|
|
Purdue offers new study abroad
program in Prague
By Corrie Wollet
Staff Writer
Imagine spending your summer
on the banks of the beautiful Moldau River, surrounded by glorious cathedrals,
listening to the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra and traveling to great
European cities such as Vienna, Berlin and Munich.
This dream can become a reality
through a new study abroad program in Prague where students can gain
six credit hours and become more culturally and politically diverse
without spending an excessive amount of money.
Purdue, in cooperation with
the faculty of humanities at Charles University in Prague, has set up
a new study abroad opportunity. According to Martin Matustik, professor
of philosophy, the Czech Republic has a wonderful social and political
culture where students can experience firsthand the changes that Eastern
Europe has undergone since its revolution in 1989.
Matustik is the director
of the Prague program, which he has been working on for two years. As
a native of Czechoslovakia, Matustik is fluent in the language and culture,
which will be of help to the students traveling with him. Matustik will
also teach a class along with three other Czech professors from Charles
University.
The six-week program has
classes for students focusing on social sciences and humanities. The
students will each take two classes, gaining them a total of six credit
hours. They will be able to choose from four classes in two time blocks,
two in the morning and two in the afternoon. The classes in both blocks
offer a choice, based on the students' major and specific interests.
In the first block, students
can choose either "Political thought of the Czech Dissidents" or "Introduction
to Existentialism." The second block offers classes on "Sex, Gender
and Social Change: East-West" and "Prague: History and Structure of
A Central European City."
These classes are taught
by distinguished Czech professors who were involved in the Velvet Revolution
of 1989 and can give firsthand accounts regarding the political dissent
of the Czech Republic. Some of the professors have also worked closely
with Vaclav Havel, the president of the Czech Republic.
"You will come back knowing
the concerns of people in Eastern Europe along with the architecture,"
said Matustik.
There is also a non-credit
Survival Czech language seminar offered for all enrolled participants.
Classes will be scheduled on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday, allowing
for long weekends so that students can travel around Europe and participate
in guided excursions.
Each week there will be educational
excursions planned to scenic and historic destinations such as artistic,
architectural, and theatrical areas. Along with Matustik, Dr. Charles
Vaclav Cilek, a Charles University professor, will lead the five one-day
excursions and one three-day weekend trip.
These trips are included
in he cost of the program, which is about $2,198 for in-state students
and $4,456 for out-of-state students. Although these prices many be
subject to change, they are considerably lower then other programs offered
here at Purdue. "This is a beautiful, attractive and exciting program
at a great cost. It is a unique opportunity for students to discover
the history, politics, architecture, art and culture of Eastern Europe,"
said Matustik.
The callout for the Prague
study abroad program will be held Tuesday at 7p.m in Room B230 of the
Liberal Arts and Education Building. For additional information, contact
the Programs for Study Abroad at 494-2383 or studyabroad@ippu.purdue.edu
or Matustik, faculty director for Prague study abroad program, at 494-4276
or mmatustik@purdue.edu.
|
Purdue's
nuclear research focuses on improvements
Judges
to announce top 20 teams
in business contest
FunFest
creates excitement about physics
Student
to speak on diversity
Purdue
offers new study abroad program in Prague
CAMPUS DESK PHONE:
(765)
743-1111 ext. 253
Campus editor: Kelly
Lucas
Assistant campus
editors: Megan Finnerty,
Mary Jester
To
send a letter to the editor, please email opinions@purdueexponent.org
|
