NEW YORK CITY
Religion and Broadway

See the splendor of Broadway in a new light.
Anticipated Learning Outcomes
- Gain an understanding of narrative theory/interdisciplinary theory
- Learn to analyze Broadway musicals from the perspective of narrative theory/interdisciplinary theory
- Gain an understanding of different ways of defining "religion"
- Learn how narrative theory/interdisciplinary theory reveals the interplay between theater and religion
Eligibility
- Must be 18 years of age or older, regardless of parental consent
- Current WKU student eligible to register for winter term course
- Complete Study Away application process
- Good Academic Standing
- Each student is subject to review by Judicial Affairs (if currently under any sanction)
- Permission of instructor(s)
- American Traveler program (noncredit) link here
Program Design
- This course will combine lecture, written assignments, and travel.
- Program will have lectures on WKU campus before departure and multiple course discussions in New York.
- Final paper due after return.
Logistical Considerations
- Program will involve some walking so participants should wear proper shoes that are comfortable for walking and cover their feet.
- New York weather in December can be erratic. Bring warm clothing.
- Proper theater attire is required.
Program Package
- Includes 3-credit hour tuition ($1,062 estimated value), round-trip airfare from Nashville, accommodations, all ticket prices.
- Not included in program fee: transportation from home to the departure airport /return from airport to your home, meals and personal spending money.
- Final program fee subject to change due to travel arrangements.
- Lodging for students will be at Hostelling International - NYC in gender-specific, dorm-style rooms.
- Private rooms (single occupancy or double occupancy) will cost an additional more.
- Program Leaders may be lodged at a different location very close to HI-NYC.
- Group flight will originate in Nashville and arrive in LaGuardia.
Additional Budget Information
- The listed cost of program is based on Hostel International shared room rates.
- Double occupancy hotel rooms are available for an additional $50 per person per night, WITH ADVANCE NOTICE.
- Single supplement is an additional $50 per night.
Funding Options
- RELS majors should check with Dr. Joseph Trafton about RELS scholarships.
- IDST majors should check with Mrs. Paula Trafton about IDST scholarships.
- Other majors should check with their major departments about additional available scholarships.
- You may contact Student Financial Assistance to determine your funding options if needed. You will need to provide the course number, name, your name and 800#, and the Study Away course fee as stated above, in the email you send to financial aid.

Planned Schedule (tentative)
| January 2 | Introduction: Religion and Broadway: I (WKU Main Campus) |
|---|---|
| January 3 | Religion and Broadway: II (WKU Main Campus) |
| January 4 | Religion and Broadway: III (WKU Main Campus) |
| January 7 | Fly from Nashville to New York City |
| January 8 | Wicked |
| January 9 | The Lion King |
| January 10 | Once |
| January 11 | Spider-man: Turn off the Dark |
| January 12 | Scandalous: The Life and Trials of Aimee Semple McPherson (Tentative) |
| January 13 | Chicago |
| January 14 | Newsies |
| January 15 | Fly from New York City to Nashville |
| January 18 | Papers due |
Course:
- RELS 401
- RELS 401 (honors)
- IDST 399
- POP 399
** Earn 3 credit hours with one course **
Program Leader:
- Joseph L. Trafton
270-745-5750
joseph.trafton@wku.edu - Paula Burt Trafton
270-745-6981
paula.trafton@wku.edu
Location:
- New York City
Term:
- Winter 2013
Cost:
- $1,959
Funding:
- RELS Scholarship (contact Dr. Joseph Trafton)
- IDST Scholarship (contact Mrs. Paula Trafton)
Attachments:
- Syllabus - RELS 397 (tentative)
- Syllabus - IDST 399 (tentative)
- Syllabus - POP 399 (tentative)
Application:
- Start your Study Away Application
Key Dates:
- November 7: Final Deadline for Application with first payment
- January 2nd: Class Begins
- January 7th: Depart for New York
- January 8-14: Broadway plays and Discussion
- January 15th: Return to Nashville
- January 18th: Post program assessment (online)
* subject to change


