Rita Koryan, Project Coordinator
1902 Sheridan Road #102
Phone 847.467.1152
Fax 847.467.1996
r-koryan@northwestern.edu

Anticipated dates for the summer program 2008 are June 16 – August 1, 2008.

There is no language requirement for this program, however, all applicants should have approximately a 3.0 GPA.

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. The program introduces students to the rich history, culture, and language of the region, offering inter-disciplinary courses in Czech history, politics, culture, and cinema. All courses are taught in English and there is no language prerequisite.  An introductory intensive Czech language class is also available. Weekend excursions include a guided tour of the Prague Castle, the medieval town of Cesky Krumlov in Southern Bohemia where the gothic monastery of Zlata Koruna is located, the 14th century town of Kutna Hora known for silver mining, an overnight trip to Southern Moravia for wine tasting in a small private cellar, a boat trip through the Punkva caves, and a visit to the concentration camp at Terezín (Theresienstadt). Dorms and classrooms with a perfect location in the centre of Prague allow our students to experience the atmosphere of this remarkable city.

Czech Language and Culture, Film, Political Science, History

Enroll in two of the following courses for two Northwestern credits:

Elementary Czech: SLAVIC 106-z
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.

Czech Culture and Modern Czech Film: History on Screen: SLAVIC 267-z
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 the 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 one of the major contributions to the art of film.

Democratic Transitions: POLITICAL SCIENCE 361-z
The course explores processes of transition from authoritarian rule to democracy in Europe, and the aftermath of such a transition. The course is comparative by its nature and presents general issues based on case studies from Western, Central and Eastern Europe. The material is presented in 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 a transition. Fundamental challenges to democratization - nationalism, legacy of the past - are discussed at the conclusion of the course.

Milestones of Czech History and Civilization: HISTORY 391-z

Students will stay at university dormitories called Dum Jeronyma Prazskeho (Jerome House), a newly renovated 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.

Anticipated program fees for summer of 2008 are $7,000.00 including tuition, accommodation, some meals, and all excursions.

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 s-kwan@northwestern.edu or 847-491-7400. Non-Northwestern students should contact the Financial Aid office at their home institution.

This program offers a number of study excursions including a visit to the 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, the concentration camp at Terezin, an overnight trip to Southern Moraviafor, a boat trip through the Punkva caves, and wine tasting in a private wine cellar.

• Students applying to the Prague summer program must complete the Northwestern Summer Study Abroad Application and must submit it to Rita Koryan in the BCICS Office (1902 Sheridan Road) by March 5, 2008.
• Students must interview with Rita Koryan, the Project Coordinator of BCICS Summer Programs, as part of the application process.
• If you are accepted to the Prague program, you must purchase the required HTH health insurance.  You will need to submit a photocopy of the HTH receipt showing proof of insurance to Rita Koryan by April 24, 2008. For more information on HTH, please visit this site.