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Berlin: Contemporary Art and Museum Culture in the New Metropolis

Information sheet

Download program application

Acceptance packet

Study Abroad Medical Report Form

Program Overview:

Since the reunification of Germany in 1990, Berlin has been transformed into the country's political, economic, and cultural capital. The cultural renaissance is particularly striking in the visual arts and has included the vast expansion of museums and galleries to exhibit contemporary art. As one of the world's foremost art cities, Berlin is also home to diverse international, multi-ethnic arts communities grappling with local, national, and global issues. New cultural institutions have been founded with the commitment to reinterpret the volatile history of modern Germany.

Through preliminary readings, film screenings, and discussions, you will learn about Berlin's special position as a crucible of artistic, architectural, and museum-based experimentation at the heart of the new Germany and Europe. Stress will be placed upon how various branches of Berlin's cultural industry have sought to work through and beyond the memory and physical presence of two world wars and the National Socialist (1933-1945) and GDR (1948-1989) pasts. As part of this Study Abroad Course, you will meet with museum and collection curators, museum and monument educators, dealers in contemporary art, arts group organizers, and artists. Special attention will be given to those individuals and institutions who have developed new models of engagement with art, artists, and museums in the city.

 

Course Information:

Undergraduates- ARTH 379, 3 hrs

Graduate students -MST 679, 3 hrs.

On campus session with CODEC connected seminars to the QC will be held during the Fall 2013 semester. You are required to attend a pre-departure orientation session conducted by the Study Abroad Office (date/location TBA). Class participation, including contribution to discussions and attendance, is expected in all phases of the Course. Questions about the course content should be directed to Dr. Keith Holz.

 

 

Eligibility Requirements:

Undergraduates

1. Completed at least 12 semester hours
2. Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5

Graduate

1.  Accpted to a WIU graduate degree program

2.  Approval from graduate advisor and department chair

 

All students—Good standing with Student Judicial Programs and at least one of the following requirements: completion of or concurrent enrollment in at least one Art History course; completion of one or more years of college-level German; enrollment in the Museum Studies graduate program; or permission of the instructor. All majors welcome!

Non-degree students are welcome to apply. For eligibility requirements and application instructions, please contact the Study Abroad Office through the information below. Total enrollment for the program is limited to 15 participants.

 

Contact Information:

Academic Information                 Study Abroad

Dr. Keith Holz                              Kim McDaniel

Garwood 21A-B                          344 Memorial Hall

298-2563                                     298-2504

DK– Holz@wiu.edu                    KD-McDaniel@wiu.edu