What is Rome really made of? What conditions favored her fortune? What interplay of territory (natural processes, climate, and resources) and culture contributed to the rise of Roman civilization? By taking this interdisciplinary course in urban geology/geoarchaeology, students will discover how Roman civilization took advantage of a series of favorable geological events that shaped the landscape and provided the raw material to grow and flourish. The rocks formed by volcanoes (tuffs) and deposited by water (travertine) were transformed by the ingenuity of the Roman engineers and architects into buildings and infrastructures. Likewise, the waters resources of the nearby regions were harnessed in the most developed system of aqueducts capable to bring water to over one million people who lived in ancient Rome during the heights of the empire. What was not readily available was brought in from the provinces.
Program Highlights
- Interdisciplinary course in urban geology/geoarchaeology: Discover how Roman civilization took advantage of a series of favorable geological events that shaped the landscape and provided the raw material to grow and flourish.
- From Naples to Rome, visit important cultural and historic sites, many of which are not open the general public and require special access permits.
Eligibility
This program is open to all undergraduate and graduate students, including students who do not attend George Mason University.
Undergraduate students must have a minimum GPA of 2.25.
Credits
Students will choose one 3-credit course during the application process.
Course Options
Undergraduate:
- Anthropology - ANTH 300: Civilizations
- Geology - GEOL 315: Topics in Geology II
- Geography and Geoinformation Science - GGS 398: Selected Topics in Global Change
- History - HIST 388: Topics in European History
- Honors - HNRS 240: Reading the Past
- Integrative Studies - INTS 399: Study Abroad
Graduate:
- Anthropology - ANTH 670: Regional Studies in Archaeology
- History - HIST 598: Historical Study Abroad
Program Dates*
Early to Mid January, 2021
Sample Itinerary
| Day 1 |
Arrive in Naples. Meeting with course director
Welcome dinner. |
| Day 2 |
Territory advantages of Campania Felix - Visit to Pompeii Archaeological Site |
| Day 3 |
Visit to Herculaneum and Oplontis |
| Day 4 |
Vesuvius hike; stop in Pozzuoli with visit to Piscina Mirabilis
Group transfer to Rome |
| Day 5 |
Free-Day |
| Day 6 |
The Volcanic Roman Province: Nemi volcano |
| Day 7 |
Building for a great city: Visits to the Palatine, the Forum, and the Imperial Fora |
| Day 8 |
Building for entertainment: Visits to the Colosseum (with underground tour), the Ludus Magnus, Forum of Augustus and Trajan, the Capitoline Hill |
| Day 9 |
Land use planning and Lowlands: The Circus Maximus, Market Fora, and Field of Mars
Visits to the Pantheon and the Trevi Fountain |
| Day 10 |
Free Day |
| Day 11 |
Water resources of Imperial Rome: Caracalla baths, Diocletian baths
Visit to the National Rman Museum - Palazzo Massimo |
| Day 12 |
Roman Underworld: Quarries underneath the podium of Claudius Temple
Visit to the Jewish Catacombs |
| Day 13 |
Ostia: the port city of ancient Rome
Crypta Balbi National Museum |
| Day 14 |
On the footsteps of T. Ashby: Field trip inside the Roman aqueducts
Closing dinner |
| Day 15 |
Departure day |
* Dates and itinerary subject to change. The Global Education Office reserves the right to make changes to a program in light of currency fluctuations, changing security and safety conditions, and/or any other unforeseen circumstances.
Program Cost
Winter 2020: $3,160
Winter 2021: TBD
Included: Tuition for 3 credits, accommodations (university dormitory in Rome and hotel in Pompeii), all breakfasts and some additional group meals, guided tours and field excursions as described in itinerary, transportation to all program sites, international emergency medical insurance.
Not included: Airfare*, passport and visa fees, some meals, personal spending, required textbooks and/or course materials. *Note: Participants must arrange their own airfare once instructed to do so by the Mason Global Education Office.
Program Payments
Students on MasonGEO programs must pay the advertised program cost in order to participate. This cost will be made in three payments (Deposit + First Payment + Final Payment). Students using financial aid can provide additional paperwork in lieu of deposit and final balance payments.
Application Deposit: A non-refundable program deposit $200 must be received by the application deadline. This fee is paid online through the MasonAbroad application system and is included in the program fee.
First Payment: A non-refundable payment of $1000 must be received by October 20th. This fee is paid online through the MasonAbroad application system and is included in the program fee. Students who are using financial aid may have this payment deadline extended. See "Financial Aid" information below.
In the event that a student’s financial aid or VA Benefits is estimated to cover the entire costs of the study abroad program, the entire charge will be posted to their student account, since that is where the aid will be applied. In this case students do not pay their first payment through MasonAbroad. However students must submit their “Intent to Use Financial Aid” form by the first deposit deadline.
Final Payment: The final balance payment is due by November 10th. This is the difference of your Program Cost minus the $1200 you've already paid (Deposit + First Payment). Students who are using financial aid may have this payment deadline extended. See "Financial Aid" information below.
Financial Aid and VA Benefits: Students who intend to use financial aid or VA benefits to fund their program fees (partially or in full) must have the "Intent to Use Financial Aid" or "Intent to Use VA Benefits Form" completed and on file with the Global Education Office by the First Payment deadline. The "Intent to Use Financial Aid" form is available in the MasonAbroad application system once you have started your application for this program. If you are using VA Benefits please contact your program officer to request the "Intent to Use VA Benefits Form."
Withdrawal and Refund Policy: All participants are bound by the Mason GEO
Withdrawal and Refund Policy.
Payment Instructions
For more information on payments, financial aid, and information for non-Mason students:
Payments
Scholarships
GEO offers a number of need- and merit-based scholarships. All Mason students on this program are welcome to apply:
Scholarships
Application Opens:
May 1st
Application Deadline:
Oct 10th
Application requirements:*
Program Deposit: $200 for all applicants.
Course Selection Questionnaire: You will choose the course(s) you would like to be receive credit for on this program. Check the "Academics" tab to see what courses are offered on this program. If you need help selecting your course, check with your academic advisor.
Passport Status Questionnaire: You do not need a passport to complete this questionnaire or the application. However, if you do not have a valid passport, you should begin applying for one now. The Global Education Office offers Passport Grants to help.
Signature Documents: Read and electronically "sign" the documents regarding the acknowledgement of risk, the pre-departure orientation, and your financial responsibility.
Intent to Use Financial Aid Form: For Mason students only. If you use financial aid, this form must be completed by your financial aid counselor and submitted by the 1st payment deadline.
Additional requirements for non-Mason applicants:
Official transcript: To be mailed or emailed to the Global Education Office at George Mason University.
Non-degree Contract Course/Admission Form: Please complete the form and upload it into the questionnaire.
* Additional application requirements may apply to individual programs. Once you open your application, you will see all application requirements.
Application instructions: