Prague, Czech Republic
Program has been cancelled for summer 2011.
June 25- August 6, 2011
Courses, Costs, & Dates | Photos | Contact Info | Info for Admitted Students | Apply
Academic level: Undergraduate/Graduate
Program dates: June 25 – August 6
Priority application deadline: March 1st
(receive notification March 15th)
General application deadline: April 1st
(receive notification April 15th)
Please note: Applications will be accepted after the March 1st Priority deadline on a space-available basis.
Total credits: 8 undergraduate points required / 4 graduate points
Program focus: Language & culture
“All-in-all, the program was great, and I must say that the academics, in particular, were really outstanding. Some of my favorite courses to date!” – Summer 2010 student
Program Directors
Jiri Pehe, Director of New York University in Prague; former Director of the Political Department of Czech President Vaclav Havel; former Director of Central European Research at the Research Institute of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty in Munich, Germany; M.A., Columbia University; J.D., Charles University
Yanni Kotsonis, NY Director, NYU Summer in Prague; Associate Professor, History; Chair, Department of Russian and Slavic Studies; Ph.D. 1994 (History), Columbia University; M.A. 1986 (Russian Studies), London; B.A. 1985 (History), Concordia (Montreal).
Program Summary
NYU Summer in Prague gives students the opportunity to study history in the making; the city itself combines medieval, Renaissance, baroque, and modern influences. The Czech Republic gained membership in the European Union in 2004, and Prague is an ideal place in which to observe the evolving cultural politics of the "new" Europe.
Legend has it that Princess Libuse had a vision of Prague when she proclaimed from a cliff overlooking the Vltava, "I see a great city whose fame will touch the stars." Now the capital of the modern Czech Republic, Prague is the cultural and intellectual center of the nation, with more than 20 museums and 200 galleries, castles, churches, synagogues, palaces, and gardens. Standing in the middle of the Charles Bridge, with the majestic silhouette of Prague Castle rising from the heights of Hradcany on one side, and the graceful spires, steeples, and cupolas of the Old Town on the other, one can immediately sense the atmosphere of this remarkable city.
Academics
Undergraduate and graduate courses are offered. Courses are taught by scholars who both reflect on Prague's rich cultural history and offer insight into its rapidly changing future.
Courses revolve around modern Czech and Central European literature and culture; Central European cinema; the art and architecture of Prague; Central European and Czech history, politics, and economics. An introductory intensive Czech language class is also available. All content courses are taught in English.
Courses take place at the NYU Center, situated at Malé Námestí, in a 15th-century building only steps away from the Old Town Square and Prague's historic clock tower. Originally called the "White Lion," it was the home of the first printing shop in the Kingdom of Bohemia, one of the earliest printing houses in Central Europe. The building has been restored to its original detail with painted wooden beams and arched entryways, an ideal place for study and reflection. There is a computer lab at the center for student use.
Housing & Meals
All students participating in the program are required to live in NYU-provided housing.
Students live in an NYU residence hall just a short distance from the NYU academic center and the center of Prague.
Excursions
Weekend field trips may include tours of small medieval villages and castles in Southern Bohemia and the World War II transport camp Terezín. Students meet with members of the new government, artists, and writers - and experience life after the Velvet Revolution.