Germany: Tour Information

Introduction

This course will explore different dimensions of a global and cosmopolitan citizenship by offering students an opportunity to live and learn in the historical city of Frankfurt, Germany, as a city with a long historical tradition, which has been at the center of German, European and international intellectual, commercial, and political life for centuries. Through an intensive four week program this course will offer students the possibility to immerse in the study of the German language and learn about German culture, history, and philosophy by focusing on the different periods of the development of Frankfurt as an urban center of great diversity.

Frankfurt, Germany's fifth-largest city of 1.8 million inhabitants is a bustling international metropolis that is steeped in history, tradition, and the arts. Since the Middle Ages, the city, which is located on the banks of the River Main, has been an important urban center and a crossroads for European trade and commerce as well as politics and philosophy. It was the official venue for imperial elections since the Middle Ages, the seat of the German Confederation, the birthplace of the German modern nation state following the 1848 Revolution and the establishment of the Frankfurt Parliament, the intellectual center of Critical Theory (the Frankfurt School), and headquarter of the financial Euro-zone.

The city features medieval monuments, art galleries and many museums, many of which dot the river's banks. It also displays its own distinct style of contemporary art and historical art and culture, ranging from antique sculptures to the Museum of Modern Art's semi-annual Change of Scenery exhibitions. It is also home to one of the world's finest ballet ensembles and host international guest performances of the highest order on a regular basis. The city's numerous theatres and the concert hous Alte Oper offer a comprehensive and diverse program of events. The University of Frankfurt is one of the most important intellectual centers in Europe, offering courses in English and German, housing several research institutes, and producing leaders who have earned international reputation in areas such as physics, philosophy, history, arts, sociology, chemistry, economics and many others.

Academic Content

Pending curriculum approval, students will earn 12 credits for a combination of German Language, Culture, History, and Philosophy. The language portion of the course will be offered by the University of Frankfurt. Lectures and seminars will be led by UWT faculty Johann Reusch and Amos Nascimento, with the support of faculty from the University of Frankfurt.

Lectures, seminars and field trips will cover topics such as:

• Medieval through Modern history
• Modern cultural and intellectual development
• Social, political, and economic aspects
• Contemporary relevance of the city
• Visits to museums, historic sites, tourist attractions, etc
• Participation in festivals and other cultural events

Program Schedule

The program is scheduled during Summer Quarter 2009, term B. Students will be in Frankfurt August 3-28, 2009, with follow-up class meetings at UWT in September. A projected daily schedule (Monday-Friday) is as follows:

• 9:00am - 12:30pm: German course at the University of Frankfurt
• 12:45 - 1:45pm: Free time for lunch and studies
• 2:00 - 4:30pm: Seminars, lectures, and discussions (Tuesdays and Thursdays); Field trips and activities (Mondays and Wednesdays); Research work (Fridays)
• 6:00 - 8:00pm: Free for cultural activities

Housing

Students will stay in dormitory-style housing at the University of Frankfurt.

Travel Documents

All program participants must have a valid passport in order to travel to Germany. No visa or other paperwork is required.

Student Eligibility

Matriculated and non-matriculated, undergraduate and graduate students may apply. Participants will be selected on the basis of high scholarship, academic preparation, motivation, emotional maturity, and financial responsibility. No previous international/language experience is required.

Application Deadline

The priority application deadline wass March 15, 2009. Applications are no longer being accepted.

Program Fees

The total program fee is $2,700. Program fees are divided into academic course fees and travel fees.

Included in Program Fees:

• Course fee in lieu of tuition for 12 UW credits
• Fee for German course at the University of Frankfurt
• Housing
• Ground transportation in Frankfurt
• Student ID providing discounted rates for meals, museum admission, cultural events, etc.

Not Included in Program Fees:

• Airfare
• Health/travel insurance
• Meals
• Personal spending money

Payment schedule

Deposit is to be paid to the UWT Cashier. Make checks out to "University of Washington, Tacoma" and write "Germany Summer 2009" in the Memo field.

Travel fee and academic course fee are charged to participants' UW student accounts per the schedule above, and are paid the same way as tuition. Please note that the travel fee is due prior to the start of the quarter. The academic course fee is due on the tuition due date for Summer Quarter 2009.

All students accepted to the program will be expected to follow the payment schedule above unless other arrangements are made in advance.

Refund Conditions for Fees

1. If you are not accepted to the program, the entire $200 deposit will be refunded.
2. If you are accepted and withdraw in writing prior to May 15, 2009 the deposit will be refunded.
3. Thereafter, you will forfeit the deposit plus any non-recoverable payments already made or committed on behalf of the participant. No refunds will be given for unused accommodations, meals or other fees and services.

Notice of Withdrawal from the program MUST be made in writing to:

UWT International Programs
Germany Program
Box 358437
University of Washington, Tacoma
1900 Commerce Street
Tacoma, WA 98402

Changes in Costs or Scope of the Program

In the event of significant devaluations of the dollar, some adjustments to program activities may be necessary. If there are any political events that might compromise the safety of the participants, a rescheduling or cancellation of the program may be necessary. If such changes occur, students will be notified of the changes and options will be presented.

Program Cancellation

If viable enrollment is not reached by May 1, 2009, the program will be cancelled and all recoverable monies paid in will be refunded.

Equal Opportunity and Disability Accommodations

The University of Washington reaffirms its policy of equal opportunity regardless of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, or status as a disabled veteran or Vietnam era veteran in accordance with University policy and applicable federal and state statutes and regulations. The University of Washington is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request disability accommodation in the application process contact the Disability Support Services Office at least ten days in advance.