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How is this different from most study abroad programs?

In a number of significant ways, this project will provide students with experiences that are not part of a typical academic study abroad program. This project provides U-M undergraduates interested in German language, culture, and history with opportunities to explore issues of identity, oppression and status through study of and engagement with visual and theater arts. Students will study art works in Munich by 20th Century banned artists (“Degenerate Artists”) and they will explore and reflect on aspects of identity and culture through theater. The project will focus, in particular, on issues of identity and sites of “self” through a variety of activities that involve perception, production, and reflection.

Although a study abroad program might include the study of art or drama history as an elective component or study of German culture or history, this project aims to :

• simultaneously engage students in three activities that contribute to thinking critically and creatively about identity and the arts: namely: art perception, reflection and production (art making);
• increase awareness of identity issues through activities that focus specifically on intercultural communication (e.g., through workshops and excursions);
• help students make connections between their own perception of self, how they represent this (performance of self) and how they narrate self. This focus of understanding deliberately parallels the three foci for study of art identified above (perception, reflection, and production).
• help students understand the role and importance of the arts during times of oppression;
• make students responsible for sharing their own learning and awareness with others, both in Germany and in America upon their return.
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• The program is open to all UM undergraduates. Some students, who cannot afford a semester or a year abroad will find appeal in this immersion. At the same time, this program will be a great introduction to students interested in study abroad their junior year, and it could also be a great capstone course for graduating seniors. All interested students must interview with Janet, who will give them additional details at the interview.

• Return to: http://www.umich.edu/~jshie/Munich12.html

(Sorry, the application deadline has passed. Please watch for future study trips.)