Course listing is subject to change. Updates to the course list are made each time there is a change through the beginning of the semester. You should consult the NYU Registrar web site for additional information. All content courses are conducted in English. Students enrolled in the NYU in Prague program may choose to take a Czech, German, Polish, or Russian language course; a language course is not required.
Language Courses
Language courses are offered every semester to meet needs of students.
Prof. I. Šaršonová and Prof. Novak
Students work on pronunciation, grammar, and vocabulary enrichment. Emphasis is placed on developing and enhancing listening, comprehension and oral skills. Additional hours are offered to improve pronunciation. Written and oral examinations required.
Prof. I. Šaršonová
Continuation of Elementary Czech I course.
Prof. J. Ager
Using communicative methodology, this course introduces students to essential linguistic and social conventions of spoken German, with an emphasis on establishing conversational skills.
Prof. J. Ager
Continuation of Elementary German I.
Prof. J. Ager
Using communicative methodology, this course introduces more complex features of the language and focuses on building reading and writing skills while continuing to develop conversational ability.
Prof. J. Ager
Continuation of Intermediate German I.
Prof. J. Ager
By special arrangement.
Polish
Professor A. Magala
Using communicative methodology, this course introduces students to essential linguistic and social conventions of spoken Polish, with an emphasis on establishing conversational skills.
Professor A. Magala
Continuation of Elementary Polish I.
Professor A. Magala
Using communicative methodology this course introduces more complex features of the language and focuses on building reading and writing skills while continuing to develop conversational ability.
Professor A. Magala
Continuation of Intermediate Polish I.
Russian
Prof. T. Strykas
Intended to give beginners a speaking and reading knowledge of the Russian language. Involves an introduction to the essentials of Russian grammar and the reading of graded texts, with special emphasis on the acquisition of an idiomatic conversational vocabulary. Combines the traditional grammar approach with conversational, inductive method.
Prof. T. Strykas
Continuation of Elementary Russian I.
Prof. T. Strykas
Grammar review, vocabulary building, and drills in spoken Russian.
Prof. T. Strykas
Vocabulary building, idiomatic expressions, and drills in spoken Russian.
Anthropology
Prof. K. Muller
The main objective of the course is to acquaint the students with similarities
and differences of contemporary European cultures and with the role of cultural
factors in present European integration processes. Stress will be laid on the
description and interpretation of presently existing varieties of cultures, but
the course will also help the students to understand the main historical roots
of European cultural plurality, i.e.the political, economic and cultural
processes that engendered this plurality. In the course Europe is conceived in
traditional geographic terms, i.e. it includes not only countries of the
European Union, but also countries of Eastern Europe as well as of Eastern
Central Europe and of the Balkan.
Comparative Literature
Prof. M. March
To explore the reconstruction of Central and Eastern Europe trough the currency
of its poetry, through the desperate honor of its poets. With the war and
subsequent occupation of Europe, literature, especially poetry, replaced
consensus politics. Poets became the true accountants, and their ledgers
contained the unprofitability of the human soul. A reading of the finest poets
of the past half-century situates the times and the seminal engagements born to
restore independence. The poets were/are personally well-known to the lecturer,
with the sad exception of the great Russian poets, Celan and Brecht.
This course is not accepted as one of the four core courses for NYU English
majors.
Prof. M. Moravcova
In this class we will read and discuss works by major American writers who left the United States for Europe from the turn of the 20th century to its end. Works by: e.e. cummings, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Ernest Hemingway, William Faulker, T.S. Elliot and Wallace Stevens, among others will be part of the required reading list.
Prof. D. Peimer
Students may register for this course either through Comparative Literature (V29.9112), Dramatic Literature (V30.9275) or through Tisch Drama (H31.0610). For Tisch students the course counts toward the Theater Studies B requirements.
The Czech novelist Milan Kundera asserts “art must express questions of human existence…which…in Europe in the 20th Century finds its clarity of expression in the aesthetics of non-realism.” The overall aim of the course is to explore Modern European Theatre in relation to Kundera’s assertion.
What is Modern European Theatre? We will look at the wild visions of Artaud; humour and compassion of Beckett; the social obsessions of Brecht, the extreme passion of Kane and Ravenhill, the laughter and terror of Absurdist Theatre; the outrageous mockery of satire (French, Italian, Russian); Havel and living the absurd; Kundera and the obsessive intellectual; Dada and the impulse to shock, challenge; Surrealism and dreams, archetypes, myths; Weiss and a Total Theatre of music, song, story, character, revolution, madness; Ionesco and how individuals conform; The poetic, mysterious world of Image Theatre – this is the 20th century.
To greatly deepen our insights between the chosen plays and contemporary Europe, the course will be informed by contextual explorations of psychology, politics, history, culture.
Economics
TBA
Prerequisite: V63.0009, Precalculus
Focuses on the economy as a whole (the "macroeconomy"). Begins
with the meaning and measurement of important macroeconomic data (on
unemployment, inflation, and production), then turns to the behavior
of the overall economy. Topics include long-run economic growth and
the standard of living; the causes and consequences of economic
booms and recessions; the banking system and the Federal Reserve;
the stock and bond markets; international exchange rates and the
impact of global economic events; and the role of government policy.
Prof. O. Schneider
Economic developments in the Czech Republic are outlined with a focus on the period of a centrally planned state economy and the transition to a free market economy. Current issues and challenges are also examined.
Prof. P. Zahradnik
Prerequisites: V31.0010, Intermediate Microeconomics; V31.0018, Statistics, or equivalents
This course will discuss the conceptual foundations and empirical evidence concerning the effects of private ownership on corporate performance. The corporate control mechanisms in the U.S., Germany, Japan, and the emerging market economies of Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union will be reviewed. Particular attention will be paid to the role of capital markets (takeovers and other shareholder control devices), banks, and other financial institutions, and various corporate institutions (such as boards of directors and shareholders meetings) in facilitating, or hindering, corporate control and efficient allocation of resources.
European Studies
Prof. Bartuska
The end of the Cold War has accelerated a number of processes in the area of European security. The high hopes of the early 1990s, as epitomized in the writings of Francis Fukuyama, have been realized only partially. This course will examine the defining moments in the development of the new strategic environment in Europe during the 1990s; we will look at both the main events (case studies) and regional actors' (states, organizations, institutions) responses to them. Emphasis will be put upon the explanation of the causal interdependency of various factors. This course should deepen students' critical understanding of European interests and policy responses vis-ŕ-vis the new post-Cold War security environment.
Prof. J. Urban
The course provides an examination of the intellectual and artistic developments that defined dissent in Eastern Europe in the 1970s and 1980s. Studying theater, film, literature, music, and the political essay, the course will explore the different levels of discourse, the seen and the unseen, that emerged during these decades. We will look as well at the legacy of dissent. How did the newly organized states of the post-Communist era integrate the tradition of dissent?
Fine Arts
Prof. Z. Lukes
The course covers the history of architecture from Mediaeval to contemporary with special attention to 19th and 20th Century architecture and urbanism as well as the visual arts. The course begins with the pre-Romanesque and Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque and Classicism periods. The major focus will be on 19th and 20th Century architectural styles from Historicism and Art Nouveau through Cubism, Art-Déco, Avant-garde Functionalism, post-war Stalinist art and architecture, and the contemporary. It's necessary to have an understanding of the evolution of Mid European art and architecture, town planning and theory.
Prof. O. Urban
Course description will be posted shortly.
Prof. North
This course provides a survey of artistic and architectural periods and movements with a focus on the fine arts and architecture of Prague and Bohemia against the background of European influences. Field trips to museums, art galleries, and other places of interest are included.
Gallatin School of Individualized Study
Prof. Peter Zusi
This course aims both to familiarize students with Kafka’s major works and to
defamiliarize the literary icon by placing him in contexts usually ignored. We
will consider Kafka as a central figure within the complex phenomenon of Prague
modernism by reading him alongside Czech writers from the fin-de-sičcle to the
First Republic, less-known figures of Prague German literature, and other major
Central European modernists. Finally, we will pay some attention to the echoes
of Kafka’s work in later literature, especially American.
Prof. C. Cloutier
Central Europe is where West meets East. Some writers revel in this geographically liminal space, some long to free themselves from it, and some are conflicted in their feelings. The remarkable diversity of literary representations of the region has helped shape its culture, history and politics. In this course, students will study the work of prominent Czech, Pole, Slovene and Hungarian writers who have influenced people’s understanding of the region. Authors to be studied may include Václav Havel, Franz Kafka, Imre Kertész, Barbara Korun and Czeslaw Milosz.
Prof. D. Peimer
Students may register for this course either through Gallatin School (K40.9201) or through Tisch Drama (H31.0633).
The course focuses on Central European techniques of acting and directing. Each
semester will also take into account the interests and requirements of
individuals with regard to acting and directing. The course will focus on the
following topics: Grotowski and his notion of ‘via negativa’ and the
physicalisation of the emotional thru line of a character, Oida and Brook on
body, character and the intensity of each moment, Barba on channelling energy to
create stage presence, LeCoq on commedia del arte. In a collaborative context,
students will focus on exercises, reading, individual rehearsals (attended by
the Professor) to grow as actors and directors. Times will be made for
rehearsals and classes will emphasise the connection between practical work and
selected readings.
NB. Previous theatre experience is not a prerequisite. This
is an elective credit for TSOA students.
Expectations: - To work in small groups (actors/director) to stage three 5 – 7
minute pieces during the semester. The three genres covered are:
1. Contemporary theatre of extremes
2. Theatre of the absurd
3. Comedy.
- Students may also work with Czech design students in Prague on some of their
pieces.
- To participate in “lecturer facilitated” exercises, and various readings given
Prof. M. MacDonagh-Pajerová
Civil resistance is not the same as opting out of society or having views that go against the grain. It is fundamentally about deciding not to conform with repressive regimes. It is also about choosing a mode of action that brings with it personal dangers even when, as is usual, it advocates non-violence. This course examines the nature and significance of civil resistance in Central and Eastern Europe in the 20th century. In studying resistance literature (including poetry and song), art and film, we will draw on ideas and arguments from the disciplines of history, political science, literature, art criticism, film studies and psychology.
Hebrew and Judaic Studies
Prof. M. Pojar
Major movements in the culture and civilization of the Jewish people in European culture. Major topics include modern Jewish culture in Eastern Europe, Western Europe, and America; Zionism; the Holocaust; and the European Union Jewish Community in the post-Communist era.
History
Prof. Haluzik
The process of urbanization in the modern era has reflected the economic differences, the social and aesthetic customs, and the political nuances of the European nations and of Europe as a whole. Students will consider numerous issues of city planning and growth. Topics will include patterns of cultural distinctiveness, the influence of ethnic and religious concerns, and the political implications apparent in architectural design, neighborhood development, housing policies, and public space.
Prof. M. Polisenka
The goal of this course is to examine the Central and Eastern European
nationalism in its complexity. The major focus of the course will be oriented at
topics around the post-WWI Central and Eastern Europe, and around Nazism and
Communism. The disintegration of post-Communist Central and Eastern Europe will
be analyzed including the minorities' policies, xenophobia and ethnic conflicts.
The course will also address the question, why the present nationalistic leaders
are still supported by many people, and what might be the perspectives of
nationalism within the present struggle for greater integration of Europe.
Journalism and Mass Communication
Prof. R. Cameron
This course aims to give students a strong grounding in radio journalism and radio production, and unlock the secrets of being a successful freelance stringer. Topics include: organization of a radio station, stringers and the industry, cultivating sources, writing the radio news dispatch, on-air voice and delivery, the technology of radio reporting, conducting the interview, press conferences, covering a news event, sound editing, producing the radio feature. During the semester students will write several news dispatches; record and edit a ten-minute interview; and write, edit, record and produce a radio feature story.
Prof. J.Machacek
Using the cultural life of Prague as its focus, this course aims to enable students to report on the diversity of cultural and artistic activity in the Czech capital in eight main areas—film, photography, literature, architecture, music, visual arts, travel, and Prague in literature. Several forms and techniques will be explored through lecture, discussion and assignments, including: news reports, interviews, reviews (film, literature, theater), feature stories, essays, and commentaries. During the course, students will learn not only about Prague's cultural landscape but they will be encouraged to examine it in various journalistic and literary forms. One of the leading aims of this courses is also to introduce to them six extraordinary persons, whose work in their respective areas reached international attention.
Prof. V. Bedárová
The course focuses on combining the techniques of fiction with the rigor of journalistic travel reporting to produce stories that move beyond the constraints of the news and feature story: stories that engage, resonate with readers, provide insight—stories which "produce the emotion". The course proceeds by reading and analysis of contemporary journalism and classic travel pieces; careful examination of the narrative, fictional and literary devices used in travel writing; examination of and practice with various information gathering strategies; and consideration of the ethics of representation. Students will produce travel articles on deadline in several different styles and genres.
Prof. D. Spritzer
The course will focus on foreign reporting in American and British newspapers and journals (not wire, radio or television) from Evelyn Waugh's Scoop! to the present. How has foreign news in print evolved and what does it take to be a foreign correspondent today? History, extensive reading and guest lectures by serving foreign correspondents will bring context to the practical second-half of the course in which the class will produce its own stories.
Prof. J. Jirák
A collaborative seminar designed to interrogate the impact of various forms of media on "society" and various notions of society on "media." Students consider conventional and unconventional media in Central Europe—from the International Herald Tribune to movies to fashion magazines—in an effort to interpret Central European culture. The key question is not "Is this text 'good'?" but "What does this text mean?"
Music (see also The Steinhardt School Music and Performing Arts courses below)
Prof. Havelkova
An introduction to the major trends and influences in classical music of the last 100 years. Stravinsky, serialism, electronic music, Messiaen, the ideas of John Cage, minimalism, and other topics. Discussion of composers of the Czech Republic and neighboring regions. Where possible, the class will relate to performances in Prague.
Politics
Prof. V. Handl
The role of Germany has been central to European development. This course will focus on Germany primarily through the lens of its relations with its eastern neighbors—the Czech Republic, Poland, Slovakia and Hungary and—to a lesser extent—also Austria. The aim is to establish a complex understanding of the ways in which Germany and its eastern neighbors, including their foreign policy orientation, will provide the background. The role of a united Germany in Central Europe, on the continent as a whole and in the Euro-Atlantic partnership will be examined. Lastly, the question about a "European German" or a "German Europe" will be raised.
Prof. T. Nemecek
This course offers a brief historical overview of political systems and structures, class issues, Prague Spring of '68, the totalitarian rule, dissident movements, the Velvet Revolution of '89, and continuing issues. Current political movements and parties, nationalist movements and the separation of the federation are also discussed.
Professor Vandra
This course explores the history and current state of politics, economic and cultural relations between the U.S. and Europe. Ever since the end of World War II, the cooperative relationships between these two parts of the world, often described as "the West," has been a bedrock of international stability, security and prosperity. After the end of the Cold War, this relationship has undergone changes, along with the whole system of international relations. Recently, on both sides of the Atlantic ocean, the talk has been about a crisis of the Euro-American relationship. This course will examine the validity of these claims, the causes of the current problems and possible ways of overcoming them.
Prof. Petr Dostál
This course is intended for students in second and third years of study. It is concerned with the current mass value orientations and political change in the western and eastern parts of Europe. The course will demonstrate that there are powerful linkages between mass value orientations and political and socio-economic changes such as democratic consolidation of polities and economic performance of national economies. The course explores mass attitudes of electorates in a sufficiently large number of European countries in the West and the East so that it is possible to make comparisons across countries and follow actual shifts in cultural and political values orientations along the time axis. The course proceeds from an interdisciplinary perspective and acquaints the student with essential facts of current "modern" and "postmodern" mass value orientations and political changes such as materialism, postmaterialism, etc.
Profs. I. Slosarcik & J. Zieleniec
Although flattered and eager to join NATO and the European Union, Central European nations remain ambivalent about the role they will be asked to play, politically, financially and militarily. In this course we will study the issues raised by the transition of Poland, Hungary, and the Czech Republic from formal membership in the Warsaw Pact to new membership in NATO and the European Union.
Russian and Slavic Studies
Prof. T. Vrba
An examination of contemporary novels and short stories from Central and Eastern Europe (Poland, the former Czechoslovakia, the former Yugoslavia, Albania, and Hungary), primarily the literature of the last 50 years. The problems of "minor" literature, postmodernism, and the attempt to articulate "authentic" experience, are emphasized. Authors to be read include Kafka, Kundera, Hrabal, Kosinski, Schulz, Gombrowicz, Kristof, Kadare, Kis, Pavic, and Ugresvi. All works are read in translation.
Sociology
Profs. J. Priban & Z. Kuhn
In this course we trace issues of human rights in the Czech Republic from the "closed" societies of Nazi occupation and communism to the contemporary "open" transitional democratic society. Particular emphasis is given to issues of human rights in post-communist societies and the challenges that human rights problems—the treatment of Roma (Gypsies) and nationalistic movements—pose for the rule of law, entry into the European Union and the globalization of human rights.
Prof. V. Thorne
The course is focused on a society in political and economic transition as well as on a mode of interpreting the self and the world which is itself constantly in transition and will explore the extent to which gender relations have operated, been acknowledged and have a bearing on political, social and cultural life in the Czech Republic. This course will provide students with a general overview of key gender terms and concepts, provide students with an historical overview of gender issues in both western and local traditions, and focus on local cultural and representational forms in terms of gender. Students will also examine gender issues in terms of local history, spheres of power, (the personal and the political), culture and representation and the east/west debate which characterized discussions about gender in the nineties.
Communication Studies and Photography (The Steinhardt School)
TBA
Study of modern advertising as both an industry and symbolic system. The
course combines rigorous textual and critical analysis of advertising (to
include print, broadcasting, outdoor, and online advertising) with an
understanding of campaign strategies. The course also analyzes the relationship
between advertising and consumerism.
TBA
Requires departmental approval prior to registration. Open only to students of
the Department of Culture and Communication.
Prof. P. Kirschner
This course is a hands-on introduction to the use of photography as a medium of documentation and expression. Assignments and critiques enhance the development of independent individual work while developing photographic skills and techniques. Students provide their own cameras.
Cinema Studies (Tisch School of the Arts)
Prof. J. Bernard
Emphasizing one of the most influential film movements in the post-World War II era, the cinema of the Czech New Wave. This cinema studies course explores the history and development of Czech and Slovak cinema. Lectures are supplemented with screenings.
Theatre Studies (Tisch School of the Arts)
Prof. D. Peimer
Students may register for this course either through Comparative Literature (V29.9112), Dramatic Literature (V30.9275) or through Tisch Drama (H31.0610). For Tisch students the course counts toward the Theater Studies B requirements.
The Czech novelist Milan Kundera asserts “art must express questions of human existence…which…in Europe in the 20th Century finds its clarity of expression in the aesthetics of non-realism.” The overall aim of the course is to explore Modern European Theatre in relation to Kundera’s assertion.
What is Modern European Theatre? We will look at the wild visions of Artaud; humour and compassion of Beckett; the social obsessions of Brecht, the extreme passion of Kane and Ravenhill, the laughter and terror of Absurdist Theatre; the outrageous mockery of satire (French, Italian, Russian); Havel and living the absurd; Kundera and the obsessive intellectual; Dada and the impulse to shock, challenge; Surrealism and dreams, archetypes, myths; Weiss and a Total Theatre of music, song, story, character, revolution, madness; Ionesco and how individuals conform; The poetic, mysterious world of Image Theatre – this is the 20th century.
To greatly deepen our insights between the chosen plays and contemporary Europe, the course will be informed by contextual explorations of psychology, politics, history, culture.
Prof. D. Peimer
Students may register for this course either through Gallatin School (K40.9201) or through Tisch Drama (H31.0633).
The course focuses on Central European techniques of acting and directing. Each
semester will also take into account the interests and requirements of
individuals with regard to acting and directing. The course will focus on the
following topics: Grotowski and his notion of ‘via negativa’ and the
physicalisation of the emotional thru line of a character, Oida and Brook on
body, character and the intensity of each moment, Barba on channelling energy to
create stage presence, LeCoq on commedia del arte. In a collaborative context,
students will focus on exercises, reading, individual rehearsals (attended by
the Professor) to grow as actors and directors. Times will be made for
rehearsals and classes will emphasise the connection between practical work and
selected readings.
NB. Previous theatre experience is not a prerequisite. This
is an elective credit for TSOA students.
Expectations: - To work in small groups (actors/director) to stage three 5 – 7
minute pieces during the semester. The three genres covered are:
1. Contemporary theatre of extremes
2. Theatre of the absurd
3. Comedy.
- Students may also work with Czech design students in Prague on some of their
pieces.
- To participate in “lecturer facilitated” exercises, and various readings given
Finance, Management and Organizational Behavior, Marketing, and Operations Management (Leonard N. Stern School of Business)
TBA
Evaluates, from the management point of view, marketing as a system for the satisfaction of human wants and as a catalyst of business activity. Deals with the subject at all levels from producer to consumer and emphasizes the planning required for the efficient use of marketing tools in the development and expansion of markets. Concentrates on the principles, functions, and tools of marketing, including quantitative methods. Utilizes cases and projects to develop a problem-solving ability in dealing with specific areas.
TBA
Investigates the nature, functions, and responsibilities of the management of organizations. Develops an analytical approach to the identification, structuring, analysis, and solution of organizational problems. Introduces the students to organizational policies and structures, functional areas, and production processes (including resource allocation, measurement and evaluation, and control), leadership style, and organizational adaptation and evolution. Teaching methodologies include lectures, case analysis and class discussion.
TBA
In this course, students learn how to increase their communication
effectiveness for business and professional goals. During the semester, students
focus on the strategic implications of communication for modern organizations. A
variety of assignments are given to stress the following communication
competencies: written, spoken and nonverbal communication basics for business;
effective team communication strategies; informative, persuasive and
collaborative presentations; communication techniques for required junior and
senior year projects. Students regularly receive personal feedback about their
writing and their oral presentations from instructors and staff.
Music and Performing Arts (The Steinhardt School)
Staff
Prerequisite: E88.0007, Aural Comprehension II, or success in placement exam
Corequisite: E85.0037, Music Theory III
Training in intermediate musicianship skills emphasizing sight-singing and
dictation. Course activities are correlated with the materials of harmony and
counterpoint for the diatonic, chromatic, and post-tonal repertories..
Staff
Prerequisite: E85.0036, Music Theory II, or success in placement exam
Corequisite: E85.0008, Aural Comprehension in Music IIIAural Comprehension in
Music III
Hands-on work with the materials of chromatic tonality and an introduction to
complex forms.
Prof. R. Kvapil
Course description will be added shortly.
Staff
The history of musical styles in the nineteenth century.
Staff
No prerequisite.
One hour per week. (Includes all woodwind, brass and percussion instruments,
classical and jazz styles).
Staff
No prerequisite.
One hour per week. (Includes all string orchestral instruments and guitar,
classical and jazz styles).
Staff
No prerequisite.
One hour per week. (Includes classical and jazz styles).
Staff
No prerequisite.
One hour per week. (Includes classical, music theatre and jazz styles).
Staff
No prerequisite.
One hour per week. (Includes traditional, music theatre, film scoring and jazz).
Staff
Placement audition required.
Staff
Placement audition required.
Staff
Permission of Steinhardt music faculty required.
Staff
Permission of Steinhardt music faculty required.
Staff
Permission of Steinhardt music faculty required.
