Czech Republic

Human Rights and Refugee Protection in Central Europe – syllabus
(INTS3500 / 3 credits)

This course examines the role of human rights law for refugee protection, with a focus on Central Europe. Starting from the history of international refugee protection, the 1951 Convention, and the 1967 Protocol, students will gain an understanding of the foundations and structure of international refugee law and human rights. Students will also analyze the historical, political, and social factors that have shaped migration patterns and policies in Central Europe, focusing on the experiences of refugees and asylum seekers in the Czech Republic, Poland, and Germany since 2015. Through case studies, guest lectures, and excursions to Poland and Germany, students will gain a critical understanding of the regime of refugee protection in Central Europe by highlighting its virtues and shortcomings, while developing the skills necessary to advocate for more just and equitable approaches to migration and refugee protection.

Refugee Integration and Cultural Transformation – syllabus
(INTS3000 / 3 credits)

The arrival of Syrian refugees into Europe in 2015 and, more recently, Ukrainian asylum seekers fleeing the conflict between Ukraine and Russia has re-centered debates on human rights, refugee protection, and the sustainability of social and cultural support systems for refugee settlement and integration. This course explores the complexities of refugee integration and cultural transformation in Central Europe, focusing on the social, political, and economic aspects of refugee resettlement. By contextualizing recent refugee arrivals within the larger framework of European Union (EU) migration policies and border regimes, students will critically examine the impact of EU directives, the rise of right-wing populism, and the role of civil society & local governments in promoting or hindering integration and belonging.

Research Methods and Ethics – syllabus
(ANTH3500 / 3 credits)

The Research Methods and Ethics (RME) seminar introduces students to conceptual and practical tools for developing and executing a research project on a topic of their choice. In this course, students gain the knowledge and skills essential to forming constructive and ethical relationships with organizations and/or individuals so that they can successfully complete an Independent Study Project in the Czech Republic. Students will learn about the complexities of conducting research with refugees and migrants, who often find themselves in precarious and vulnerable situations due to their uncertain status within their host countries.

Rather than simply classifying refugees as “vulnerable persons” based on Institutional Review Board (IRB) guidelines, the course seeks to approach the topic with empathy and a commitment to upholding the dignity of refugees by considering the ways in which refugees carry unique skills, knowledge, and perspectives on their home and host countries, which are critical to an understanding of the politics of human movement in the European Union. In this way, the course seeks to balance ethical considerations and compassion while also stressing the urgent need for research methods that allow refugees and migrants to share stories and ideas that contribute to a variety of human rights projects and initiatives.

Czech – syllabus
(CZEC1003 / 3 credits)

This course provides students with fundamental competency in Czech, with the main goals of assisting students to become competent in a number of communicative topics, introducing basic concepts and principles of Czech grammar, and introducing the language as an important mirror of Czech culture and society.

The course employs a variety of methods to achieve its objectives, including in-classroom sessions focused on conversational competence with relevant grammar-based instruction. Classroom sessions are combined with opportunities to practice language skills both in the language class field sessions on the streets of Prague and homework assignments to build conversational competencies.

Independent Study Project – syllabus
(ISPR3000 / 4 credits)

The Independent Study Project (ISP) is a self-designed research project offering students the opportunity to undertake a personally significant and independent investigation, which highlights the regional and cultural reality that can only be encountered during a study abroad experience. The ISP is the academic component in which the student most directly applies the concepts, skills, tools, and techniques of experience-based learning articulated through the Research Methods and Ethics course and the thematic courses, while enabling students to further integrate their language skills and the contacts they have developed in the homestay and in the broader community. Each student will plan, develop, and independently undertake a research project, with the advice and guidance of the academic director and an ISP Advisor. The topic of study may be anything of interest to the student, within the scope of the program and the immediate region, and is usually developed out of lectures, discussions, field visits, and educational excursions. The final project should provide material evidence of student capability in utilizing appropriate methodologies and in synthesizing experiences in the host culture. Students are expected to complete field-based research on their topic, submit a substantial written paper, and deliver an accompanying oral presentation. It is not uncommon for ISPs to strongly contribute to the student’s choice of subject for graduate studies or professional career.