Instructors:
Dr. James A. Cook, History
Dr. Jeffrey Dippmann, Philosophy and Religious Studies
The spring break trip to Southeast Asia provided an introductory overview of the social, economic, and life of contemporary Cambodia and Vietnam. The course centered on a multi-disciplinary approach to enable students to gain an appreciation for and knowledge of the region through a module of study focusing on both modern economic and political development and the area's rich historical and cultural legacy. Participants began by visiting Siem Reap, Cambodia. While there, students spent three days visiting the Angkor Wat Temple area, the world's largest religious complex, built between the 9th and 13th centuries C.E. In conjunction with the Center for Khmer Studies, participants had the rare opportunity to visit the sites in the company of the internationally recognized specialist Michael Vickery. Students learned firsthand about the history and "read" the detailed mythologies depicted on the Hindu and Buddhist temples of Angkor Wat, Bayon , Ta Prohm , and Banteay Srei , the "Citadel of Women," among others. We then traveled to Phnom Penh, where the focus shifted to Cambodia's modern history. In addition to visiting the Royal Palace and several markets, students toured the Tuol Sleng Museum , dedicated to recognizing the atrocities of the Khmer Rouge regime. Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), Vietnam, offered yet another chance to tour a region rich in historical significance. Among the many sites visited were the Notre Dame Cathedral, War Remnants Museum , Reunification Palace, and numerous pagodas.
