European Cultural Studies

  Belgium

• Brussels: 
Brussels

  Germany

• Berlin: 
Berlin

Term: Summer 
Dates: June 7 - July 4, 2008

Description: The European Cultural Studies Program inaugurates a cross-cultural, interdisciplinary study tour of discovery set to explore the determining events, social and cultural movements, and extraordinary thinkers, writers, composers, and artists that have shaped European culture and society. Part one of the Summer 2008 program will focus on the world of art during the era of European empire-building and warfare from late 19th century to the close of WWII. Part two will focus on German intellectual and cultural life from unification to reunification (1871-1989).

Academic Program

All students enroll in two 3-credit hour courses. Each course includes readings, lectures, short assignments, students' experiences in each city, and a research paper to be handed in post-USA return in mid-August.

HA 305 or 505/HWC 500/EURS 511/HNRS 492
Dutch, Flemish, and African Art: Issues of Theft and Cultural Patrimony, 1880-1945 (3 credit hours)
Art theft as a consequence of exploration, colonization, and warfare has a long history in Europe and has resulted in a myriad of ethical dilemmas for the contemporary museum world. This course will provide students with an introduction to Dutch, Flemish, and African art, while also examining the significant role works of art played in the political arenas of Belgium's colonial occupation of the Congo and the Nazi rise to power in Germany during World War II. Topics include: the development of international law for the protection of art and other aspects of cultural heritage, agencies engaged in the recovery of stolen works of art, and how art functions in the development of national identities. Students will experience first-hand the art of Dutch and Flemish masters, including van Eyck, Brueghel, Rubens, Rembrandt, and Vermeer, as well as artists representing aspects of 20th century modernism, such as Picasso, Kirchner, and Kandinsky. Students will also visit the exceptional collection of African art at the Royal Museum of Central Africa in Tervuren.

HWC500/EURS 511
German Intellectual and Cultural Life from Unification to Reunification (1871-1989) (3 credit hours)
The unifying of the German states into a single nation under the auspices of Prussia in 1871 ushered in a new and fateful era in German history, marked by an assertive nationalism, global influence as one of the Great Powers of Europe, the end of monarchy followed by a fragile democracy and then a totalitarian state, defeat in two devastating world wars, and division by the Cold War followed by reunification as one of Europe's leading democracies and economic powers. Germany entered this turbulent period in its history with a brilliant intellectual and cultural heritage admired throughout Europe and beyond--a heritage that would express itself in new forms in response to the events of the hundred years between unification and reunification. In the course, students will read short works by some of the major writers, scholars, scientists, and artists of the period, and visit sites in Berlin associated with each of them.

Highlights: Itinerary

Brussels, Belgium (June 8-12)
The study tour will begin in the capital of Belgium and of the European Parliament. Headquarters to NATO, the multilingual and cosmopolitan city hosts a population of 1.5 million inhabitants, 25% of whom are international residents. Along with visits to the Museums of Ancient and Modern Art and the Royal Museum of Central Africa, students will also visit the city of Bruges.

Antwerp, Belgium (June 12-14)
Students will continue their investigation of the issue of theft and cultural patrimony in Antwerp, which was the center of the Flemish Baroque movement in the 17th century. Site visits will include Rubens' House and Antwerp Cathedral. Students will also take a day trip to Ghent.

Amsterdam, The Netherlands (June 14-21)
Known for its concentric canals, Amsterdam is famous for its many exceptional museums. Students will visit the Rijskmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum, Rembrant's house, and the Amsterdam Historisch Museum. Along with these museum visits, there will be excursions to The Hague and Delft.

Berlin, Germany (June 21- July 4)
The second portion of the program will take place in Berlin, one of the oldest cities in Europe. Site visits will include the Tiergarten, the Reichstag, Brandenburg Gate, the University of Berlin, Kollwitz Museum, the Olympic Stadium, the Bonhoeffer family home, Checkpoint Charlie, the Museum of Jewish History, the Bauhaus-Archiv, the Topography of Terror tour, and various communist-era buildings in Berlin. Students will also visit Potsdam.

Cost in US$: Approximately $4,670

Tuition and Fees: Estimated tuition and fees for 6 credit hours (based on standard tuition rate): $1169 *
*Actual expenses for KU students will vary by the student's individual tuition compact. Non-KU students will pay the standard tuition rate listed above.

Estimated Additional Expenses: Airfare, lunches and dinners, books, personal expenses, passport fees, and extracurricular excursions. An optional group flight will be organized for the convenience of participants.
Note

All dates, costs, and program information are subject to change as necessary due to fluctuations in the exchange rate or other reasons.

Experience Required: no

This Program is open to World Wide Participants.

Application Process Involves:

• Letters of Reference
• Transcript
• Written Application