The CENES Summer Vienna Go Global Seminar will be running in Summer 2025.
Students will learn about the long history of multiculturalism as a feature of imperial life. They will consider how multiculturalism shapes post-imperial political struggles and how it comes to define the lived experience of marginalized peoples in contemporary Vienna. Through scholarly texts, literature, film, and essays about Black, Jewish, migrant, and queer life in Vienna, students will learn about how multiculturalism serves as a major lens for marginalized populations to talk about their lived experience today. The study trip will permit students to visit the major sites for cultural contact and exchange in Vienna’s multicultural topography: pedestrian zones, public parks, cultural monuments and centres, cafés, universities, the central cemetery, the Nasch market, the Afro-Asian Institute, and faith organizations.
Main Areas of Focus During the Seminar:
- the multiculturalism of contemporary Vienna
- how multiculturalism shapes post-imperial political struggles
- how it comes to define the lived experience of marginalized peoples in contemporary Vienna
- scholarly texts, literature, film, and essays about Black, Jewish, migrant, and queer life in Vienna
- how multiculturalism serves as a major lens for marginalized populations to talk about their lived experience today
Experience and Conditions in the Field
- The seminar will be conducted in German and in English
- Material in English and German will support students on their Austrian research and culture studies journey
- Students will spend two weeks in Vancouver and two weeks in Vienna.
- Both are equally divided between theory and praxis.
Program Fees
Approximate program fee: $3200-3700 (Go Global fee, tuition, flights, and food) are not included.
Program fees include:
- Accommodation
- Program- related travel in-country (e.g. buses)
- Excursions and entrance fees
- Some group meals
- On-site guest lectures
Program fees do not include:
- Go Global fee
- Flights
- UBC tuition for credits
- Visa/country entrance fees
- Health or travel insurance
- Personal spending money
Funding available (click through to learn more about each award)
- ARA 50% or ARA 100% (qualifying Arts students only)
- Go Global Award (non-ARA qualifying students)
- Global Pathfinder Award Recipients of this award will not qualify for the $1000 Go Global Award and ARA.
Program Overview
Locations: Vancouver (May 5 – May 17) and Vienna (May 19 – June 1)
- This course is led by Uma Kumar, Faculty of Arts
- Course dates: May 5 – June 1, 2024
- Travel dates: Sun May 19 – Sat June 1
- Format: In-person*
During the half of the course that takes place in Vancouver, students will learn:
- about research methods
- development of a research question
- use of archives
- compilation of bibliographies/literature review culture
- showcase their preliminary ideas
- get feedback on the project
- refine their research project in preparation for field and archival work in Vienna
During the half of the course that takes place in Vienna, students will:
- Participate in on-site class meetings conducted by Dr. Kumar
- Attend guest lectures from experts and engage in conversations with community members
- Participate in site visits guided by local tour guides and conduct qualitative research
- Give presentations associated with cultural sites in and around the city of Vienna
Program-specific requirements
Prerequisite: Preference will be given to those who have GERN 102 (previously GERM 110) or equivalent
- This course is ideal for students
- majoring or minoring in German at UBC or
- those interested in pursuing these programs of study.
- Students in other disciplines welcome.
Questions
Please email Uma Kumar (uma.kumar@ubc.ca) for more information.
