in Heidelberg, Jena, Dessau & Berlin
May 16 - July 4, 2008 - Twenty-Third Year
Objectives: The exhilaration of total immersion in a foreign language is combined in this program with the thrill of living and traveling in Europe. The intensive workshop is designed to give students the opportunity to complete one full year of college German at the intermediate (200) or the advanced (300) level. Students completing the intermediate level, satisfying the Miami Arts & Science language requirement, are prepared to enter advanced German. Those completing the third-year course may continue to take courses at the advanced level, having earned credit toward either a minor or major in German. The 300-level students may also complete a Miami Plan Thematic Sequence (201, 202 required).
Eligibility: All students in good standing at any accredited college or university may apply, provided they have completed one year of college-level German or the equivalent. Incoming first-year students with at least two years of high school German are welcome. Students not now at Miami who complete this course and then wish to continue their studies either at the European Center in Luxembourg or at the main campus must apply for admission to the University through the Office of Admission.
Courses: Both sequences offered -- intermediate and advanced -- carry eight credit hours and include conversation, composition, and reading in German literature, culture, and current events. The intermediate course also includes grammar review, while the advanced seqeunce focuses on reading, listening, and advanced writing skills. Classes are held at the Central Language Laboratory of the University of Heidelberg, which is situated in the oldest part of the city and offers modern equipment and excellent, up-to-date materials. Living with families in the Heidelberg area and personally exploring Berlin provide an invaluable cultural supplement to formal language instruction. Staying with families in Jena gives a close look at life in the former East Germany. Guided excursions to sites around Heidelberg and trips to places such as Munich, Erfurt, and Weimar, further acquaint students with German history and culture.
Staff: The courses are team-taught by Dr. John M. Jeep, in his seventh year directing the Program, along with adjunct instructors from the University of Heidelberg, and other local experts.
Location: The University of Heidelberg, site of the first part of the program, celebrated its 600th anniversary in 1986 and is thus the oldest -- and perhaps best known -- university in Germany. Heidelberg itself, historic and completely spared in World War II, is located on the beautiful Neckar River. The old university town of Jena with nearby cultural centers Weimar and Eisenach, permits us to explore the cradle of the German Classical Period. Our stay in Dessau enhances our understanding of the former East Germany, of the history of Jewish-German relations, and of an emerging center of environmental efforts. The last ten days of the program are spent in Berlin, with excursions to various sites in the vicinity. The former and present capital of Germany, Berlin offers unique opportunities for students to learn about and absorb German history, culture, and a world perspective.
Accommodations: Participants in the program are welcomed as paying guests in private homes in Heidelberg (or Neckargemünd, a small town just upstream from Heidelberg on the picturesque Neckar River), in Jena, and in Berlin.
Cost: The projected cost -- based on current fees and exchange rates, hence subject to revision -- for the seven-week program, including tuition and academic fees, room and breakfast in Heidelberg, Jena and Berlin, and all program-oriented accommodations, admissions, and ground transportation after arrival in Heidelberg, is as follows: Ohio residents = $4,993.35, non-Ohio residents = $10,259.98 Each participant is responsible for transportation from home to Heidelberg and from Berlin home. The range in fares, depending on home location and carrier, typically has been approximately $800-1,000.
Deadlines: Anticipated enrollment limit for the program is 20. The application period opens on Monday, October 15, 2007. Admission to the program is based upon payment of a $300 deposit (applied to total fees) and an interview with the director. The balance is due no later than Monday, March 31, 2008. All checks should be made payable to Miami University and mailed or brought to the GREAL office, 172 Irvin Hall. A few very modest scholarships for international workshop participants enrolled at Miami University are available. Scholarship application forms may be picked up at the Office of Continuing Education, Joyner House; due early December. For other financial aid, inquire at the Office of Student Financial Aid, Edwards House, and at GREAL. Non-Miami students should apply for aid from their home institutions.
Application: Download the application. Print out the PDF document, fill it out and turn it in.
Information: Additional information and paper application forms may be obtained from:
Dr. John M. Jeep
Department of German, Russian, and East Asian Languages
152 Irvin Hall (Office)
170 Irvin Hall (GREAL Office)
Miami University
Oxford, Ohio 45056
Tel.: (513) 529-2526, or 9-1852 Fax: (513) 529-2296