BASIC INFO
MVST 4998, Spring 2013, Study Tour: Medieval Spain
(Walking the Camino de Santiago)
Course dates: 22 May-6 June, 2011
Description: the Camino de Santiago is the traditional pilgrimage route from
France across northwestern Spain to Santiago de Compostela, the legendary burial
site of St. James. One of the great medieval pilgrimages and the greatest surviving
itinerary for medieval monuments and landscapes, it has enjoyed a remarkable
revival in recent years, attracting European Union sponsorship, the attention of
media stars, and hundreds of thousands of walkers and pilgrims.
In this spring course, two-week study tour and interdisciplinary capstone,
participants will walk the route, and meet each day for lectures and discussion of
the medieval and pre-modern monuments along the route. The group will meet
periodically during the spring 2013 semester to discuss reading assignments,
make presentations and prepare for the walk. An essay is required at the end of
the course.
Course credit: Fordham College students may gain four credits for this course and
may apply the credits earned for this course (MVST 4998) to meet the core
interdisciplinary capstone requirement, or as a free elective (no matter what their
major), or toward majors/minors in Medieval Studies, History, Latin-American
and Latino Studies, and American Catholic Studies.
Eligibility requires that students be full-time and registered during the spring 2013
semester. Participation in this study tour can then be added to their schedules for a
total not exceeding 18 credits without further tuition charges.
Texts: (1) William Melczer, The Pilgrim's Guide to Santiago de Compostela
(1993) [translation of Bk 5 of the Codex calixtinus]
(2) Nancy Louise Frey, Pilgrim Stories: On and Off the Road to Santiago,
Journeys Along an Ancient Way in Modern Spain (1998)
(3) David M. Gitlitz and Linda Kay Davidson, The Pilgrimage Road to
Santiago: The Complete Cultural Handbook (2000)
(4) Jack Hitt, Off the Road: A Modern-Day Walk Down the Pilgrim's
Route into Spain (2005 [1994])
Major Paper format: an essay, journal or reflection concentrating on analysis and
assessment of the historical context, the relation of the experience to the readings,
and the contemporary Camino; due no later than 20 June 2013.
Grading: major paper (40%); discussion in class meetings (before and during the
study tour; 30%); presentations in class meetings before and during the study tour
(30%)
Payment Information
●Payment of a course fee ($565.00 total cost) should be made by either U.S.
Postal money order or cashier’s check payable to “Fordham University.” The
course fee includes insurance, entrance fees and hotel/hostel accommodation
while on the Camino.
●The course fee DOES NOT INCLUDE tuition, airfare, hostel/hotel
accommodation in Spain before or after the tour, meals, ground transportation.
(Note that tuition is already covered for fulltime students.)
●Expenses will vary, but personal expenses on the tour will be about $600; i.e.,
$320 for meals (16 days @ $20 p.d.) and a similar amount for incidentals.
Expenses before and after the course will include airfare ($700-1000),
transport to León and from Santiago (about $75), and daily costs before and
after the trip (at least $150 p.d. in Madrid or other major cities). A personal
“out of pocket” budget of at least $1300 can be expected (in addition to
the course fee). ATMs are available along much of the route.
●Students should contact their physicians at least three months prior to travel. All
questions about medical advice should be addressed to your physician.
●Payment schedule: $300 due 1 February 2013: balance due 1 April 2013,
along with a copy of the student’s passport.
●Cancellation policy: $100 charge per person at any time after signing the
agreement. Cancellations after 15 April 2013 will only be refunded at 50% of
the tour price. Cancellations after 15 May 2013 will forfeit 100% of the tour
price.
STATEMENT OF RESPONSIBILITY AND DISCLOSURE
As a student at Fordham University, I acknowledge that I have agreed voluntarily to
participate in the STUDY TOUR: MEDIEVAL SPAIN on the Camino de Santiago,
22 May-6 June 2013. In connection with my preparation for and participation in the
Study Tour, I wish to acknowledge my responsibility for the following:
I am to the best of my knowledge in good health and therefore able to undertake the
range of activities contemplated by the Study Tour. I also acknowledge that as a
condition of participating in the Study Tour, I have obtained comprehensive
medical/health insurance, which will be in effect during my travel to and from Spain and
during my participation in the Study Tour. I also agree to report to the Study Tour faculty
any physical or mental condition which may require special medical attention or
accommodation during the Study Tour at least 30 days prior to the commencement of the
Study Tour.
I agree to prepare with regular physical exercise each week during the spring semester.
Before the Study Tour, I will walk at least 12 miles with the instructor or members of the
group on two preparatory walks.
I agree to observe a midnight curfew at all times during the trip, and confirm that I will
begin each day’s walk by at least 7:30 a.m.
I acknowledge that I am responsible for complying with all applicable rules and
regulations of the travel providers involved. I understand that the University is not
responsible for any delays, loss of property, or other damages or inconvenience which
may be associated with such travel to and from Spain, including any surcharge or other
cost which may be associated with my lateness or non-appearance for a scheduled flight.
As a student enrolled in the Study Tour, I acknowledge that I remain fully subject to the
rules and regulations of the University concerning my conduct, including the right of the
University to suspend or limit my participation in the Study Tour should circumstances
warrant. I further acknowledge my understanding that study in a foreign country involves
special challenges and opportunities, and in addition to accepting all risks associated with
participation in the Study Tour, I also accept the University’s expectation that I will, at all
times, conduct myself as a responsible representative of the University and will abide by
its standards of conduct. In this regard, I acknowledge that the University, as academic
sponsor of the Study Tour, does not assert nor assume any role in loco parentis and relies
on the maturity and responsibility of each student to provide for his or her individual
well-being as a participant in the Study Tour.
Signature _______________________________
Date ______________
Print Name ______________________________ ID # ________________
Date of Birth ____________________________
Study Tour: Medieval Spain
(walking the Camino de Santiago)
22 May-6 June 2013
Please print clearly:
Name _____________________ ID# _____________________
Male __________
Female ________________
FCRH _____________
Class Year ______________
FCLC ____________ CBA _______________
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Date of Birth _______________________________
Citizenship: U.S. ______ Other: ________________________
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City __________ State_____ Zip ______
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Address __________________
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