2011-2012
Fall 2011: December 27 – January 5
Germany: Music and German National Identity: Dr Dawn Perry
The influence of music in and from Germany can be seen in many ways. The symphony, both the performing group and the musical form, began in Germany, and many of the musical instruments as we know them today were invented and improved to their modern standards in Germany. Music can be a powerful tool, whether as a vehicle for propaganda for the Third Reich, or as a symbol of hope to the prisoners of concentration camps. This course will examine philosophy, literature, politics, and social currents, as well as the creation and performance of folk music, art music, church music, jazz, and pop to explore the ways in which music has continued to play a central role in the German national imagination and in shaping German identity. The study abroad portion of this course will focus on the cities of Leipzig and Munich, with nearby day trips to other German cities.
London/Oxford – Ghosts of Fleet Street: The News Media Past and Present in London and the U.K.: Dr Keith Cannon; Note New Dates! December 31-January 9
The BBC and the legendary British tabloid newspapers are familiar to news media consumers all over the world. And for more than 200 years, the term “Fleet Street” was synonymous with British journalism, symbolizing both thoughtful and aggressive reporting. Sadly, the newspapers have left Fleet Street, but the news media in London still give the rest of the world a window on English life and culture. This course will give an overview of the past, present and future of Great Britain’s news media and its role in that country’s development into a world power.
Spring 2012: May 14-23
The European Union: Past, Present and Future: Dr Dennis Harlow
The European Union is perhaps the greatest European success story of the last century. After a half century of war early in the twentieth century, the European Union emerged and has given Germany a unique political, economic and cultural leadership position in the world. This exciting course combines politics and fast cars with European economic and political history. The course includes a survey of European history and culture since 1850 and important milestones in the development of the European Union (the largest economic entity in the world) coupled with exciting travel to Strasbourg- one of the capitals of the European Union-and for automobile enthusiasts to Munich and the BMW, Audi, and Mercedes cities and plants. Also planned is travel to King Ludwig’s fairyland castle located on mountain overlooking the beautiful Fussen, Bavaria lake country. Learn a little German and French during our class, visit Germany in the spring and bring your cameras and journals for the trip of a lifetime. Willkommen & Bienvenue!
Estonia: How the Singing Revolution Ended the Communist Era: Dr. Joseph Ellis
"How can singing end tyranny? That is what this W’International explores, examining the tiny country of Estonia -- just south of Finland and west of Russia – to explain how song transformed a former communist country into a democratic, capitalist state. We will travel through Estonia’s major cities (Tallinn and Tartu), its beach resort (Parnu) and the last remaining outpost of Russian loyalists (Narva) to get at this question. Along the way we will examine the political, cultural and musical heritage of a country the NY Times recently described as one of the “41 Places To See in 2011”."
Postcolonial Writers of the French Caribbean: Dr Taura Napier
The small French Caribbean Islands of Martinique and Guadeloupe have produced a large number of great writers. Some of the most famous of these include Aimé Césaire, Joseph Zobel, Maryse Condé, Frantz Fanon, and Gisele Pineau. All of these writers are of African-French descent; their works are noted for their attention to socio-cultural and racial issues unique to these former colonies, which are still part of the République Française as overseas departments. We will study these writers as they address various facets of their identities as Caribbean, African, French, and post-colonial, as well as these identities as they relate to gender and cultural backgrounds.
Exploring the Past and Present Links Between the Iberian Peninsula and the Maghreb: Dr Heather Voegtle
Although separated by water, Southern Spain and Northern Morocco share many links. Arab-led Berbers, known as Moors, came from present-day Morocco and controlled much of the Iberian Peninsula by 719, and Islamic Iberia became known as al-Andalus or Andalusia during that time period. Today much of the Islamic architecture as well as converted mosques still exist in Southern Spain. Along with its strong past historical ties, Spain and Morocco share much in common today also. This course will explore the intricate historical background that intertwines the two countries as well as immigration and other current issues.
FEE INFORMATION
*All W’Internationals require a fee of $850 per participant to enroll with the exception of Dr. Napier’s seminar (no additional fee). International health insurance at $26 will also be added to your account for participation.