PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
This program is held at the Gustav Stresemann Institute in Bad Bevensen, Germany, which specializes in building cross-cultural community between German and American students, as they participate in project-based activities in the seminar together. This includes jointly analyzing the issues facing our democracies in terms of right-wing populism, identity politics, and the challenges of immigration. Specifically, the program focuses on:
(a) the rise and fall of populist politics;
(b) the history of the politics of diverse communities in Germany, Europe and the U.S. and the challenges they have faced in attaining adequate representation in their respective democracies;
(c) how immigrants and refugees are perceived and treated in these countries;
(d) multiple theories behind how to best make democracy work, integrating peoples of different backgrounds; and
(e) how to apply these theories and best practices in our home contexts. The program includes a one-day field trip to Hamburg to meet with NGOs, representatives of refugees councils, politicians, and leaders of Mosques, Synagogues, and Churches. A three-day, guided field trip to Berlin rounds up the learning experiences and will aid students to critically examine historical, cultural, and political contexts of German politics.
Please note that this trip starts in Bad Bevensen, a small and idyllic spa town in the North of Germany (about one hour southeast of Hamburg). The trip ends in Germany’s capitol, Berlin.
LOCATION
Bad Bevensen, Hamburg, and Berlin, Germany
ACCOMMODATION
Double-occupancy rooms (shared with one person) at the Gustav Stresemann Academy in Bad Bevensen. Double or triple occupancy rooms in Berlin in a hotel or guesthouse.
LANGUAGE
The language of instruction for this program is English, with ample opportunities to practice the German language, if so inclined.
COURSE INFORMATION
All participants on this program are required to register for PSC399 (summer II) - Special Topic Seminar (3 credit hours). There will be a series of in-class meetings at the end of the Spring semester, and on-line prior to departure in July.
ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION
Students of all majors and academic levels are encouraged to apply. In the event the demand exceeds available space, preference will be given to juniors and seniors. Per the requirements of Germany and the GSI, all participants must be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 prior to participation in this program.
EXAMPLES OF POSSIBLE EXCURSIONS/PROGRAM ACTIVITIES
One day field trip to Hamburg to meet representatives from churches, synagogues, and mosques, political actors, and NGOs / 4-day excursion to Berlin (including visits to Stasi prison, Holocaust Museum, Wall memorial, Reichstag, etc).
PROGRAM COSTS
In addition to the regular
WCU tuition rates for the 3 credit hour course, all participants will pay a Program Fee of $1,300 which covers all food, housing, excursions, and the transportation from Bad Bevensen to Berlin. All students will also be billed the non-refundable $100 study abroad application fee upon application to the program and will be required to purchase the mandatory WCU international insurance upon acceptance into the program.
Estimated out-of-pocket costs for students include the following:
Round-trip airfare - $1000-1200 (estimated)
International Health Insurance - $30.00 (estimated)
Train transportation within Germany - $150 (depends on departure/arrival airport and might be significantly cheaper (students will need to pay in Germany, on site)
Suggested spending Money (including additional meals in Berlin) - $200
FINANCIAL AID
All students are encouraged to review the Financial Aid, Scholarships, and Travel Awards listed on the
Center for International Programs website.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Dr. Linda Stevenson, Department of Political Science
lstevenson@wcupa.edu
Dr. Marwan Kreidie, Department of Political Science
mkreidie@wcupa.edu
