Travel-Study Program to: Germany
Antiquity through Reunification

Term To Be Offered: January 6-21, 2010 (approximate)

Contacts:

Barbara Plaut | 981-8165 | Barbara.Plaut@maryvillecollege.edu
Margie Ribble | 981-8275 | Margie.Ribble@maryvillecollege.edu

Course goals:

Participants will:
  1. Experience the history of Germany through visits to medieval castles, historic churches and cathedrals, a Nazi concentration camp, a former East German prison, and cities in the former East Germany.
  2. Appreciate the contributions of Germany in music, art, and culture through attendance to concerts, operas, and museums.
  3. Experience the lifestyle of German people through meeting local students and families, eating in local restaurants, and using local transportation (primarily trains).
  4. Students will return with a new appreciation for the culture and lifestyle of a European country and an awareness of Germany’s contributions to Western culture.

Highlights:

Visits to museums, castles and historical sites

Participation in cultural events, including an opera performance

Visits to Berlin, Munich, Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Cologne, Frankfurt, Bonn, Koblenz and Leipzig Interaction with local German families

Course Description:

Germany has a rich historical, architectural, musical, artistic, and cultural history. Through exposure to all of these facets of Germany, participants will broaden their world perspective and enrich their experiences in all of these areas. In addition, they will learn how to navigate in Germany, observe and interact with German citizens, and become aware of their own international roles.

Prior to departure, students will be required to read two books: “Stasiland” by Anna Funder (true stories from behind the Berlin Wall, taken from interviews with both ordinary citizens and members of the Stasi), and “Germany: Unraveling an Enigma” by Greg Nees (gives both historical background of and cultural orientation to Germany).

Students will also view two Oscar-winning films: “Schindler’s List” (based on the true story of a German businessman who employed hundreds of Jews during the Holocaust, thus saving their lives) and “The Lives of Others” (a powerful tale of life in the former East Germany from the perspective of a Stasi member, giving the viewer a real sense of the extents to which the East German government went to monitor its people). These readings and films will prepare students for their visits to the sites where many of these historic events took place.

During the trip itself, students will be required to keep a daily journal of their experiences and their responses to them. Time will be planned both during the trip and upon return for reflection, discussion, and processing.

Knowledge of the German language is not a requirement for this trip. Students should be prepared to do a good deal of walking.

Tentative Costs: $3200 + $430 additional expenses (mainly meals & books) per student

The price includes:

Roundtrip airfare, local transportation, housing, field trips, international travel insurance, application fee, and deposit

Not included:

Passport, immunizations, & personal expenses. Meals & books are included in $430 above.


*Please note that prices are tentative and may fluctuate based on variation in exchange rates, number of participants, price fluctuations in actual airfares and fuel surcharges, or administrative overhead

Application for J-Term Programs