Harvard Summer Program in Prague, Czech Republic
At a Glance
Dates:
June 6–July 30, 2010
Application deadline:
February 5
Cost:
$7,500
Accommodations:
Dorms
Slideshow
Contact
- Nora Hampl, e-mail
Harvard College students can attend the study abroad fair to learn more about this program.
Czech language and culture study in the heart of Europe
Faculty: Nora H. Hampl
The Harvard Summer Program in Prague, Czech Republic, is an 8-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 explore the gardens of the Vyöehrad 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. George’s Basilica, the Valdötejn, and the Schwarzenberg Palaces.
Course of study
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 (32306)
Nora H. Hampl.
(8 credits: UN, GR) Limited enrollment
This course provides students with an integrated introduction to Czech language, literature, history, and culture. Intensive language study (equivalent to 1 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 cafes. 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, amidst the religious turmoil of the fifteenth-century Hussite wars, during the nineteenth-century "National Awakening," or under Nazi occupation and Communist rule in the twentieth century. Readings (all in English) include works by Kundera, Havel, Hrabal, and Kafka.
Prerequisites: none.
Course credit
See Study Abroad Credit Information.
Faculty
Nora H. Hampl, BA, Preceptor in Slavic Languages and Literatures, Harvard University
Additional faculty from Charles University
Application
Students must be at least 18 years old, have completed at least 1 year of college or be a first-year student, and be in good academic standing to apply.
The application materials, outlined below, are due February 5:
- An e-mail expressing interest in the program to Nora Hampl at hampl@fas.harvard.edu (phone or in-person interview will be arranged)
- A completed online application (available in early December) that includes:
- A $50 nonrefundable application fee
- A supplementary statement describing interest in the program, relevant coursework, and travel experience abroad (previous travel is not a prerequisite)
- Official transcripts (sent directly to the address below; unofficial transcripts are accepted for Harvard College students only)
Transcripts should be addressed as follows:
Matilda West
Study Abroad Coordinator
Harvard Summer School
51 Brattle Street
Cambridge, MA 02138 USA
Students will be notified of admission decisions by late February or early March.
Cost
The cost of the program is $7,500 and a nonrefundable $50 application fee. This covers the following:
- Tuition
- Room and some meals
- Excursions (including in-country transportation)
In addition to the program fee, students are responsible for:
- A health insurance fee ($175; waived if students have US insurance that provides coverage outside the United States)
- Transportation to and from Czech Republic
- The cost of passports and visas (if the latter is needed)
- Any immunizations
Program directors will advise students of likely additional expenses. A sample budget for estimating expenses will be available soon.
How to pay and funding options
See How to Pay for payment deadlines, deposit amounts, and more information including funding options for Harvard College students.
Accommodations
Students stay in a conveniently located university dormitory in a central location of Prague. The dorm suites consist of double and single rooms with shared bathrooms and shared laundry facilities. Breakfast and 1 other meal will be provided.
Additional information
Contact Nora Hampl, hampl@fas.harvard.edu; (617) 496-8161.
Students with disabilities should contact the disability services coordinator as soon as possible. See Students with Disabilities for more information.