Berlin, Germany

The Politics of Memory: Berlin History, Society & Culture

Customizable Global Pathways

Length:

Fall

Disciplines:

Cultural Studies, History, Political Science & International Relations

About the Program

Length: Fall Semester

We invite you to consider our IES Abroad Berlin Center as a site for welcoming your program cohort. Our program offers students a unique chance to explore how history is remembered, represented, and debated in one of Europe’s most historically significant cities in an immersive, semester-long program earning 12-16 credits. Through a combination of academic coursework, site visits, trips, and discussions with local experts, students will examine key topics such as: museums, memorials, discourses of commemoration, the legacies of World War II, the Holocaust, the Cold War, East and West Germany after reunification, and a nation’s struggle for unity, freedom, and democracy.

PLEASE NOTE: We cannot guarantee the availability of all housing, excursions, cultural events, guest lecturers or tours.

Academics

Academic Program includes:

One Faculty Director-taught course (content TBD by the University, not transcripted through IES Abroad Registrar) - 3-4 credits
2. Required IES Abroad gateway course "History of Modern Berlin" - 3-4 credits
3. Enrollment in two or three IES Abroad courses from our signature Urban Studies and Social Sciences program in Architectural History, Art History, Urban Design & Sustainability, Urban Politics, History, Cultural Studies, or German language - 6-9 credits with IES Abroad-sourced faculty

OR

Academic Program without School faculty director includes:

Required IES Abroad gateway course "History of Modern Berlin" - 3-4 credits
2. Enrollment in three or four IES Abroad courses from our signature Urban Studies and Social Sciences program in Architectural History, Art History, Urban Design & Sustainability, Urban Politics, History, Cultural Studies, or German language - 9-12 credits with IES Abroad sourced faculty

Support & Administration

U.S.-Based Customized Program Manager (CPM) and Coordinator (CPC):

Will assist your students in planning and preparing for your program.

Chicago-Based Dean of Students Office and Crisis Management Team:

Available 24/7 in case of serious student emergencies.

Center-Based Staff (Program Manager/Coordinators):

Available 24/7 in case of emergencies. Will be your Center contact for the program and work closely with you to prepare and implement the program. Will organize chaperons for IES Abroad-sponsored student trips and events.

Enhanced Health & Safety:

Additional predeparture orientations for the cohort prior to arrival on-site. Student Success Coordinator on-site and available to the group. Additional reflection time built into coursework and pre-/post-excursions.

CISI Insurance (Required):

This insurance covers IES Abroad students, faculty, and guests anywhere in the world during the specified program dates. Coverage includes doctor’s appointments, hospital stays, mental health treatment, and prescription drugs.

Visa Assistance:

IES Abroad will assist with the residence permit process for students with U.S. passport once on-site. Most international students will need to check with their consulate on immigration requirements and may need to apply for a visa before traveling to Germany. The IES Abroad Chicago advisor team will be able to assist them.

Orientation & Farewell

Orientation (Required):

Virtual and on-site orientations, including overview of the Center and the city, and comprehensive
health and safety.

Walking City Tour:

This guided tour will take you to all the major sites in Berlin.

Meals:

Enjoy two delicious meals (Welcome Dinner and Thanksgiving Dinner) at Berlin's most beloved restaurants to build sense of community and cohesion within the cohort, in addition to a Farewell Reception.

Transportation

Housing

Excursions

Site Visits Within City:

Program includes at least four site visits integrated in the IES Abroad-taught courses. Examples are
the Humboldt Forum, the Holocaust Memorial, Topography of Terror, the Stasi Museum, the Soviet
War Memorial, the Wall Memorial, or the Jewish Museum.

Day Trips Outside of City:

Program includes one day trip out of the city that highlights the context of the immediate region.
Examples include: Potsdam, Dresden, or the concentration camp memorial in Sachsenhausen.

Field Trips Outside of City:

Program includes one overnight (3 days/2 nights) field trip. Examples include: Munich, Hamburg, or
Bremen.

Cultural Events:

IES Abroad will arrange three cultural events for the School’s students during the program. Examples include: classical concert, theatre performances, athletic events, or film screenings.