THE college students listened to the lectures and scribbled notes.

But it was no ordinary lecture in an ordinary lecture hall.

On Thursday, 11 female students in the prestigious Randolph College's cultural studies programme visited the world-famous and historic Chicken Ranch Brothel in Nevada, reported the US media.

The students travelled from the small liberal arts college in Virginia, toured the place and listened to lectures from "working girls" about the business of prostitution.

As prostitution is legal (through the brothel system) in much of Nevada, the college approached the Chicken Ranch to provide information and insight on legalised prostitution.

Students said they enjoyed the trip and that it wasn't exactly what they were expecting.

"I think it's fascinating, this is fun for me," said student Nicki Amouri.

"Not many people get to do this."

The brothel tour was a natural fit for a class that tells students to "not just study America - live it", Mr Julio Rodriguez, the director of the college's American Culture Programme, told AP.

Each semester, the course examines a strain of American culture and ends with a class trip.

Past destinations included post-Katrina New Orleans, Walt Disney World and the Civil Rights Memorial Center.

This article was first published in The New Paper on Apr 12, 2008.