Harvard Summer Program in the Czech Republic

  Czech Republic

• Prague: 
Prague

Term: Summer 
Dates: June 14-July 18

Description: The Harvard Summer Program in Prague, Czech Republic, is a five-week intensive program in Czech language and culture. Based in a country that is rich in tradition and yet rapidly changing since the fall of communism in 1989, the program appeals to students who would like to learn more about Central European culture, broaden their perspectives on global politics and history, learn a Slavic language, and spend a summer getting to know one of Europe's most beautiful cities. In addition to intensive language study, students examine the complex cultural, religious, and political forces that have shaped Czech society. Language and cultural study will be supplemented with walking tours of Prague and visits to magnificently preserved cathedrals, castles, churches, synagogues, museums, and monasteries. We will explore the gardens of the Vyaehrad Castle; the Royal Palace and the St. Vitus Cathedral of the remarkable castle complex Hradcany; and visit art collections housed in the thirteenth century St. Agnes cloister, St. Georges Basilica, the Valdatejn, and the Schwarzenberg Palaces.

The program also welcomes those who want to extend their stay and pursue independent research or an internship in Prague.

Highlights: While this program is organized around a language course for beginners, those who have already completed a year of Czech language may also participate. Please contact the program director for information on alternative tracks of study.

CZEC S-Aab Study Abroad in Prague, Czech Republic: Czech Language and Culture

This course provides students with an integrated introduction to Czech language, literature, history, and culture. Intensive language study (equivalent to one year of university Czech) in the mornings will be combined with walking tours of Prague's monuments and museums, as well as visits to theaters, concerts, and cafés. Our readings and lectures in Czech culture trace some of the major themes of Czech history and literature, paying special attention to the interaction between politics, aesthetics, and national identity whether at the medieval court of Charles IV, during the religious turmoil of the Hussite wars, the nineteenth-century National Awakening, or the periods of Nazi and Communist rule in the twentieth century. Readings (all in English) include works by Kundera, Havel, Hrabal, and Kafka. Prerequisites: none.

Degree Level: Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

Cost in US$: $7,350

- tuition
- room and some meals
- excursions (including in-country transportation)

Experience Required: no

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel to Czech Republic Independently

Application Process Involves:

• Essay
• Other
• Transcript
• Written Application

Harvard Summer School Study Abroad Programs's Mission Statement: The Harvard Summer School makes Harvards academic resourcesa distinguished faculty, well-equipped laboratories, fine museums, and a world-class university library available to men and women of many ages, backgrounds, and nationalities through an intensive summer session of liberal arts courses in Cambridge and overseas. Our international student body includes Harvard undergraduate and graduate students, visitors from other colleges and universities, highly qualified secondary school students, adult learners, and nonnative English speakers seeking to refine their language skills. Students take courses to challenge themselves academically, meet degree requirements, prepare for graduate school, gain college experience, advance their careers, and pursue personal enrichment. Students who study at Harvard Summer School may reside in a supportive residential environment, commute to campus, complete courses via distance education, or participate in one of the faculty-led programs based abroad. Many come to experience the extraordinary environment of Harvard College academics, resources, and residential life. Harvard Summer School serves the University community by providing faculty with teaching opportunities that allow them to experiment with new materials and teaching methods. Students from many Harvard schools take advantage of the breadth of summer course offerings to meet requirements for concentrations and degree programs, and to create more flexibility within their term-time academic program. Harvard graduate students from abroad can work on refining their English language skills, and Harvard College students take advantage of the summer session to expand their cultural, social, and intellectual horizons by studying abroad.