In the Footsteps of Van Gogh:

Amsterdam, Paris, and Provence

Interim 2003

Professors Schmunk and Davis

Last update 7 January 2003

Created and Updated by G.R. Davis

In the Footsteps of Van Gogh: Amsterdam, Paris, and Provence

During a brief artistic career passed largely in isolation and obscurity, Vincent van Gogh (1853-90) produced the brilliantly colorful and intensely expressive paintings that are now among the most widely known and admired of all works of art. His biography abounds with surprises and poignant ironies. Participants in this project will explore Van Gogh’s life, art, and cultural milieu in depth, learning about his failed pursuit of careers in ministry and missionary work, his solitary development of his artistic skills, his interests in Japanese prints, French literature, and German music, and his friendships with other avant-garde artists. After a week of on-campus preparation devoted to study of the artistic trends of the time, reading of Van Gogh’s letters, analysis of his paintings, and the screening of biographies on film, participants will embark on two-and-a-half of weeks of travel, divided between Amsterdam, Paris, and Provence in the south of France. This itinerary will encompass visits to cities, towns, and neighborhoods where Van Gogh lived and worked, landscape settings where he walked and painted, museums holding the largest collections of Van Gogh’s work, the monastery-asylum where he was voluntarily confined for a year and where he painted The Starry Night, and the graves of the artist and his brother, whose constant financial and emotional support made Vincent’s art possible.

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Highlights of the travel experience

Amsterdam and vicinity: Three museums housing many Van Gogh Works, the Ann Frank House, the Rembrandt House, diamond vendors, all in a city where individual freedom and choice prevail. One free day to pursue your own interests. Then take the "Bullet Train" to Paris.

Paris and vicinity: The Louvre and Musee d'Orsay, Cathedral of Notre Dame, Saint Chapelle, Palaces and Gardens of Montmartre and Sacre Coeur, Excursion to Auvers to visit Vincent's gravesite and the Monastery with chalet and gardens at St. Germain-en-Lay. One free day to schedule according to your own priorities. Paris to Avignon on the "Bullet Train."

Stopover in Avignon: The Papal Palace (Although unrelated to van Gogh, several of our destinations, such as the Papal Palace, are of such historical and artistic import that to omit them would be almost shameful.)

Arles and vicinity: The Roman Arena, Les Alyschamps lined with ancient sarcophagi, Langlois Bridge, Stroll through Le Crau plains with wheat feilds and groves, hike in Les Alpilles, tour St. Trophime church, monasteries, and the Pont du Gard Roman aqueduct.

Students who have had a course in Art History will quickly recognize the significance of many of our destinations!

Daily Itinerary

Jan 6-9: Days 1-4 (Monday-Thursday) Readings, lectures, films and discussions on the following topics: Introduction to European Art in the 19th Century. A biography of Van Gogh addressing the historical and artistic contexts in which he lived and worked. Basic French for Tourists. Students research for presentations to be delivered on site.
Jan 10: Day 5 (Friday) Departure for Amsterdam from Greenville-Spartanburg. Depart 15:10 GSP to Atlanta on Delta 1855 Depart 17:35 Atlanta to Amsterdam.
Jan 11: Day 6 (Saturday) Arrive in Amsterdam 8:15. Drop luggage at Hotel Jolly Carlton. General orientation walking tour of the city with tour of Amstelkring Museum at 11:00. Dinner provided at Di Nissen within walking distance of Jolly Carlton.
Jan 12: Day 7 (Sunday) 09:00 A visit to the Van Gogh Museum is a unique experience. Nowhere else in the world can you see so many of Van Gogh's paintings in one place. Here you can follow the development of the artist's work through all its stages and compare it with the work of other 19th-century painters in the collection. 20:00 Dinner provided at Rendezvous, within walking distance of Jolly Carlton.
Jan 13: Day 8 (Monday) 9:00 Tour of the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam with an emphasis on the works of Rembrandt, Frans Hals, and other artists Van Gogh admired. Our guide is Mrs. Marianne Witte. Dinner under own arrangement.
Jan 14: Day 9 (Tuesday) 10:00 Excursion through countryside to Otterlo and the Kroller-Muller Museum where many of Van Gogh's sketches and drawings are archived. Our trip will take us through southeastern Netherlands to visit some of the lesser known sites that influenced Van Gogh. Our guide is Ms. Helga de Boer. 18:00 Dinner provided at Van de Valk in Breukelen. Return to Jolly Carlton in Amsterdam.
Jan 15: Day 10 (Wednesday) Free Day in Amsterdam. Plan your time to tour the Rembrandt House and Anne Frank House in Amsterdam. Famous for diamonds, you may want to tour de Beers gemcutter shops and the Heinekin Brewery Reception Center or explore Amsterdam via boat on the canals. You may decide to take the train to nearby picturesque cities such as The Hague, Haarlem, and Delft with their significant museums and other cultural sites. Dinner on your own.
Jan 16: Day 11 (Thursday) 9:00 Transport to Central Station for 09:56 departure on Thalys TGV (high speed train.) Arrive in Paris at 14:05 for afternoon orientation bus tour of the city to include Sainte Chapelle and The Cathedral of Notre Dame, two world famous examples of Gothic Architecture. Dinner provided at Castiglione, our hotel for the Paris segment of this trip.
Jan 17: Day 12 (Friday) 09:00 Begin full day tour of Montmartre and Sacre Coeur. See the sites that Van Gogh painted on your free afternoon. Dinner on your own.
Jan 18: Day 13 (Saturday) Tour the Musee d'Orsay in Paris. This branch of the Louvre, housed in a spectacular 19th century train station, showcases 19th century art including the works of Van Gogh . Dinner provided at Les Ministeries within walking distance of Castiglione.
Jan 19: Day 14 (Sunday) The Louvre! Who can visit Paris and ignore the world's largest museum of art? Dinner on your own.
Jan 20: Day 15 (Monday) 09:00 Full day excursion to Auvers, a quiet village west of Paris and tour Daubigny's studio and the former Ravoux Inn where Van Gogh's room has been preserved intact. After four months in Auvers under the care of Dr. Gachet,Van Gogh ended his life at age 37 with a gunshot to the stomach. We'll climb a footpath to the tiny cemetery where Van Gogh and his brother Theo are buried. On our return to Paris, we'll pause for two hours of free time in St. Germain-en-Laye where you may decide to tour a monastery with gardens and a chateau. Dinner provided at Castiglione.
Jan 21: Day 16 (Tuesday) Full Free Day in Paris. Consider excursions to Chartres Cathedral, The Abbey Church of St. Denis, Versailles, The Eiffel Tower on the Champs Elysees and many other thrilling destinations. Choose your destinations and plan ahead to get maximize your experience. Have a look at the photogenic destinations according to Photo.net. 20:30 Dinner provided at Auberge Landiase.
Jan 22: Day 17 (Wednesday) 08:00 Depart Hotel Castiglione for Gare de Lyon for 09:34 departure on TGV Train 6173 from Paris to Avignon by bullet train in just 3 hours 20 minutes. Upon arrival in Avignon at 12:20, we'll tour the Papal Palace and city center before busing to Arles which will be our base for the next several days. The Papal Palace in Avignon, while unrelated to the work of Van Gogh, illustrates a much earlier period in the history and architecture of Provence. Dinner provided at Atrium, our hotel for 4 nights.
Jan 23: Day 18 (Thursday) 09:00 Tour of Arles, the town where Van Gogh sought to establish a workshop for artists. The colors of southern France were inspirational but a tempestuous relationship with his guest Gaugin erupted in violence. Van Gogh cut off part of his own ear (as the self-portrait indicates.) Subsequently, Van Gogh checked himself into the asylum at St. Remy where he continued to paint during his year-long voluntary stay. He periodically experienced psychotic episodes that disrupted his painting. We'll visit the Espace Van Gogh and Les Alyscamps, and Romal burial ground. Dinner on your own.   Sites particular to Van Gogh's sojourn in Arles: Espace Van Gogh (courtyard of the hosptial, a former monastery) where Van Gogh stayed intermittently over several months Les Alyscamp, the ancient sarcophagus-lined Roman road where 80 generations have been buried. The site of the Yellow House where Van Gogh hosted Gaugin and dreamt of creating a workshop for artists. Place du Forum where Van Gogh painted the Cafe Terrace at Night Other sites for which Arles is famous: Saint Trophime, a church of historical significance the Roman Arena The Foundation de Vincent Van Gogh en Arles which showcases the work of contemporary artists in homage to Van Gogh
Jan 24: Day 19 (Friday) In the vicinity of Arles, we'll ride into the countryside to the ruins of the monastery at Montmajour, encountering the scenery that Van Gogh painted including the bridge of Langlois. 19:30 Dinner provided at a local restaurant.
Jan 25: Day 20 (Saturday) A bus trip in Provence to include stops at the Pont du Gard, a picturesque Roman aqueduct, a tour of Nimes and the Roman Arena, and finally at stop in Saintes Maries de la Mer. Return to Arles for overnight. Dinner on your own.
	Jan 26: Day 21 (Sunday) 08:30 Tour the Monastery of St. Paul de Mausole in St. Remy with its crypt and chapel. In this asylum, Van Gogh battled psychotic episodes while continuing his art. We'll walk in the surrounding hills of Les Alpilles with its olive groves to Baux de Provence, where our motor coach awaits. Arrive in Aix-en-Provence in the evening to our hotel Mascotte. Dinner on your own.
Jan 27: Day 22 (Monday) A day at leisure in Aix-en-Provence. Among the attractions to consider: the studio of Paul Cezanne, a quaint historic center with shopping, and more churches and museums. Enjoy our 20:30 farewell dinner at Bistro Romain on our last night in Aix-en-Provence.
Jan 28: Day 23 (Tuesday) 09:30 Bus departure to Marseilles for our departure from France on Air France 7665 at 13:20 to Paris. Arrive in Paris-Roissy/CDG Airport at 14:50 and depart at 15:55 on Air France 304 for 19:35 arrival in Atlanta. Depart Atlanta on Delta 254 at 21:50 for arrival at GSP at 22:45.
Jan 29-Jan 31: Day 24-26 (Wednesday-Friday) Remainder of Interim term: Morning meetings to review and summarize our experiences. Student will complete papers and journals.

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Accommodations

Our hotels have been selected to place us within easy walking distance of historic sites, markets, and restaurants. Our accommodations are subject to change if it becomes possible to substitute other hotels to improve our already excellent proximity to points of interest. We will be located near city centers and Metro access in Amsterdam and Paris.   In Amsterdam: Jolly Carlton, telephone 31-20-6222266 Vijzelstraat 4 NL 1017 HK Amsterdam In Paris: Castiglione Rue de Faubourg Saint Honore Paris Castiglione and Map In Arles: Atrium, telephone 33-490-933859 1 Rue Emile Fassin "Les Lices" 13200 Arles In Aix: Mascotte, telephone 33-442-375859 Avenue de la Cible 13100 Aix en Provence

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International Flight Information

Friday, January 10
Depart Greenville-Spartanburg at 15:10 on Delta 1855 to arrive in Atlanta at 16:15.
Depart Atlanta at 17:35 on Delta 38 to arrive in Amsterdam at 08:15 on Jan 11.

Tuesday, January 28
Depart Marseille at 13:20 on AirFrance 7665 to arrive in Paris-Roissy/CDG at 14:50.
Depart Paris at 15:55 on AirFrance 304 to arrive in Atlanta at 19:35.
Depart Atlanta at 21:50 on Delta 254 to arrive in Greenville-Spartanburg at 22:45.

College Release Forms

Several legal documents MUST be completed prior to travel. The documents are listed on the College Webpage for Travel Interim Release Forms.

Interim Release
Medical Service Authorization
Statement of Good Health
Leave Permission Form
Refund Policy
International Student Identity Card (available from the Business Office)

Additional information concerning release forms, food rebates, Identity Cards, and Travel Precautions. in Word.doc format.

The documents are all downloadable and must be completed, signed properly, and received by Wofford College before any student may be cleared for participation in the Interim travel/study project in which the student is enrolled.

Deadline for submitted signed travel release forms in Thursday, December 5th at our Mandatory Meeting at 11:00 am in New Milliken 212. You may turn in those forms to Dr. Davis earlier, along with a photocopy of your passport.

The proper completion of each of the forms--except the Statement of Good Health --requires the signature of a parent or guardian, whether or not the student is 21 years of age or older. For the Release, the student must sign, with both the student's and parent or guardian's signature being properly witnessed and dated. The Statement of Good Health is to be signed by the examining physician.

Participation in the project also requires that the student be enrolled in an insurance program which provides, throughout at least the full duration of the off-campus portion of the project, continuous suitable coverage for the the expense of medical treatment for illness or injury (preferably including provision for emergency medical evacuation and assistance) no matter where the student is when such coverage might be needed. Enter the data regarding insurance where asked for on the Medical Service Authorization form. In addition to this all travel/study participants will be required to purchase the International Student Identity Card.

While normally not a requirement for participation in the project itself, the Leave Permission Form is necessary should a student wish to leave the project group for a free-time excursion during the off-campus portion of the project. The instructor may grant permission and approval for such only if the Leave Permission Form has been executed and submitted.

The students should carefully review with their parents the Refund Policy, which must also be signed and returned.

None of the forms require notarization. Please note that photocopied or facsimile ("fax") reproductions of the forms are not acceptable.

Please execute and return promptly to your faculty sponsor.

The application for the International Student Identity Card should be turned into the Business Office.

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Expenses and Insurance

The course fee of $3200 covers round trip bus transportation to departure airport, round-trip international airfare, all lodging, all breakfasts and 9 dinners, ground transportation, entrance fees, local guides and minimal tips for guides.

The course fee does not cover insurance (see below), books, lunches and snacks, 6 dinners, souvenirs, costs of excursions taken during free time and any other incidentals. Depending on one's appetite and penchant for shopping, as little as $300-$400 pocket money should suffice.

Wofford College requires students to buy travel insurance for any Interim Project that includes travel. Highly recommended is the International Student Identity Card which costs $20 plus $3 for postage and handling. Purchasing this card automically includes basic accident and sickess insurance for travel outside the US, including hospital stays, accidental medical expense, emergeny evacuation, passport protection, baggage delay, and more. For complete details, consult www.counciltravel.com/idcards/default.asp If you choose not to get this ID card, you must supply evidence of travel insurance to the instructors in 4 weeks prior to departure.

Note that trip cancellation insurance is not included in the course fee and is optional. Trip cancellation insurance provides some financial protection should it become necessary to miss the trip or return to the US prior to our scheduled flights because of sickness or death of a close relative. Trip cancellation insurance will not pay if you simply decide not to make the trip. Our agents (Franz and Alda) at Universal Travel can assist with various types of optional travel insurance (576-6616 or toll free 1-800-849-0167; email: univtravel@aol.com)

Make checks payable to Wofford College and indicate the student's name on the memo line. Checks are to be delivered to Dr. Davis or Dr. Schmunk on the following dates:

Paying the balance or any portion in advance will greatly assist our travel agent in securing reservations. Making any payments earlier than each of the deadlines will be much appreciated.

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Expectations

1) Attendance and participation is required at all meetings prior to departure. Selected readings will be distributed and assigned prior to Christmas break. Students are expected to complete the readings during the holidays.

2) Each student is to keep a daily journal during the trip in which notes and impressions are recorded. These journals will be checked periodically by the professors during the travel portion of the interim.

3) Each student will write a summary paper which examines in some depth the events, individuals, and influences that contribute to the uniqueness Van Gogh's art. In this paper, the student is expected to integrate information from a variety of sources as well as include personal observations which indicate thoughtful reflection. The paper will be completed during the last week of the Interim period.

4) Each student will be assigned a painting that we will encounter during our travel to the various museums. The student is to prepare an on-site presentation of approximately 5- 10 minutes in which the significance of the painting is to be explained based on consultation of reference materials that address the painting and the letters of van Gogh in which he decribes his conditions influencing the creation of that particular piece.

5) Students are expected to participate cheerfully in all activities, to be attentive to guides and instructors, and to consult the reference materials during each excursion to more fully appreciate the significance of the sites we visit.

6) Students are expected to agree to the Behavior Contract.

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Reference Materials

Films: Two will be shown during class meetings.

Vincent and Theo starring Robert Altman. This film portrays the tense relationship of the Van Gogh brothers and depicts Vincent's instability.

Lust for Life, a movie made in the 1950's based on the biography of the same title by Irving Stone.

Vincent. Readings from the letters with evocative scenes.

Akira Kurosawas's Dreams. One segment of this videotape consists of an fantastic imaginary stroll in and through several of Van Gogh's paintings.

Books: * required for the course.

* The Letters of Vincent Van Gogh (1996) by Ronald deLeeuw. ISBN 0-14-044674-5 Wofford College Bookstore Price is $14.95

*Van Gogh (2001) by Ingo F. Walther. ISBN 0-7607-2328-1 Available from Dr. Davis at reduced price of $7.00. Make check payable to Wofford College or pay in cash.

OTHER BOOKS ARE ON RESERVE IN THE SANDOR-TEZLER LIBRARY

Other Reference Sources

Also see the Links to Websites.

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Instructors

Peter L. Schmunk has taught art history at Wofford College for fifteen years and is coordinator of the art history major program. He regularly teaches courses on medieval, baroque, and nineteenth-century art, and has twice taught an upper division course for art history majors on Van Gogh. His principal research interest is in the influence of music on nineteenth-century painters. He has given a number of presentations at scholarly conferences and published two articles on Van Gogh’s own interest in music as a model for the intensely colorful and expressive paintings produced at the height of his artistic career. Over the past decade, Professor Schmunk has organized nine interim trips to European countries, including France, Germany, Greece, and Italy.

G.R. Davis joined the Biology Department in 1993 where he regularly teaches human physiology, neurobiology, and other courses particularly relevant to students intending to pursue health professions. He has traveled with student groups to Trinidad & Tobago and Venezuela (2000) and twice to Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands (1996 and 1999). In 2000, he and Dr. Schmunk organized an interim entitled Sicily: Cultural Crossroads of the Meditteranean. Of late, he is pursuing an interest in art history and is reading extensively on the life and art of Van Gogh. Dr. Davis has taught Photography as an Interim course and enjoys assisting student photographers.

Questions concerning this Travel Interim project can e-mailed to Dr. Schmunk or Dr. Davis .

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Roster & Roommates as of 9 December 2002 at 2:15 pm

Guides

Drs. Schmunk and Davis, assisted by local guides at some of our venues, will provide specific information at each location.

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Travel Agent

Franz Kop of Universal Travel has organized over 30 Interim travel courses for Wofford College since 1993 and has vast experience, especially in arranging travel to Europe.

Spartanburg telephone 576-6616 or toll free 1-800-849-0167

email: univtravel@aol.com

Universal Travel can assist with various types of optional travel insurance. Contact Franz or Alda Kop for more information.

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Contacts

Dr. Peter Schmunk, Professor of Art History

• Office Phone 864-597-4599
• Home 864-585-9853
• schmunkpl@wofford.edu
• fax to Art Department 864-597-4595

Dr. G.R. Davis, Associate Professor of Biology

• Office phone 864-597-4621
• Home 864-948-9025
• davisgr@wofford.edu
• fax to Department of Biology 864-597-4629

Franz Kop, Universal Travel

• Spartanburg telephone 576-6616 or
• toll free 1-800-849-0167
• univtravel@aol.com

Ana Maria Wiseman, Assistant Dean of the College and Director of Programs Abroad and 

• Office phone 864-597-4510
• wisemana@wofford.edu

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Maps

US State Department International Travel Information

An excellent source of reliable travel information is provided by the US State Department "Background Notes." These notes concisely summarize the geography, people, population, government, economy, foreign relations, history, and political conditions for every nation. Link to "Background Notes" for Belgium, for France, and for The Netherlands.

Check here for Current Travel Warnings and Public Announcements.

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Travel Security Issues

Consular Information Sheets published by the State Department provide information on entry requirements, medical facilities, crime, traffic safety & road conditions, aviation, and embassy locations. Check these Information Sheets for France, Belguim, and the Netherlands.

Is is safe to travel in France, Belguim, and the Netherlands? Europe is generally considered safe places for US citizens to travel. There are no State Department warnings other than the usual petty thievery alerts typical of large cities. We will be traveling as a group accompanied by a local guide on charter buses. Lodging will be in urban settings in "three star" or better hotels. During free time, travelers are expected to employ ordinary personal safety measures such as traveling in small groups and avoiding certain locations known to be suspect.

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Travel Health Issues

No immunizations are required for travel to Europebut several are recommended by the Center for Disease Control. The recommended immunizations are listed together with tips for staying healthy. You'll discover that only typical immunzations are suggested: Hepatitis A and B, and tetanus. Should you decide to receive any or all of these injections, they can be obtained from the Spartanburg County Health Department by appointment (596-3337) on Wednesdays or from your family doctor.

A minor concern for those traveling to regions where water quality is not always reliable is Traveler's Diarrhea. Information on Food and Water Precautions and Travelers' Diarrhea is available from The Center for Disease Control.

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Passport Information

Passports are required for travel to and from Italy. Visas are not necessary. The instuctors will a photocopy of each passport.

If you already have a passport:

Check the expiration date to make sure that the passport will be valid throughout the duration of our travel. Please bring your passport to Dr. Davis' office in Milliken Science Hall 204 so that a photocopy can be made and the passport number and expiration date can be recorded.

If you need a passport:

Getting a passport is not complicated, but does require 4-6 weeks for processing. Passport applications can be obtained from the Passport Office in the Main Post Office at the intersection of Church Street and Henry Street in downtown Spartanburg. The Passport Office is open 8am-4pm Monday through Friday, and 8am-1pm Saturday. To complete and submit the application, you will need

• a birth certificate that has an embossed seal and file date (Not the hospital certificate; must be from Vital Records)
• two passport photos (The passport office can sell such photos if their camera is working.)
• Driver's license
• $60 application fee ($15 to US Postal Service, $45 to Passport Services)

Passport Photos can be made at

• Kinkos (no appointment, $10, ready in 10 minutes),
• Terrell Photography (582-1213 by appt., $10, or discount for groups of students), or
• American Fast Photo (done in 5 minutes, $10.45, no appt. necessary)

A Warning: Some people have experienced delays in getting their passports because their birth certificate did not meet specifications. It may be necessary to order a notarized copy of the birth certificate before the application can be processed. This situation commonly adds several weeks to the processing time, so the bottom line is to apply for your passport as soon as possible. You will not be allowed to travel without a valid passport.

As soon as you receive your passport, notify Dr. Davis so that he can record your passport number and the expiration date.

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What to Pack?

Documents:

• passport
• Wofford student idenfication
• travel itinerary,
• flight information,
• hotel address addresses
• phone numbers of family and friends
• credit card
• journal and writing utensils
• guidebooks, language guides, and other reading materials
• money, in travelers' checks. Monetary exchanges may be made in the airports for immediate spending needs. Otherwise, you are advised to shop around for the best exchange rates, with the American Express offices usually offering the best return.

Clothing:

• underwear, socks,pants and jeans shirts and sweaters
• walking shoes
• outerwear: hat, scarf, gloves, a warm coat.
• umbrella and other rainwear
• accessories: belts, ties, jewelry, etc.
• It is recommended that you pack the kind of clothing that will allow you to dress in layers, so as to be able to make adjustments during the course of the day and be comfortable in either mild sunny weather or geniune winter cold. It is more important to be comfortably dressed, for walking in cold or rainy weather if necessary, than stylishly attired. Bring at least one outfit of dressy clothing to wear to some dinners or attendance at a cultural event. It is a good idea to bring along a small quantity of laundry detergent, to be able to wash a few things by hand and thus avoid having to pack 18 days of clean clothes. TRY TO PACK LIGHTLY.

Personal items:

• toiletries including a washcloth; Italian hotels generally don't provide them.
• appliances and converters.
• prescriptions, medicines, vitamins, aspirin.
• glasses, sunglasses, spare eyewear.
• camera and equipment:
• film (bring plenty; it's more expensive abroad), flash, replacement batteries.
• keys to luggage.
• tote bag or small pack for carrying everyday items and for bringing back souvenirs.

Practical suggestions:

• Airline luggage limits: two items may be checked in and one carried on. Label luggage inside and out. Sometimes luggage identifications get lost.
• Don't pack too much! You will regret lugging around things you never use or don't truly need.
• If in doubt, DO WITHOUT.

There are several Travel Precautions which have been made more relevant after 9/11.
1) Leave a copy of the picture page of your passport at home, one in your luggage, and one to the travel interim faculty.
2) Label luggage inside and out.
3) Don't wear any clothing that easily identifies you as an American (Wofford sweatshirts, baseball caps, etc)
4) Don't hang out in large groups. You can be easily identified as Americans.
5) Avoid icons of American culture such as McDonalds, the Hard Rock Café; they can become easy targets.
6) Airlines are limiting passengers to one carry-on and are searching this item for any sharp objects, etc.
7) Don't pack anything unusual which might look suspicious when going through a scanner (a twelve-pack of bottled water looks suspicious!!) Airports have been known to destroy suspicious looking luggage.
8) If your luggage DOES get lost report it immediately and don't leave the city of arrival until you have solved the missing luggage problem. Retrieving it later will be practically impossible.
9) Pack your carry-on item as if the airline might misplace your checked luggage. Pack extra underwear, a shirt, important medication, etc.
10) You are limited to two carry-on bags of no more that 70 pounds each. There are size restrictions, and we will jest with you if you pack excessively. Remember, you'll be lugging this through airports and on trains, so travel light.

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What you must know before departure!

Prior to departure, one should possess at least some basic knowledge of a destination. Of course one should be familiar with exchange rates for currency, the language, time differences, local customs and courtesies, the "lay of the land," and the significance of each point of interest. A list of questions will be posted here to assist students as they prepare for departure. Here are some questions to get you started:

• 1. What language is spoken in The Netherlands? France?
• 2. What is the capital of each country we visit?
• 3. What are the currencies and rates of exchange? Is the US$ considered "strong?"
• 4. Be able to identify on an outline map each of the cities we will vist and overnight.
• 5. What are the prevalent ethnic groups and religions in each destination country?
• 6. What type of government does each country have?
• 7. What is the political relationship between these three countries?
• 8. How can American tourists expect to be treated in these countries?
• 9. Where was Vincent Van Gogh born?
• 10. What was his first type of employment?
• 11. What did his religious zeal prompt him to do as a young man?
• 12. What was his source of income for the remainder of his life?
• 13. What was the nature of his health problems?
• 14. Of what importance are the letters he wrote to his brother Theo?
• 15. What did he hope to achieve by living in Arles in Southern France?
• 16. Which artists and writers did Van Gogh admire?
• 17. Under what circumstances did his stay in Arles end?
• 18. Where did he reside for the last four months of his life? Why here?
• 19. Under what circumstances did his life end?
• 20. Who was responsible for publicizing his letters and art after his death?
• 21. At what age did he develop an interest in drawing and painting?
• 22. What were his first subjects?
• 23. How do Van Gogh's later works differ from his earlier works?

Class meetings Monday through Thursday in Daniel 101 beginning at 9am. Topics for class meetings are listed elsewhere. On Tuesday afternoon, we will watch a movie about the life of Van Gogh. On Wednesday afternoon, students will schedule appointments to meet with the instructors to discuss the topics of their intended papers. On Thursday afternoon, an exam is scheduled based on the assigned readings and class material. Friday morning is free to prepare for departure from campus.

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Links to Relevant Websites

Van Gogh in the WebMuseum of Paris A brief biography with many of van Gogh's paintings arranged in categories.

Index of Van Gogh's paintings and their musuem locations.

The Van Gogh Museum with a concise timeline of his life.

US State Department Background Notes for Belgium, for France, and for The Netherlands.

The Kroller-Muller Museum in Otterlo, The Netherlands

The Photo.net Guide to Photographing Paris

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