FU-BEST - Freie Univ. Berlin European Studies

  Germany

• Berlin: 
Berlin

Term: Academic Year, Fall, Spring 
Dates: August-December, January-April, April-July

Description:
* An academic calendar consisting of two regular American-style Fall (September-December) and Spring (January-April) semesters, followed by the possibility of enrollment in the FU's Sommersemester (April-July) for students with adequate German language skills. Sommersemester enrollment is possible only after completion of at least one regular FU-BEST semester (Fall or Spring) and subject to prior German language proficiency evaluation.

* Participants can enroll in one, two or all three semesters.

* Mandatory enrollment in intensive German language, offered at all levels, during the Fall and Spring semesters (6-8 credit hours per semester). Experiential beginning German for non-majors/non-minors also available.

* A menu of non-language courses (3 credit hours) taught in English and German by expert faculty, covering such topics and disciplines as cultural studies, art history, German literature, the European Union/European security affairs, German/European history, German and European politics, film history, theater arts, Islamic Studies, business, and philosophy.

* Local field-trips as integral component of many of the courses, in addition to individualized assignments when feasible.

* A week-long excursion inside Germany and/or to neighboring countries, which is included in the semester's program fee. Destinations vary from semester to semester.

* A small number of selected German students might participate in a number of the English-language courses.

Highlights: Course offerings:
- Intensive German language (all levels offered; 6-8 credits per student)
- Experiential Beginning German (for non-majors/non-minors; 3-4 credits)
- Contemporary Germany in European Perspective (3 credits)
- Integration, Conflict, and Security in Europe (3 credits)
- History of Central European Classical Music (3 credits)
- Perspectives on 20th Century Art in Central Europe (3 credits)
- German Cinema Before 1945 (3 credits; Fall semester only)
- The Human Condition and the Totalitarian Experience (3 credits)
- Berlin: History, Memory, Literature (3 credits)
- Modern German History in European Context: A Thematic Approach (3 credits)
- The Promise of German Philosophy: Kant to Hegel (Fall semester only; 3 credits)
- Tragedy and New Beginnings in German Philosophy: From Marx and Nietzsche to Habermas (Spring semester only; 3 credits)
- Islam and Europe: Historical and Contemporary Dimensions (3 credits)
- Literatur und Film in Deutschland seit der Wende (in German; Fall semester only; 3 credits)
- Theatermetropole Berlin: Vergangenheit & Gegenwart (in German; Spring semester only; 3 credits)
- Contemporary Cinema in Germany and Europe (3 credits; Spring semester only)
- Architecture in Berlin from the 19th Century to Today (3 credits)
- European Business Cultures (3 credits)
- Themes and Issues in Transatlantic Relations (3 credits)

Degree Level: Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

Cost in US$: circa 8,000 per semester

Experience Required: no

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel to Germany Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work in Groups

Application Process Involves:

• Transcript
• Written Application

Year Founded: 1948