The Muhlenberg Weekly

Issue date: 1/25/07 Section: News

Over winter break, the 23 students enrolled in the Spring '07 special topics economics course entitled "Emperors, Ecclesiasticals, and the Economics of Rome," taught by Dr. Sam M. Laposata, Visiting Professor of Economics went to Italy as part of the course. In courses where a class and trip are involved, the class is usually taught first and the trip follows its completion. However, Dr. Laposata decided to change things around, having the trip prior to the classroom experience.

In this manner, the course could be structured on the travel experiences of the students. Each student was told to pick a topic while they were abroad, something that they saw, experienced or really interested them. Then, once the course began, the students would delve deeper into this topic, and at the end of the semester, would present their findings to the rest of the class. Dr. Laposata felt that having the trip take place at the end of the class would make it more of a sight-seeing vacation rather than a hands-on experience. He said, "The trip became much more than just sight-seeing. It was superb."

From Jan. 3 - Jan. 11, the class traveled to Rome, the Vatican, St. Peters, the Jewish Ghetto, the forum, Coliseum, Pantheon, Trevei Fountain and the Spanish Steps. Day trips included Florence and Pompeii. A tour group led the class around these historic sites. Dr. Laposata said the "tour group was a tremendous help" and the hotel they picked was "very convenient" because it was located next to the train, making traveling around Rome less stressful with a large group of people.

Students of all class years went on the trip. According to Dr. Laposata, "The class lines disappeared. The students now seem very excited and eager to take the course. In the course, we will explore the demography of Europe [among other topics]." Laposata also feels as though the class will now have "better dynamics" because the students are familiar with each other as well as their professor.

Dr. Laposata said one of his favorite parts of the trip happened on their way to Pompeii when they stopped at a pizza place for lunch. The place made five different kinds of "amazing" pizza allowing each student the chance to sample the different types. Laposata said the

place was "very tiny" and really gave the students, as well as himself, a feel for what Italy is really like.

Alyssa Pezzella '09 said the trip was "incredible." At first, she only knew one other person but by the end she was "good friends with everyone else on the trip."

"At night the students were able to go out and expierence the night life of Europe, which was a lot of fun," said Dani Miller. When asked what her favorite part of the trip was, Miller said, "The sight-seeing was great especially since the class was given free time to explore the historical sites and streets on their own."

According to Dr. Laposata, this course "is being planned for next January" and will be led by Gail Eisenberg, Lecturer of Business and Director of the Internship Program. She also participated in the trip this January. Laposata really hopes "to make this January trip a regular event." He believes its success will continue into the classroom and hopes the students will "use their trip to Italy as their foundation for the semester course."

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