Spring Break: Human Rights, Social Justice & Faith
Through a cultural immersion experience in Delhi, Agra, Chennai and Madurai, you will be engaged with local communities and participate in community-based learning opportunities which address issues such as human rights, human dignity, solidarity with poor and marginalized communities and the common good.
Dates & Deadlines*
| Term | Year | Application Deadline | Decision Date | Start Date | End Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | 2025 | October 25, 2024 | TBD | February 28 | March 9 |
*Students will register for this course as part of their spring 2024 semester during which there will be several meetings, and the in-country portion will take place over spring break.
Program Description
This program travels through the classic sights of India's most populist circuit – Delhi & Agra. Start by exploring the Mughal and Imperial monuments of Delhi from here travel to Agra, home of the impressive Taj Mahal. Explore the contemporary India’s financial and cultural hub. Bursting with over 20 million people, there is no better immersion into the colorful chaos that defines so much of Indian life. There's always something fascinating to see in South India! Incredible temples with centuries-old rituals, colourful festivals, lively bazaars, World Heritage monuments.
Chennai was formerly known as Madras. The East India Company established its presence in southern India on the Bay of Bengal in 1639 with the establishment of Fort St. George. The city of Chennai, formerly known as Madras, grew up around the fort area. The city grew up around the English settlement of Fort Saint George and gradually absorbed the surrounding towns and villages. However, despite the strong British influence, Chennai has retained its traditional Tamil Hindu culture and effectively blended it with the foreign influence.
CIT/SW 215 Human Rights, Social Justice and Faith
Drawing from the values and perspectives of Catholic Social Teaching as related to the core values of Social Work practice, this course critically examines social justice concepts and develops intercultural skills needed to address social justice issues with individuals and diverse communities. Through a cultural immersion experience abroad, students will be engaged with local communities and participate in community-based learning opportunities which address issues such as: human rights, human dignity, solidarity with poor and marginalized communities, and the common good.
This course satisfies the LAE Humanistic Inquiry or Social & Global Awareness, Catholic Studies minor elective or Social Work elective.
Francis X.R. Origanti, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
Callie Tabor
Lecturer
Accommodations will be in hotels throughout the stay:
- Delhi - The Royal Plaza (or similar)
- Chennai - Residency Towers (or similar)
- Madurai - GRT Regency (or similar)
Daily breakfast will be included at the hotel and most other meals will be provided as part of the program fee.
Excursions on the program may include:
- Visit to Old Delhi
- Taj Mahal
- Agra Fort
- Visits to selected World Heritage sites
Human Rights, Social Justice & Faith: Spring Break 2025 (tentative)
| Budget Item | Amount | Payable To | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Application Fee | $45 | Global Engagement | Payable upon application to the program |
| Confirmation Fee | $250 | Global Engagement | Due within two weeks of acceptance to the program |
| Total | $295 | ||
| SHU Tuition | Included in spring 2025 registration | Student Accounts | Students will register for the course as part of their spring 2025 semester, so tuition will be charged as part of the full-time tuition rate for 12-18 credits. Credit Overload costs apply for 19 or more credits. |
| Program Fee (estimate) | $1,500 | Student Accounts | |
| Estimated Total | $1,500 | Total will be billed in accordance with Student Accounts billing cycle |
Additional Expenses
| Budget Item (Estimates) | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Transportation - International Airfare | $1,500 | Group Flight |
| Personal Expenses | $200 |
All costs subject to change.
Fees Include: Program orientation, housing, meals, all transportation once in India and mandatory basic international health insurance.
Fees Do Not Include: Travel to/ from host country, major medical insurance, or any personal expenses.
Additional Billing Information
All expenses are subject to change based upon currency fluctuations, flight demand, personal spending habits, etc. Actual expenses may be more or less than the listed estimates.
Spring Break 2025
- Depart US: February 27, 2025
- Arrival Date to India: February 28, 2025
- Departure Date from India/Return to US: March 9, 2025