Czech Rep./ Hungary/Austria

Dates (tentative): June 30 - July 25, 2008

Group Leader: Prof.Harlow Robinson, Department of History, h.robinson@neu.edu

Course Description:

Multiculturalism in Central Europe: Vienna, Prague, Budapest

The course will examine the political, cultural and intellectural history of the three great interrelated capitals of Austro-Hungary, with a particular focus on the development of each city as a national capital within the multi-national Hapsburg Empire. Several days will also be spent in Bratislava, capital of Slovakia and former capital of Hungary. Special attention will be paid to the period between 1867 and 1918, when nationalistic aspirations in various parts of the Empire led both to a remarkable artistic flowering and a growth of revolutionary consciousness on the eve of World War I. In each city students will attend lectures by local academic specialists in political and cultural history and take guided tours of relevant museums and historical sites. In Vienna these will include Schonnbrunn Palace, the Hofburg Palace, the Kunsthistorische Museum and Freud's House Museum. In Prague students will visit the Hradcany complex, Tyl Cathedral, Karlstejn Castle, Konopiste, the National Museum and the Jewish Quarter. In Budapest we will tour the Buda Castle and neighborhood, and the many museums of art, architecture and design. Students will also meet with students from the Charles University in Prague and Central European University in Budapest. Since music is such an essential part of the cultural and historical life of these cities, students will also attend performances of symphonic, opera and folk music.

Course Credits: HST U485: Vienna, Prague, Budapest (4 credits) and IAF U939: Dialogue of Civilizations Globalization, Humanities, and Cultural Studies (4 credits)

Cost of Program: Most major costs will be covered by Summer tuition. Breakfast is likely to be provided as part of accomodations in all three cities, but students will pay for most other meals themselves. Students should be prepared to pay for a few optional events on their own. There may be an additional program fee depending on length of stay in-country, airline ticket prices, or other extra-ordinary expenses.

Application Process: The program is open to students of any major. Download the Dialogue of Civilizations application, enrollment form, and waiver form. Turn in the completed forms to Cynthia Rapp in the International Affairs Office, 270 Holmes Hall. There will be an interview process with Prof. Robinson as well.

Application Deadline: The deadline for this Dialogue has passed. Please consider another one of our wonderful Dialogue programs.

Disclaimer: Some information posted here is tentative and subject to change based on costs and dates of available flights. The website is updated as current information becomes available.