periodically in class or via the Blackboard® (Bb) Course Management System.  Locate a computer with Internet access on campus or at home and open the Microsoft Explorer® Browser.  LOG IN to the Blackboard® site by accessing http://blackboard.unf.edu and use your Osprey student ID user name (4 letters/4 numbers) and your default Osprey password (SSS-SS-MMDD, be certain to include dashes) to gain access.  This will open your navigation page - please click on the course on the right side of your monitor. Technology will be an integral portion of this course.  It will be uses to communicate, both synchronously and asynchronously, provide assignments and provide discussion groups.  In addition, other tools, such as computers, projectors, digital cameras, scanners, and handheld computers will be used.  The International Standards for Technology (ISTE) in Education can be found at this Link to ISTE Standards.

Email Accounts
Use of UNF designated e-mail accounts for students Osprey is the officially supported e-mail system for UNF students. If you choose to use another system (e.g. AOL, BellSouth, HotMail, etc.), UNF cannot guarantee delivery.  E-mail messages from official University sources (such as Student Update) are sent to your osprey address only.  If you still prefer to use a different e-mail address, the appropriate way to modify delivery (i.e. "set forwarding") of your UNF e-mail is through the Osprey Account http://www.unf.edu/compserv/info/osp-acct.html Information web page.

Course Objectives
Upon completion of this course, students will

      1. engage in active, productive discourse relating to the connections between science, literature, media and how they connect to European geography, social and economic parameters.
2. explore meaningful, global concepts using critical thinking model attributes such as analysis, application, synthesis and evaluation.
3. expand on foundational cause and effect scenario's through use of science inquiry skills to discover secondary and tertiary rationale.
4.  explain systematic differences between social economic status, regional political policies and the power of historical components that govern people and cultures.
5.  evaluate formatively and summatively, the effect and connection of science, literature, media and technology between distinct regions in Europe.

Course Assignments, Expectations and Grading Procedures

Each student will be responsible for one entire 24 hour day during the trip.  This includes the logistics of traveling on the train to the hotel and into each city, therefore, each student will learn sufficient language skills in their assigned country to navigate the group and ensure we are safe, fed and exposed to rich, endemic, learning environments.  The goal of this course is not to sightsee as a tourist, but it is to explore the many current and historical science-oriented concepts in each country and use the landmarks of as a backdrop - a context for the instruction. 

"For example, while in Paris, we could retrace the steps of Larry, the main character in Maughman's novel as we venture from the Montmartre area, where Larry lived to the Sorbonne University where he attended lectures, pausing by Notre Dame to reflect or possibly along the bridge of the Seine River to observer the prison where Marianne Antoinette was held prior to her beheading". 

Of importance is that we experience native, regional culture of the area, so students will research their country prior to departure and be ready to share information, including culinary specialties, drinks, habits, symbolisms, etc.  Students will also inform their colleagues of any rituals or mannerisms which might offend the people of the area.  I realize all of this may be a challenge, however, the purpose of this transformational journey is to push ourselves into understanding content within the context of less than familiar environments.   

Course Policy and Guidelines
All policies are derived from the UNF Student Handbook, which will be followed, regardless of location. (http://www.unf.edu/studentaffairs/handbook/HB2002-2003.pdf)

Academic Integrity Code
In order to protect the academic integrity of the teaching, learning, and evaluation process, UNF expects all members of the academic community to respect the principle of academic freedom, and to behave with academic integrity. Briefly stated, academic misconduct shall consist of any attempt to misrepresent one’s performance on any exercise submitted for evaluation. The primary responsibility for insuring adherence to the principle of academic integrity rests with students and faculty.  Any infraction, which comes to the attention of, any person should be brought to the attention of the faculty member to whose course it pertains.

Violations of Academic Integrity include, but are not limited to:

• Cheating: Intentionally using or attempting to use unauthorized materials, information, notes, study aids, or other devices in any academic exercise. This definition includes unauthorized communication of information during an academic exercise.
• Fabrication and Falsification: Intentional and unauthorized alteration or invention of any information or citation in an academic exercise. Falsification is a matter of inventing or counterfeiting information for use in any academic exercise.
• Multiple Submissions: The submission of substantial portions of the same academic work for credit (including oral reports) more than once without authorization.
• Plagiarism: Intentionally or knowingly presenting the work of another as one’s own (i.e., without proper acknowledgment of the source). The sole exception to the requirement of acknowledging sources is when the ideas, information, etc., is common knowledge.
• Abuse of Academic Materials: Intentionally or knowingly destroying, stealing, or making inaccessible academic resource materials.
• Complicity in Academic Dishonesty: Intentionally or knowingly helping another to commit an act of academic dishonesty.

Policies (remember, the same university policies will be upheld outside of the campus)
Academic and Behavior Concerns: Students are expected to follow UNF policies on academic integrity, academic requirements, and appropriate classroom behavior at all times and in every location.
Attendance: Please be punctual.  Active engagement, punctuality, and participation are essential. If not, you will be left behind to either determine a method to catch up to the group in another country or fly home.
Professionalism: Promptness, punctual attendance, participation, and responsible behavior will be expected. Participation in and out of class activities is essential.
Assignments: Course assignments will involve preparation based on discussions, readings, peer cooperation, class participation and technology. Many assignments are used as a prerequisite for class activities and discussions. Failure to consider these areas will adversely affect task scores and the course grade.
Cell Phones/Beepers/PDA's: Remember, a remote signal for these devices will not work in Europe, so please consider not taking these devices.

Dates, Location, Topics, Readings, Resources and Tentative Schedule
[important note: if a student does not attend ALL meetings or the professor believes they are not fully engaged and prepared in their efforts, the professor has the right to excuse the student from the course/trip and refund their money excluding the non-refundable deposit] (total estimate currency: 50 British Pound; 300 Euro; 100 USD; or TOTAL 600 USD)

* need connection to classical music, try http://www.mikeez.com/kickassclassical/

Information outside of a normal syllabus
Etiquette During the travel course
While you are traveling, you are representing not only yourself, but also UNF and the US. Remember that any interaction that you have with the native citizens of the country you are visiting can leave a lasting impression, especially if you violate native sensibilities. The term “ugly American” didn’t invent itself. Citizens of every nation are proud of their heritage. If you make snide remarks that they overhear or, even worse, act in a manner that is insulting to them, they will view this as evidence that the ugly American stereotype is accurate.

Therefore, when you are abroad, you should strive not just to be aware of cultural differences, but also both to experience and to appreciate them. Try the local foods, even if you don’t think you’ll like them. If natives are hosting you, make every effort to demonstrate that you are enjoying their cuisine, even if you are not! While many Americans view foreign foods as unhealthy, remember that the citizens of most countries are less unhealthy than Americans overall. Besides, eating different foods for a week or two really won’t kill you. View this as a chance to practice the skills that you will need to become a global citizen.

Similarly, Americans are often shocked by the times that shops operate. Other cultures wouldn’t think of starting dinner until 7:00pm or even 11:00pm or midnight. Local restaurants might not even be open when you are ready to eat. There are too many of these issues to discuss here, but you can prepare yourself by learning the local customs before you leave the US and then making plans (e.g., having snack food).

Many times, we will be in less than ideal settings, however, at no times will we be inappropriately attired.  Weather permitting, shorts are fine, however, any clothing with even marginally questionable words or graphics are unacceptable as well as showing any parts of the body between the neck and lower thighs.  Many countries simply have different views on the body, so we all will be conservative and sensitive to their views.   Be inquisitive and show your interest in the host company, but remain respectful at all times. In general, you should never use familiar forms of address (e.g., first names) unless you are specifically invited to do so. Be sure also to know when it is appropriate for you to shake hands, etc., especially if you are female!  Whether you agree with the customs or not, we don't make up their rules and when in their country, we will completely abide by them.  In fact, women need to understand that they will not always be treated the same way that men are treated. You might even be treated in ways that you find offensive. Keep in mind that women’s rights have progressed much faster and more fully in the US than they have in many other countries. The bottom line is that you will enjoy the trip more and be more productive while you are abroad if you know what you will be facing before you leave home and you are willing to be open-minded and culturally sensitive while you are abroad. 

ILLEGAL ACTIVITIES AND ALCOHOL/DRUG POLICIES
While you are abroad, you are subject to the national, regional and state laws of the country you are visiting. If you violate these laws, you can expect to be apprehended, charged, tried and (if convicted) penalized (which may include fines, imprisonment, deportation, or other measures). It is your responsibility to know these local laws and to abide by them. In general, behaving in a mature, civilized, and respectful manner will keep you out of trouble. During this course, you are subject to UNF’s codes, including stipulations about misconduct that are defined in the Student Handbook. Any misconduct during the program will be dealt with according to standard UNF procedures.

Since you are subject to host country laws, you may legally drink alcohol if your age exceeds the local drinking age. Typically, the drinking age abroad is less than 21, and might even be less than 18. However, you must remember that you are in a foreign country that you don’t know very well. You are strongly discouraged from becoming intoxicated while you are abroad. Remember that local customs like right-of-way rules between cars and pedestrians may be quite different than ours. If you are under the influence of alcohol, you will be more apt to forget this fact and less able to react if you do. In fact, being hit by automobiles is the number one cause of serious injury to Americans abroad. Although the faculty leaders of the trip may indulge in the occasional drink, do not expect them to become your “drinking buddies.” Faculty are on-the-job 24 hours per day during these trips and must be ready to handle emergencies at all times.

SAFETY
It is unlikely that you will experience difficulties during the trip, but if you do, they can be extremely disconcerting, not to mention inconvenient. There are places everywhere in the world that you would not visit alone or at night. Similarly, there are places that you should not be in every major city abroad. There might even be entire regions of the country that you should avoid. Ask responsible locals and use your common sense when you are abroad. Travel only in groups, especially at night and especially if you are a woman. We will use the buddy system at all times. You will be responsible for keeping an eye on your partner and watching out for him/her. Do not leave the group without telling the faculty members!

Pickpockets thrive in tourist zones. If you carry a wallet, never carry it in your back pocket. If you carry a purse (strongly discouraged), be extremely careful. Never carry it at your side or on you hip, as skilled pickpockets can unzip it and remove items without your knowing it. If you carry it with the strap over you shoulder, be aware that some thieves will ride past you on a bicycle or motorcycle and grab the strap. Not only will  they get away with your purse, you are likely to be seriously injured in the process. Thieves often work in pairs or groups. One common tactic is for one person to distract you while others steal your valuables. This is especially effective in a crowded subway car or in a crowded tourist area. Be sure that you have a copy of the front page of your passport stored in a safe place that is separate from your luggage. Have a list of your credit card numbers and/or travelers check numbers in a safe place that is separate from your cards and checks.