New Cultural Experience Program (NCEP)

Since the 1970s, Carroll College has offered short-term study abroad courses led by Carroll faculty. NCEP courses carry academic credit and generally take students abroad during the January interim or in May term. Prior to going abroad, students spend a full semester in academic preparation. Each NCEP course has a specific academic focus along with a particular emphasis on understanding new cultures.

By submitting an application for NCEP, a student is agreeing to the guidelines set forth in the NCEP Student Policy.

The following courses are available to students. For further information on a particular course, contact the instructor listed or Katherine Carr. Also note whether the course is offered in odd or even years.

NCEP 302. Russia and Central Asia: History, Environment & Geography Halfway Around the World
This course is designed to provide students the opportunity to study and have firsthand experience in Russia and Central Asia. Students will have a better understanding of the region’s culture, history, geography and environment. We visit St. Petersburg and Moscow in Russia and Kokshetau, Kazakstan, and their surrounding regions. We study the interrelationship of historical events, cultural characteristics and environmental quality. We will be working with St. Petersburg University, Moscow State University, Kokshetau State University, the Peace Corps, and the Waukesha Area Sister City Association. (Spring, May, even years). 4 credits
Instructor: Joseph Piatt, associate professor of chemistry and envirnomental science

NCEP 305/BIO 385. Reefs, Rainforests and Ruins of Belize
This course focuses on tropical reef biology and rainforest ecology. Students are introduced to these topics in a one-credit preparatory course followed by a three-week experience in Belize. While in Belize, students explore the world’s second largest barrier reef and trek through a tropical rainforest to observe bullet trees, howler monkeys and exotic birds. While at these sites, students design and perform investigative experiments to gain an understanding of the scientific method. In addition, students experience the ancient Mayan civilization visiting the ruins at Lamanai, Caracol and Tikal. This course meets the LSP I or LSP II requirement. (Fall, Winter, odd years) 4 credits
Instructor: Cynthia Horst, associate professor of biology

NCEP 309 Germany, Poland and Hungary
This course examines personal and communal treatment of "the other" in Eastern Europe, where recent history has left not only deep scars, but also a strong commitment to social justice and tolerance. Guided by visits to historical sites, guest speakers, one-on-one conversations and individual observations, students examine how questions of tolerance and intolerance have shaped and still inform East European culture and society. (Spring, May, odd years) 4 credits
Instructor: Kimberly Redding, asistant professor of history

NCEP 312 China: Its Modern Reality
This course examines Chinese culture with an emphasis on the roles China currently plays on the international stage. Specific attention is given to China’s reform that has brought about great changes in its economy and the social lives of the people. Some important current issues in semi-capitalism, U.S. business outsourcing and internationalism in education will be stressed. (Spring, May, even years) 4 credits
Instructor: Chenglie Hu, associate professor of computer science

NCEP 313 Revising Italy: Travel Writing and the Italian Tradition
This course is designed as an advanced-level writing class to explore various craft elements related to the subgenre and allow students to create their own new travel essays within the Italian tradition. By traveling to Italy and interacting with the place, the people and the culture, students will be able to reflect on the works read during the semester as they seek their own meaning of the place/self. (Spring, May, odd years) 4 credits.
Instructor: Michael Kula, assistant professor of English

NCEP 314 Playgoers in London
This course surveys the theater arts and cultural experiences in London, England. Students are introduced to several genres and styles of theater. Students will have the opportunity to supplement their understanding of theater by participating in backstage tours, play readings and contextual analysis, pre-show talks, and written and oral post-show critiques. (Fall, Winter, even years) 4 credits.
Instructor: Tom Bruno, assistant professor of theater arts

NCEP 315 Australia: The Land and the People Down Under
This course explores the geographic and demographic forces that have shaped Australia by focusing on the amazing geographic diversity and how the peoples of Australia have left their mark on contemporary culture. We will review the economic, political, religious, environmental and social realities of Australia and its neighboring Oceanic Islands. (Spring, May, even years)
Instructors: Mike Schuder, associate professor of chemistry, and Bruce Strom, associate professor of education

NCEP 316 Multicultural South Africa
A truly interdisciplinary experience, the course incorporates discussions of politics, history, economics and language to understand the nature of power, particularly as it is exercised within the context of racial and ethnic oppression of indigenous peoples. (Spring, May, odd years) 4 credits. Prerequisite: ENG 222, Multicultural South Africa: An introduction to its History and Traditions.
Instructor: Lori Kelly, professor of English

NCEP 317 / ENV 490 The Cultural and Environmental Geography of Alaska
The purpose of this academic field study is to explore the environmental resources and cultural heritage of America’s final frontier. Spring coursework will ground students in an understanding of Alaska’s history, physical landscape, Native American heritage and current natural resource based. The three-week May itinerary will include cultural activities in Sitka, Fairbanks and Anchorage involving Tlingit, Athabascan and Inuit Indian groups, plus environmental field investigations that include Denali National Park and the historic Yukon mining region. (Spring, May, odd years) 4 credits
Instructor: David Block, associate professor of geography and environmental science

NCEP 318 Mexico: Culture, Health and Human Services
This course is for students interested in careers in health or human service settings serving Hispanic populations. Using Mexico as a central focus, students will gain an understanding of Mexican culture and customs, as well as Mexican-American iterations of culture and customs. In May, students will study in Cuernavaca, Mexico, where they will live with families, participate in seminars related to health, social services, migration, medical anthropology and politics. Intensive language classes are optional. (Spring, May, annually) 4 credits
Instructor: Robert Black, professor of Spanish; Bert Kreitlow, instructor of history; Claudette McShane, director, Hispanic Nursing Project

NCEP 319 Research in Art: Art and Culture of the Ancient and Modern Maya
Students will spend the first half of the spring semester at Carroll studying ancient Mayan history, culture and art/architecture. During spring break, students will spend 10 days in Mexico. Upon return to Carroll, the second half of the semester will involve developing written and artistic projects that reflect what they have learned on campus and abroad. (Sp, odd years) 4 credits
Instructor: Ellen Barclay, associate dean

NCEP 320 Paris: Art and Culture
This course traces the civilization and culture of France through the centuries, beginning with the Gallo-Roman times and progressing to the present. While in Paris, students will experience first-hand the wealth of art and architecture which Paris has to offer. Students will be introduced to various artistic movements born in France and will investigate how history is reflected by the many monuments in the “City of Light.” (Fall, Winter) 4 credits
Instructor: Marie Fossier, instructor of French