UIW European Study Center Heidelberg
Honors Study Abroad Program
Summer 2016
Contact us in Germany
Contact us in the USA
European Study Center
Bergstrasse 106
69121 Heidelberg, Germany
Phone: +49 (0) 6221 - 91 59 612
info@studyabroad-germany.eu
University of the Incarnate Word
847 East Hildebrand
San Antonio, TX. 78212
Phone: +1 (210) 805-5709
Toll Free: 1 (855) 781-4663
studyabroad@uiwtx.edu
From the UIW Honors Director
The Honors Program at the University of the Incarnate Word is pleased and excited to offer our first honors
classes at the UIW European Study Center.
The ESC offers strong support to the students and to the faculty, and we are looking forward to an enriching
Summer I semester in Heidelberg. Not only will we have four fine faculty members with their favorite topics in
the classroom, but we will utilize local and regional resources for hands-on experience to explore the intellectual
concepts further.
The professors anticipate deep conversations with students from around the world and from a variety of
backgrounds who will bring multiple perspectives to the topics at hand. In addition, you will find the theme of
social justice interwoven in all our honors classes.
I hope that you choose to study abroad and to enjoy the challenge of our Heidelberg classes. An international
experience can be a life-changing event and we aim to give you just that!
Jean Loden
Director, Honors Program
Honors Program Courses
UIW Course Code
UIW Summer I Special Topics Course Titles
RELS 3399H
Course Description:
Christianity and Global Justice
Dr. Glenn Ambrose
Global realities of injustice in the 21st century increasingly challenge religious traditions both to respond
to and to take responsibility for past actions that have contributed to contemporary injustices. Given
that just action is necessarily a criterion of authentic Christian theology and practice, this course will
explore the basic theological foundations of the Christian faith in relation to contemporary ethical
concerns related to inequality, poverty, violence and ecological destruction. Specific attention is
directed to the theology of creation, the historical Jesus, Christology, and the image of the reign of God.
This class would be of interest to students engaged in a variety of different fields of study, such as
theology, biblical studies, ethics, and politics.
SNHP 4399H
Course Description:
Special Topics in Sport Management:
International Perspectives on Community Sport and Exercise
Dr. Randall Griffiths
This class will cover the leadership of, and participation in, sport and exercise programs in the
community through an international perspective. Around the world sport and exercise programs are
seen as a method for improving lives in any community and as a solution to the rising obesity epidemic.
Students will learn how community leaders currently provide these programs in North America and
Western Europe. Understanding why programs are provided in specific ways will be supported through
the topics of leadership, community, identity, motivation, professional sport, volunteerism, and
historical context.
ENGL 3310H
Course Description:
World Literature Studies: Literature & the Problem of Evil
Dr. Héctor Pérez
This course is designed as a directed exploration of worldwide literary genres and techniques of close
study that emphasizes the development of critical reading skills and methodologies of literary analysis.
Literature is studied as a universal and trans-historical mode of knowledge, and specific selections are
representative of our multifaceted and multicultural globe. Close readings of the assigned literary works
will help develop our appreciation of literature as finely crafted, multidimensional art. In addition, such
readings allow us to examine the connections between literature and culture. In examining these
connections, we explore the role of art and the artist in social justice, an important aspect of study at
our university. Equally close readings of literary criticism will expand our knowledge of literary analysis,
of what has been and can be said well about a work of art.
DWHP 1200H
Course Description:
Dimensions of Health and Wellness for Life
Ms. Heather Barton-Weston
This course will examine how different cultures holistically approach individual quality of life. Emphasis
will be placed on the connection between positive lifestyle habits and overall well-being. The course will
compare North American and various international populations’ wellbeing through the six dimensions
of health and wellness (physical, spiritual, emotional, intellectual, social, and occupational). Students will
be able to identify, compare, and apply multiple approaches to improving preventative health and
wellness behaviors. Course meets the requirements for DW 1200 and DW 3200.
Other Courses Available in the European Study Center in Summer I
UIW Course Code
BFIN 3355/BINT 3355
Course Description:
UIW Summer I Special Topics Course Titles
International Banking and Finance
Dr. Jose Moreno
In this course, the students will learn financial concepts employed by international management to
control risks related to international trading, international banking and international investments. Topics
include exchange rate regimes, the determination of exchange rates, concepts on free trade, the foreign
exchange market, the futures market and other derivative markets, purchase parity relationships,
funding of international trade, country risk, and the international banking activity.
SPCH 1311
Course Description:
Public Speaking
Dr. Trey D. Guinn
This course introduces students to the preparation, delivery, and evaluation of informative and
persuasive speeches. It satisfies the core requirement of some majors, such as Communication Arts,
Nursing, Optometry and Vision Science.
SPCH 4371
Course Description:
Interpersonal Communication
Dr. Trey D. Guinn
This course explores the self and human relationships. Includes intrapersonal communication,
perception, language, emotions, listening, nonverbal communication, and interaction processes.
Introducing the Honors Professors
Dr. Glenn P. Ambrose
Associate Professor of Religious Studies
Christianity and Global Justice
A graduate of Weston Jesuit School of Theology (Boston, MA) and the
Graduate Theological Union (Berkeley, CA), Glenn P. Ambrose has taught
both undergraduate and graduate students over the past 15 years.
After his initial work that explored the intersection of Postmodern
Continental Philosophy and sacramental theology, particularly in the work of
Louis-Marie Chauvet, his range of interests has expanded to include
Christology, Christian Ethics, Theologies of Liberation, Environmental
theology and Religious Diversity.
His publications include The Theology of Louis-Marie Chauvet: Overcoming Onto-Theology with the
Sacramental Tradition (Ashgate, 1012), “Chauvet and Pickstick: Two Compatible Visions?” in
Contemporary Sacramental Encounters of a God Incarnate (Peeters, 2001); “Great Faith Abounds” New
Theology Review (2008) “Religious Diversity, Sacramental Encounters and the Spirit of God (Horizons,
The Journal for the College Theology Society (2010) and “Beyond Atheism and Theism: Caputo’s Theology
of God, Perhaps” New Theology Review (Forthcoming)
Dr. Randall J. Griffiths
Assistant Professor of Kinesiology
International Perspectives on Community Sport and Exercise
Dr. Griffiths is a teacher and researcher who believes the best way to learn about
sport and activity is by interacting with participants in the field. His classes at
UIW highlight the importance of participation, volunteerism, and non-profit
sport organization.
Focusing on community sport began during his involvement in the sport of
fencing. Pursuing a competitive fencing and coaching career led him from his
neighborhood club around the world to train at the French National Fencing Master’s Academy, then to
four years of service in the US Army stationed in Germany, and finally to the Sport Management Ph.D.
program at the University of Texas.
Today Dr. Griffiths continues to explore the world of sport and activity with his students at the University
of the Incarnate Word.
Dr. Héctor Pérez
Associate Professor English
World Literature Studies: Literature & the Problem of Evil
Dr. Héctor Pérez is Associate Professor of English at University of the Incarnate
Word, in San Antonio, Texas, where he teaches composition, World Literature, and
advanced literature and literary theory courses.
Dr. Pérez earned an MA in English and Spanish at Texas A&I University (now Texas
A&M, Kingsville) and an MA in English at the University of Iowa. His doctoral work,
analyzing radical writing in the U.S. and Mexico, resulted in the dissertation titled Radical Discourse and Cultural
Interdependencies between the United States and Mexico at the University of Texas at Austin.
Dr. Pérez has published and or presented work on John Dos Passos, Américo Paredes, Helena María Viramontes,
Carlos Fuentes, Alicia Gaspar de Alba, Sonia Sotomayor, as well as topics that address literary theory. Currently,
he is preparing a version of the dissertation for publication and developing a new course tentatively titled “Latina
Writers” to be offered in spring of 2016.
Ms. Heather Barton-Weston
Director of Wellness Program
Dimensions of Wellness
Heather Barton-Weston is the Director of Wellness and Faculty Instructor at University
of the Incarnate Word in San Antonio, TX. Her teaching fields include wellness and
upper level health courses.
Heather earned a M.A. in Kinesiology and Health from University of Texas San Antonio
and a B.S. Kinesiology with a focus on Exercise Physiology from the University of Texas
San Antonio. Heather is currently pursuing her Ph.D. in Health Education at Texas A&M
University, College Station.
Heather has given numerous professional presentations in the field health, wellness, health promotion, and
behavioral regulation at international, national, and state conferences. Heather is also actively involved in several
national, state, and local organizations, including the National Health Promotion, National Wellness Institute,
Texas Association of Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance, the San Antonio Mayors Council on
Fitness, and San Antonio Business Group on Health. She has served as a member to American College of Sport
Medicine, Texas Chapter of American College of Sport Medicine, and American Alliance for Health Physical
Education Recreation and Dance.
Orientation Program and Social Activities
Program Orientation
The orientation program takes place over several days and includes the following activities:
Tour of the ESC Facilities
Upon arrival students receive a tour of the ESC facilities to learn where everything in the house is
located, where to find staff members, and how to get in the house after hours.
Essential Tour of the Neighborhood
Also on the arrival day, students go on a tour of the neighborhood to learn how to get to the local
shopping area which includes a grocery store, bakery, pharmacy, an ATM, and a few reasonably priced
restaurants.
Tour of Downtown
Students learn how the public transportation works and where to get tickets, learn where they can
obtain cell phone plans and minutes, and how to get to the heart of downtown Heidelberg and the major
shopping area with all the shops and services one need.
ESC Welcome Reception & Program Meeting
Students learn about the academic program and policies, health and safety matters, housing rules, and
excursions. A light catered lunch is provided.
Welcome Dinner
The ESC invites students to a traditional 3‐course German meal in the heart of Heidelberg.
Crash course in German culture
Also part of the orientation program, the crash course in German culture teaches students about
German norms and customs as well as a few useful words and phrases. tasty German snacks are
included.
Farewell Dinner
One last delicious 3 course meal in the heart of Heidelberg is included at the end of the program which
to say goodbye to professors, staff, and fellow students.
Professional Visits & Cultural Excursions
A wide variety of cultural field trips and company visits are included each semester and are
an integral part of the program. The ESC ensures that excursions to historic sites, political organizations,
and companies are part of every student's experience.
Each session has a unique plan of excursions, and the itinerary for each is finalized at the start of each
summer program.
During both summer terms a variety of excursions from the following list will be offered
(included but not limited to):
General Summer 2016 Excursions
We make sure that numerous field trips are part of each and every student's experience so that no one
goes home feeling like they weren't able to see enough of Heidelberg and the rest of Europe.
Guided walking tour of Heidelberg's historic city center
The museums and castle are not the only things that make Heidelberg the
amazing city that it is. During your walking tour of the historic city center, you
will learn about the more subtle cultural treasures Heidelberg has to offer.
For example, the University of Heidelberg is Germany’s oldest university and
continues to be a leading center for scientific and medical research. The large
student population makes the city one of Germany’s “youngest”. Heidelberg
is always at the forefront of technology and research because many national
and international businesses have their headquarters or a research center
here.
Visit the famous Heidelberg Schloss (castle)
Nestled in the hill 300 feet above the city of Heidelberg stands the
breath-taking Heidelberg Schloss. The castle is a combination of
several buildings surrounding an inner courtyard, put together with a
haphazard look. Each building highlights a different period of German
architecture.
Guided tour at the Kurpfälzisches Museum in Heidelberg
This museum documents Heidelberg’s history from the Palaeolithic Age
through the residence of the court of Kurpfalz (Electoral Palatinate). Here you
will find out about 600,000 years of human history in the region. Along with
the history of the Kurpfalz, Heidelberg's urban history is a main focus of the
museum.
Guided tour of the Hambach Castle
The Hambach castle is an impressive building located near Neustadt in the
Rhineland-Palatinate. The castle gained a significant place in German
history in 1832 when the Hambach Festival brought together over 20,000
people from all walks of life to rally together for national unity and liberty.
This happened during a time when the Palatinate was surpressed by
Bavarian aristocrats.
Guided tour of the Schwetzingen Palace
Schwetzingen Palace was originally a small water castle first mentioned in
the middle ages. Throughout the years local nobles
have renovated, remodeled and at times entirely rebuilt the palace
to suit their needs and tastes. Today the palace is surrounded by
expansive gardens that invite visitors to take a calming walk through
different historical periods.
Guided walking tour of Speyer
Enjoy the lovely 2000-year-old city of Speyer on a nice afternoon.
Your guided walking tour through Speyer reveals a medieval town
with a grand heritage. The compact historical center is dominated
by the largest Romanesque cathedral in Europe, a UNESCO World Heritage
Site. Its basilica is laid out in the form of a Latin cross and includes four
towers and two domes.
Professional visit to the John Deere Plant in Mannheim
John Deere started out with a small workshop and the desire to help
farmers. The ideas and products that came out of that small workshop
have transformed agricultural processes throughout the world. Since its
founding in 1837, John Deere has managed to stay abreast of changes in
the world market and continues to produce only the highest quality
agricultural equipment.
Guided walking tour of Worms
As the Germany, Worms has played a key role in German history.
Charlemagne founded the city as it is known today and the city's
bishopric dates back to the fourth century. You can still see many
portions of the old city walls and the St. Peter and St. Paul Cathedral which
was completed in 1325 still stands. In 1521, Luther was summoned to the
Diet of Worms by Emperor Charles V. He refused to recant his beliefs, saying
the famous words "Here I stand. I can do no other. God help me. Amen. As
a result, he was banned to the outer reaches of the empire. The city also has
a rich Jewish history.
Visit to a brewery
Germany is known throughout the world for producing some of the
highest quality and best tasting beers. Students will go behind the scenes
to find out what it is that makes these beers so wonderful. They will also
have the opportunity to sample local beer.
Audi Forum Tour
Audi is a highly successful German automobile company with its original
headquarters located in Ingolstadt, Bavaria. From the brands origins at the
end of the 19th Century, the company has risen to become an internationally
renowned car brand. Today it is a wholly‐owned subsidiary of the Volkswagen
Group. Students enjoy a guided tour and gain insight into the production flow
and marketing procedures.
Mercedes‐Benz Arena Tour & Mercedes Benz Museum in Stuttgart Tour
The Arena: The stadium currently has a capacity of 60,000, and was a
major stadium for the 2006 World Cup. Enjoy a guided tour of this arena,
in which you will hear about the history of the stadium, as well as the
management process of a Bundesliga soccer match on Game Day.
The Automobile Museum: Learn more about the fascinating history of
Mercedes Benz as well Mercedes Benz’s methods of conducting
international business. Take a look at the world’s first production car, as
well as some of the most stylish, modern, and powerful pieces of German
engineering.
DAI ‐ the German‐American Institute Library tour
The German American Institute is a cultural institution which operates
out of Heidelberg and offers many different services and events
designed to promote multiculturalism between Germans and
Americans.
Train Trip to Frankfurt - Germany's Financial Center
Frankfurt am Main is another one of
Germany's largest cities. Students will travel by
train to Frankfurt to spend a day finding out
about the importance of this city in the global
economy. A visit the European Central Bank or
the German Bundesbank will give participants
a firsthand look at how the banking industry
works in Europe. A visit to the Money Museum of the Deutsche Bundesbank will deepen understanding
of the role of money in local and international economies and provide an overview of the production of
money. Finally, a visit to the German Stock Exchange will allow students to see in person how Xetra
trading works and how German efficiency contributes to the overall atmosphere at one of the world's
largest stock exchange.
Day Excursion to Strasbourg, France - Headquarters of the European Union
During this day trip, participants will have the
opportunity to become familiar with both the modern
and historical roles of Strasbourg. Both the Council of
Europe and the European Union have their
headquarters here and students will be able to visit
either the European Parliament or the Council of
Europe during their time in Strasbourg. For a look into the culture and history of Strasbourg, participants
will enjoy a boat tour through the city. They will find out more about the unique fusion of French and
German cultures and why the city has been significant in European history for several centuries.
Many optional evening and weekend activities will be organized in the ESC in addition to these
excursions.