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During their class first semester they learned about England’s role in the slave trade from the perspective of both the enslaved Africans and the Brit. Another aspect of the class was how England’s involvement influenced the state of Africa today, and how it turned England into a great world power.

While in England they were able to see museum exhibits, listen to lectures, some given by the authors of books they read in class, and go on two slave walk tours to further their knowledge about what slavery meant and means to the English.

One main focus of the class and the trip was analyzing the politics of public history and how slavery is portrayed, specifically in the museums. Each museum was found to present the topic differently. Some integrated it into the larger history of the country and some separated it into a distinct gallery. According to Professor Steinbach, the class realized that “each provides a different narrative as well as different objects, none of which is innocent.”

Student Brad Towey felt the impact of slavery on a personal level. “Seeing the docks and where slave ships were built, and seeing artifacts that were used on slaves as a form of punishment gave me an eerie feeling,” he said. They were also able to visit the Harewood House, a stately home built with money from the slave trade.

Students led and participated in group discussions on what they learned, what they liked, disliked, and their thoughts on their experiences of the day. During their free time, they were able to take buses to different cities, even going to Scotland or Ireland if they so desired. Most students took advantage of their location as well as public transit and took in Irish pubs, a Cirque de Soleil show, ancient castles, and attempted to play the bagpipes.

Amber Neale found that the trip gave her a better idea not only of Britain, but the world. “It was really interesting to learn and see how different other places can be, even though we were in England, which isn’t that ‘exotic,’” she said The class and subsequent travel taught them more than any textbook could. The impact of one country’s activities on the whole world was felt by all involved in this trip across the Atlantic.

England wasn’t the only European country with Hamline students in it this January.

Dr. Kari Richtsmeier took her class, “Germany in the 21st Century,” to its namesake as well. The course looked at Germany from around 4 A.D. through today and focused mainly on how the past affected their country’s structure and culture today. Students also looked at how America and Germany are different and alike.

To prepare, they spent time reading articles on everything from early Roman cities to Ford Motor Company’s policies in Germany. They spent twenty days exploring mainly Trier and the surrounding small towns, but also Cologne and Luxemburg. Student Tina Eide thought Cologne was “the perfect example of old and new Europe combined,” and enjoyed their time spent there.

To get a feel for the history of Germany, churches were an essential part of the itinerary. They were able to attend mass at the Cologne Cathedral. Even though they couldn’t understand what the priest was saying, to see structures older than our country was “awesome” according to Hayley Brown. They could see the changing times through the differences in the architecture of the churches.

The class also got a chance to see historical sites such as the Hinzert Concentration Camp Memorial, a few castles, a convent, and even go on a Winery Tour. The concentration camp was a very emotional experience for some people.

They were able to see the Ford Motor Company they read about, and visit a chocolate factory. Scheduling was obviously very tight, but the group did have some free time to explore on their own. One weekend, some students went to Berlin. They, of course, visited the Berlin Wall. Realizing that one city was once two different countries was a challenge for some.

Meeting and living with the German people was the highlight for some students. Staying in the homes of families in Germany, each with different personalities and views of the world, was eye-opening to say the least.

This journey taught the students not only about Germans, but about Americans as well. Brown was taken by surprise in her realization of American attitudes. “I see the things that make us so ‘American’ and sometimes it really frustrates me to see the ignorance that many of us, including myself, sometime display,” she said.

Other students agreed with her; the differences were brought to light, but so were the similarities. Eide said she gained a better understanding of the lives of Europeans and how people view Americans, and came to the realization that “we’re not that different after all.”