Prague Courses – 2027 January Session
Academics
Prague offers an immersive academic experience where history, culture, and creativity converge in one of Europe's most compelling cities. Its medieval architecture, complex political past, and influential artistic traditions create a vivid backdrop for exploring how societies change and how people understand identity, memory, and expression. With a lively creative scene, a growing focus on sustainability, and an atmosphere that blends deep historical roots with modern energy, Prague provides an inspiring setting for interdisciplinary learning across the humanities and social sciences.
You will enroll in one three-credit course during the January term. Courses are small and meet daily for a minimum of three hours plus homework outside of class. The intimate class size allows for meaningful discussions and close interaction with your professor and other students. No prior knowledge of the Czech language is required since all courses are taught in English.
Courses Offered
Course availability is contingent upon scheduling constraints, meeting enrollment minimums, and is subject to change. View course details and descriptions.
January Session
Czech Society, European Studies,
& the Arts
- Czech Cinema - Image and Memory
- From Medieval to Contemporary: Exploring the Great Art and Architecture of Prague
- Postwar 2.0: Central Europe from WWII to Today
- Spies, Secrets, and Surveillance
- Sports Marketing: Czechia and Europe
USAC Course Descriptions
Click the course title to view course details and description. To request a course syllabus: syllabus@usac.edu
- January SessionArt English Film 300-level 3 credits Taught in English
The course will offer intensive insight into the Czech cinema. The aim is to show different faces of Czech filmmaking, i.e. the variety of approaches toward the film media. Alongside the classic Czech movies, the students will have a chance to watch and analyze experimental films, the documentary, and poetic film.
- January SessionArchitecture Art 300-level 3 credits Taught in English
The course is a survey of styles, trends and movements focusing on the fine arts and architecture in Prague and the Czech Republic against the background of European influences. It covers the Medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque periods, up to Modernism and the Contemporary art scene. Special attention will be paid to the unique characteristics and developments of art (e.g. Prague Castle, Baroque churches, Czech cubism) and to the most significant periods in Czech history (era of Charles IV, Rudolf II). Tours, field trips and visits to museums and galleries are a substantial part of the course.
- January Session400-level 3 credits Taught in English
In his eminent work Postwar, historian Tony Judt described Europe after WWII as consciously building a new establishment not reminiscent of the prewar era. He succeeded in explaining the Communist governments in East-Central Europe as part of the story. Inspired by the book, this course is an invitation into an era starting with the fall of Berlin in May 1945, yet not stopping – as Judt did - in 1989. The present interpretation of the history of Central European societies will also include their post-Communist transformations in the 1990s and take their perspective to look at more recent challenges that the European Union and the global establishment are facing.
The objective of the course is to help students enhance their experience in the Czech Republic by becoming aware of the contradictory post-1945 era in the region’s history. Each class will include an introductory lecture followed by interactive projects, discussions of the readings, film screenings, field trips, and debates with guest speakers etc.
Prerequisite: introductory coursework in college-level history, or equivalent
- January SessionHistory Political Science 200-level 3 credits Taught in English
We’re excited to introduce this new course option as course details are being finalized. Please check back after 1/15 for full course details.
- January SessionMarketing 300-level 3 credits Taught in English
We’re excited to introduce this new course option as course details are being finalized. Please check back after 1/15 for full course details.