Prague Summer Program
Academic Specialties
Czech Language and Culture, Film, Political Science, and History.Course Type
Courses take place at the Collegium Hieronymi Pragensis and are taught by Northwestern University and European experts on architecture, art, cultural history, literature, political science, sociology, history and religion.
Students enroll in two of the following courses for two Northwestern credits:HISTORY 391-z: Milestones of Czech History and Civilization
The course provides an introduction to cultural aspects of the Czech and Central European environment in a broad sense. It concentrates on major historical events and processes that shape future developments in the area and contribute to various aspects of the Czech national identity. Cultural awareness is raised by readings and lectures, and deepened through discussion. Participants are expected to gain background knowledge of the region's history and civilization and to understand and examine issues of social changes and their effects on the social fabric of the nation. Visits to historically important sites in Prague and the Czech Republic are an integral part of the course. The course is complemented with reading and analysis of important fiction of relevant époques.
POLITICAL SCIENCE 361-z: Democratic Transitions
The course explores processes of transition from authoritarian rule to democracy in Europe, and the aftermath of such transition. The course is comparative by nature and presents general issues based on case studies from Western, Central and Eastern Europe. The material is presented from two perspectives: that of a political scientist and that of a leading protagonist of the transition process in Central and Eastern Europe. We will begin with a discussion of Europe as a geopolitical entity and identify its main divisions. We will characterize European non-democratic regimes of the past and turn towards dissident activities of Central and Eastern Europe, and deal with theories of transition as well as specific instances of such transition. Fundamental challenges to democratization—nationalism, legacy of the past—are discussed at the conclusion of the course.
SLAVIC 267-z: Modern Czech Film: History on Screen
The course will provide deeper insight into the problems of modern Czechoslovak history and socio-cultural developments as documented by both major feature films and documentaries by leading Czech and Slovak directors (including Academy Award Laureates Milos Forman and Jirí Menzel). Films will cover World War II, the Stalinist Fifties, the period of political and cultural thaw in the Sixties, as well as the most significant works of the post-1968 Soviet invasion years. Students will also have an opportunity to learn more about post-1989 Velvet Revolution trends and controversies in Czech film art as viewed against the general backdrop of key historical events. Participants will gain more intimate knowledge and understanding of the unique modern Central European experience as interpreted by famous film makers, many of whom helped create the phenomenon of the Czech New Wave that is recognized all over the world as a major contribution to the art of film.
SLAVIC 106-z: Elementary Czech
Elementary Czech is designed to give students the ability to handle everyday situations in Czech. Emphasis is on listening and reading comprehension, speaking, beginning writing skills, and an introduction to Czech grammar.
Additional Information
Policies:- Read about the refund, cancellation and withdrawal policies for Northwestern's summer study abroad programs
- All students who participate in Northwestern Study Abroad programs are required to purchase HTH health insurance. Read about HTH costs and enrollment.
- Students will visit Prague Castle, the medieval town of Cesky Krumlov in Southern Bohemia, the gothic monastery of Zlata Koruna, the 14th-century silver mining town of Kutna Hora and the concentration camp at Terezin. The group will also enjoy an overnight trip to Southern Moraviafor, a boat trip through the Punkva caves, and wine tasting in a private wine cellar.
Situated on seven hills and divided by the river Vltava, Prague is one of the oldest and most architecturally diverse cities in central Europe. For six centuries it has remained nearly untouched by wars and natural disasters, leaving Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, Rococo, and Art Nouveau masterpieces to share space with cement block buildings of the Communist era. This mix of architecture reflects Prague's rich historical and cultural heritage, making it an ideal location for students to explore the complex relationships and contradictions that have shaped the region’s character.
Housing
University Housing:
- Students will stay at Dum Jeronyma Prazskeho (Jerome House), a newly renovated university dormitory located in the center of Prague. Accommodations will be in single or double bedroom suites, with shared bathrooms and kitchen space. All rooms are equipped with phones and computer outlets. Daily breakfasts are included in the cost of the program. Students should budget extra for lunches and dinners.
Program Costs
Summer 2010 fee = $8,500 which includes tuition for two courses, Prague housing in double rooms, breakfast, access to all university facilities, on-site transportation, excursions and orientations.
All costs are subject to change based on the fluctuating exchange rate. Students should check with Rita Koryan in the BCICS Office regarding the most recent cost estimates for this program.Transportation to Course Site: Students must make their own travel arrangements to arrive in Prague, Czech Republic on June 14, 2010. Following the program's completion, students are free to remain in Europe and return to the U.S. from a different city.
Financial Aid: Northwestern students receiving financial aid during the academic year may be eligible for summer aid for this program. If funding is available, it may count as one of their 12 quarters of aid. For more information, please contact the Assistant Director of Financial Services, Sue Kwan, at 847-491-7400. Non-Northwestern students should contact the Financial Aid office at their home institution.
Approximate Program Size
18-20 students attend this program each summer.Application Requirements
Students applying to the Prague summer program must complete:
1. Northwestern BCICS Summer Study Abroad Application, along with the required non-refundable deposit of $1000 by March 3, 2010, to Rita Koryan in the BCICS Office (1902 Sheridan Road).2. An interview with Rita Koryan prior to the application deadline as part of the application process.
