Below are a couple of possible program outlines for your consideration:
Cultural Heritage of Hungary and Europe
The program focuses on cultural studies and includes engaging field trips and excursions to cultural sites in Pécs and Budapest. The program is comprised of the following courses:
• Introduction to European and Hungarian History
• Art History of Europe and Hungary
• History of European Gastronomy
• European and Hungarian Folk Traditions
• Current Political, Economic and Social Challenges of the European Union and Hungary
Summer/Winter School on Arts and Culture
The program includes several multidisciplinary studies (art history, religion and philosophy, urban history, and architecture) for students interested in art and history in Central Eastern Europe. Study modules organized in museums, world heritage sites and galleries containing art and architecture from the Roman Ages to the present day provide students with the opportunity to work with objects up-close, uncovering history from the past 1,500 years. The main topics include Early Christian Art, Renaissance Poetry and Intellectual Life, The Turkish Era, Secession and the Millennium, Arts and Culture in the Communist Era, History of the Jewish Population, and Modern and Contemporary Art.
European Studies
The program will provide students with knowledge on the following topics:
• European history and culture
• Current social and political issues in Europe
• Intercultural relations from a European perspective
• Explorations of European identity
Central and Eastern European Politics
This course introduces students to Central Eastern European politics and the overall political environment. It examines several compelling and unique topics including political and economic transitions within Central Eastern Europe, and the current role of the EU, migration and security in the region.
“Identities Under Pressure?” - A Changing European Union and a New Global Order in the Making
This 10-day course examines the changing intercultural climate within the European Union in light of global challenges and pressures such as the ongoing refugee crisis, transnational terrorism and regional cooperation across Central Eastern Europe. The course includes the following topics:
Migrants and Minorities in Central Europe
This program provides a historic overview of migrants and minority groups in Central Eastern Europe. The course analyzes international migration trends and policies across the region and includes the following modules: The History of Minorities and Migrants in Central Europe; 21st Century Migration Trends and Policies in Central Europe; and The Question of Nation States.
Central European Archaeology between East and West
This two-week program offers students the opportunity to continue their studies in a hands-on, experiential environment utilizing archeological sites and historical monuments from the Roman to Ottoman historical periods. The main academic topics include cultural connections between the Mediterranean region and Central Europe in prehistory and classical antiquity; Hungarian archaeology and its methods in the 21st century; Roman, early Christian, Medieval and Ottoman monuments in Pécs (UNESCO world heritage site); a field trip to Budapest (UNESCO world heritage site); and a field trip, archaeological excavation and museology study in the town of Paks, a future UNESCO world heritage site.
Diversity as a Resource for Creativity
The four-week program is comprised of two courses:
The following topics are discussed during the program: the socio-cultural context of the European Union and Hungary; cross-cultural investigations; city spaces and communities; subcultures and alternative culture; historical-archaeological investigations; and symbols and communities.
Creative Communities and Social Inclusion
This course is a practical approach to community work. During guided field trips, students will explore local communities and join some of their activities, such as contemporary art and mural painting workshops, folk art events, and theatre therapy experiences. Participants will also create multimedia reflections on their studies and analyze these video reports together to reach a deeper understanding of their common experiences in the community. At the conclusion of the course, students will outline development ideas for the communities they have studied, and for themselves as future professionals.
Identity and Intergroup Relations in Europe
The two-week program provides an understanding of how we form the reality we live in and what this tells us about ourselves. Through lectures and mentorship, students gain insight into the basic psychological processes of social identity, intergroup relation and minority-majority issues at different levels (local, societal and national) and from different perspectives (educational, organizational, cultural, historical and psychological).
Social Work
Themes will include the following topics:
European and Hungarian Wine Culture Study Week
During the study week, students explore European and Hungarian wine culture, as well as the philosophical, religious, linguistic, literary and artistic aspects of viticulture and oenology. The historical development of the culture of oenotouristic communication, wine gastronomy, wine and health, the long heritage of winemaking and wine tourism will be discussed. Additionally, students will learn about the historical and geographic development of wine culture from 6,000 BC to the present day.
Tour Guiding in Hungary
This two-week program provides an overview on the cultural heritage of Hungary and develops participants’ tour-guiding skills. The program also explores the current political, economic and social challenges of the country and develops students’ comprehensive understanding of Hungary’s history as well as art, gastronomy and folk traditions. Students discover the wonders of Hungary through city tours, field trips and guided visits to diverse cultural and natural heritage sites. The program develops tour guiding skills and interpretation techniques through seminars and on-site workshops.
The Theory and Practice of Education
The course addresses core issues of teaching and learning, including the relevance of classroom environment and resiliency, innovative learning and teaching practices, and formal and informal curricula. Roma learners in education is a special area to be studied because Roma people represent the largest ethnic minority group in Europe and Hungary. Studying the treatment of Roma students in the Hungarian education system yields insight into the broad subject of social and cultural differences in educational settings.
Academic English Studies
This course prepares students to read academic texts, build academic vocabulary and improve listening skills. They learn practical skills to promote their academic careers, such as how to take notes during lectures and participate in classroom discussions. Students learn how to reflect and think critically through experiential learning.
English Speaking Cultures
The course deals with broader and more specific aspects of British, American, and Postcolonial literatures and cultures of past and present. Possible options and study areas include film adaptations, cityscape, ecocriticism, page&stage, cross-cultural elements.