Harvard Summer Program in Prague, Czech Republic

Czech language and culture study in the heart of Europe

Faculty: Nora H. Hampl

The Harvard Summer Program in Prague, Czech Republic, is an eight-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 Vyšehrad 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 Valdštejn, 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 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 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.

Prerequisite: none.

CZEC S-Bab Study Abroad in Prague, Czech Republic: Intermediate Czech Language and Culture (32648)

Nora H. Hampl
(8 credits: UN, GR) Limited enrollment.

This course provides students with an intermediate level of Czech language instruction integrated with Czech literature, history, and culture. Intensive language study (equivalent to one year of intermediate university Czech) in the mornings is 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 (in English and Czech) include works by Kundera, Havel, Hrabal, and Kafka.

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

The application period is now closed.

Students must be at least 18 years old, have completed at least one year of college or be a first-year student, and be in good academic standing to apply.

The application materials, outlined below, are due January 31, 2013:

  • 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 that includes:
    • A $50 nonrefundable application fee
    • A statement of interest in the program, including information on relevant coursework and travel experience abroad (previous travel is not a prerequisite)
    • Transcripts (student record accepted for Harvard students)

Students will be notified of admission decisions by mid-February.

Cost

There is a nonrefundable $50 application fee. The cost of the program is $7,500 and includes 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 (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

Suggested budget

See a sample budget for estimated expenses.

How to pay and funding options

See Funding and Payment for payment deadlines, deposit amounts, and more information, including funding options for Harvard College students.

Accommodations

Students stay in centrally located apartments in Prague 1 (with kitchen, bathroom, and laundry facilities), only a short distance from the place of instruction. One group meal per day is provided.

Additional information

Contact Nora Hampl, hampl@fas.harvard.edu.

Students with disabilities

Students should contact the disability services coordinator as soon as possible. See Students with Disabilities for more information.