Prague Courses – 2027 Summer Sessions I & II
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 three to seven credits in each summer session. At least one 3-credit course is required each session you are enrolled. Courses are taught in English and no prior knowledge of the Czech language is required, though taking a language course while you are abroad is encouraged for a richer cross-cultural experience.
Courses Offered
Course availability is contingent upon scheduling constraints, meeting enrollment minimums, and is subject to change. View course details and descriptions.
Summer Session I
Czech Language, Culture, & the Arts
- Alternative Culture, Literature, Music, and Lifestyles
- Experiments in Czech Film
- From Medieval to Contemporary: Exploring the Great Art and Architecture of Prague
- Introduction to Czech Language I
- Travel Photography
European Studies
- Global Economy
- Modern History of Central Europe
- Politics in Europe's New Democracies
- Sports Marketing: Czechia and Europe
- The Global Food Challenge
- Vienna and Budapest Field Study
Summer Session II
Czech Language, Culture, & the Arts
- Czech Cinema - Image and Memory
- From Medieval to Contemporary: Exploring the Great Art and Architecture of Prague
- Introduction to Czech Language I
- Introduction to Czech Language II
- Travel Photography
European Studies
- Central Europe's Green Revolution
- Health Psychology
- Modern Central European and Czech Politics
- Sports Marketing: Czechia and Europe
- The Holocaust: Twentieth-Century Jewish Studies
- Vienna and Budapest Field Study
U.S. Visiting Professors
While most USAC courses are taught by local faculty, the following U.S. professors will also teach in this program:
Summer Session I, 2027
Course: Global Economy
Dhanushka Thamarapani, Ph.D., California State University, Chico
Dr. Dhanushka Thamarapani is an Associate Professor of Economics at California State University, Chico and a Non-resident Fellow at Monash University’s Centre for Development Economics and Sustainability. Her work focuses on development economics and applied econometrics, with particular emphasis on human capital, poverty, and the long-term impacts of economic shocks. Her research appears in leading journals such as Economic Development and Cultural Change and World Development, and she has served as a consultant with organizations including the World Bank, contributing to policy analysis on poverty, social protection, and education systems. She brings an international perspective shaped by her academic training across Sri Lanka, Japan, and the United States. An engaged educator, she connects real-world policy applications to the classroom, reinforcing the link between her research, consulting work, and teaching. Her courses emphasize analytical thinking and the application of economic frameworks to contemporary global challenges, and she is committed to fostering inclusive learning environments that support students from diverse academic and cultural backgrounds.
Summer Session II, 2027
Course: Health Psychology
Megan Wrona, Ph.D., Fort Lewis College
Dr. Megan Wrona is a Professor of Psychology at Fort Lewis College, located in Durango, Colorado. Dr. Wrona is a licensed psychologist and teaches clinically oriented psychology courses such as Health Psychology, Abnormal Psychology, Group Psychotherapy, and Psychological Testing. She studied abroad twice during her own schooling and enjoys exploring new places and cultures. She is passionate about providing unique learning experiences for students and getting to know her students as people, not just students.
USAC Course Descriptions
Click the course title to view course details, description and availability. To request a course syllabus: syllabus@usac.edu
- Summer Session IAnthropology Sociology 400-level 3 credits Taught in English
This course provides critical insights into the social functions and practices of ‘alternative’ urban lives in postindustrial society, including artistic production such as modern and postmodern art, street-art, underground, dissent, alternative, experimental, performance, situationist, alter-globalization movements, among others through multidisciplinary cultural, literary, and media studies perspectives. .
- Summer Session IIEnvironmental Science Political Science 300-level 3 credits Taught in English
Sustainable Development has become a commonplace term and a major reference point in global, national, and municipal politics of most countries, and increasingly also in the actions and policies of various political leaders. The overarching 2015 global framework of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) required UN member states, international organizations, as well as NGOs, businesses, cities and other stakeholders to align their activities/policies along 17 broad areas, ranging from poverty, inequalities to environment, peace, and good governance.
In this course, we will first explore the theories and concepts that support this global development framework. In the first block of the course, we will discuss links between sustainability and quality of life, learn about different ways to measure progress and discuss the ways in which the SDG is different in comparison to previous global development projects. In the second block, we will analyze, based on selected issues of poverty and migration, the role of different actors, the challenges they face, and the types of solutions they offer. The third block will be devoted to the highly important topic of our day – climate change. After establishing background, we will examine strategies offered by businesses, as well as by local communities, to mitigate the impacts and adapt to the new conditions. We will conclude the course with presentations of field projects and discussions synthesizing course themes and major take-aways.
Individual classes combine traditional lecture with interactive debates and workshops, screenings of documentaries, case studies, and guest lectures. As part of this course, students will be invited to visit concrete organization (be it a business, an NGO or a public organization) that is designed on the principles of sustainable development and explore its activities and contributions. At the end of the course, students will have the opportunity to share and discuss their findings.
- Summer Session IIArt English Film 300-level 3 credits Taught in English
The aim of the course is to present the most important trends and moments in the history of Czech cinema and to place the films in their historical (political and cultural) context. The topics are not presented in chronological order, but this arrangement helps to illustrate some specific aspects of the development of Czech cinema. The historical facts and artistic and theoretical (ideological) ideas will be explained using specific examples from the history of Czech cinema. During the course, students will watch selected feature films (with English subtitles) or short examples that illustrate the topic being discussed. Students will read the texts required for each lesson and discuss them in class. Lively discussion is expected. Students should ask anything that is not clear, bring their own ideas, and actively participate in the program of the course.
- Summer Session IArt Film Honors 300-level 3 credits Taught in English
The course will offer insight into Czech cinema, highlighting different aspects of Czech filmmaking and a variety of approaches to filmmaking, including magic realism and surrealism. Students will view and analyze classic Czech films, experimental films, documentaries, and poetic films.
Honors-eligible: This course is eligible for honors credit. Membership in your home university Honors program and supplemental honors learning agreement is required to receive honors credit for this course. See USAC Honors page
- Summer Session IArt Film Honors 300-level 3 credits Taught in English
The course will offer insight into Czech cinema, highlighting different aspects of Czech filmmaking and a variety of approaches to filmmaking, including magic realism and surrealism. Students will view and analyze classic Czech films, experimental films, documentaries, and poetic films.
Honors-eligible: This course is eligible for honors credit. Membership in your home university Honors program and supplemental honors learning agreement is required to receive honors credit for this course. See USAC Honors page
- Summer Session IArchitecture Art 300-level 3 credits Taught in EnglishSummer Session IIArchitecture 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.
- Summer Session IEconomics General Business 300-level 3 credits Taught in English
This multi-disciplinary course covers various aspects of globalization, including the environmental, cultural, and economic dimension of globalization-international trade and the role of multi-national corporations (MNC’s). The aim of the course is to help students to understand the process of globalization and its influence on the world economy. It explains the dynamics and importance of the internet and mass media for fostering cross-cultural communication. The course combines theoretical approach with case studies and practical discussions. Students are expected to follow press and electronic articles to be able to participate actively.
- Summer Session IIPsychology 300-level 3 credits Taught in English
This course will provide an overview of health psychology and the intersection of psychology with the medical setting and physical health, focusing on a wide range of topics, including stress, health behaviors, processes of change, and the role of a health psychologist. This course will also encourage you to think critically, explore your own process of change, communicate effectively and develop basic scientific inquiry skills.
- Summer Session ICzech 200-level 1 credit Taught in EnglishSummer Session IICzech 200-level 1 credit Taught in English
This course introduces students to the Czech language and provides skills essential to communication. The instructor supervises model conversations and real conversational situations during walks in the old town. Students with previous knowledge of the Czech language attend the advanced module of this course, read short articles in local newspapers, and do independent research on the social and cultural life of Czech society. This course is also suitable for students from Czech heritage families.
- Summer Session IICzech 200-level 1 credit Taught in English
This course introduces students to the Czech language and provides skills essential to communication. The instructor supervises model conversations and real conversational situations during walks in the old town. Students with previous knowledge of the Czech language attend the advanced module of this course, read short articles in local newspapers, and do independent research on the social and cultural life of Czech society. This course is also suitable for students from Czech heritage families.
Prerequisite: Introduction to Czech Language I
- Summer Session IIPolitical Science 400-level 3 credits Taught in English
Central and East European (CEE) countries seem to be standing at the crossroads. Liberal democracy is challenged across the region. Populist, authoritarian, and anti-political tendencies are rising. Does this stem from unresolved legacies of the Communist past? Or does it reflect pre-Communist authoritarian political cultures? Or does it simply mirror contemporary global tendencies of anti-establishment moods? With a similar geopolitical position in the former Eastern Bloc, the communist regimes in countries such as Czechoslovakia, Poland, and Hungary differed significantly, as did their transitions to democracy in 1989-1991. This comparative aspect will be studied with special focus. Students are encouraged to challenge the mainstream understanding of “transition” as a predictable, gradual and irreversible progress towards the standard “Western” model.
- Summer Session IHistory 400-level 3 credits Taught in English
The course will focus on modern Central European political, social and cultural history through a comparison of the modern Czech experience with the histories of other Central European countries, which all historically shared the same fate of small nations between two large historical rivals: Germany in the West and Russia in the East.
- Summer Session IPolitical Science 400-level 3 credits Taught in English
Decades after successful transitions from communism, liberal democracy in some Central European countries continues to be challenged. In this course, students will develop the theoretical and historical foundation necessary to analyze political transition of central European nation states as well as an advanced understanding of Czech, Polish, and Hungarian politics. This course will cover topics related to the challenges of democratic transitions in central Europe, the rise of populism, and ongoing polarization. Students will be encouraged to challenge the mainstream understanding of “transition” as a predictable, gradual, and irreversible progress, as understood by the western model.
Prerequisite: one semester of college level political science
- Summer Session IMarketing 300-level 3 credits Taught in EnglishSummer Session IIMarketing 300-level 3 credits Taught in English
Arena and stadium marketing shines a light on modern buyer behavior, branding, marketing communication, consumer engagement, event management and more. Sports teams and arena owners need to constantly improve the experience they provide to their loyal fans while attracting and retaining new customers. Even the smallest sports venue needs to market creatively and consistently to keep the fans coming back. Today’s arenas and stadiums represent a myriad of opportunities for experiential marketing, from pop-up events to augmented reality and everything in between. Through an analysis of how stadium venues across the globe market themselves, this course examines the globalization of entertainment, service and leisure marketing. It shows new product development, relationship management, and brand management as complex ongoing processes that, if understood and mastered can transform a mere building into thousands of core memories.
- Summer Session IAgriculture Geography 200-level 3 credits Taught in English
Food is central to our lives; this is so in many more ways than the action of eating to sustain body and brain. Food is embedded in culture and acts as a strong, binding link between families and societies, and even between societies as food products and recipes travel the world. More importantly, what is less known is that food production and consumption stand at the crossroad of the big world challenges that humanity faces: hunger, poverty, energy, environment, climate change, and population growth. Finally, access to food is a condition to the political stability of a country as mass demonstrations against high food prices (known as ‘food riots’) have shown in recent years.
The objective of the course is to help students understand the multiple roles that agriculture, food production. and consumption play in the XXI century, as well as how they can act as both a problem and as a solution to the world challenges ahead of us.
The lecture will be divided in 3 parts:
- The global challenge of food security
- Agriculture at the crossroads of other global challenges
- Transformation of food systems
Each lecture will include a short introductory lecture, followed by a presentation and discussion of the readings, film screenings, and field trips.
- Summer Session IIHistory Honors Religious Studies 400-level 3 credits Taught in English
In this course, students will explore twentieth-century Jewish theology and analyze specific events from the Holocaust, or properly speaking shoah, meaning catastrophe, annihilation, or devastation. This course will help students develop the theoretical foundation necessary for identifying and analyzing the role of ideology and faith in the Holocaust.
Prerequisite: One semester of college-level humanities, or equivalent
Honors-eligible: This course is eligible for honors credit. Membership in your home university Honors program and supplemental honors learning agreement is required to receive honors credit for this course. See USAC Honors page
- Summer Session IIHistory Honors Religious Studies 400-level 3 credits Taught in English
In this course, students will explore twentieth-century Jewish theology and analyze specific events from the Holocaust, or properly speaking shoah, meaning catastrophe, annihilation, or devastation. This course will help students develop the theoretical foundation necessary for identifying and analyzing the role of ideology and faith in the Holocaust.
Prerequisite: One semester of college-level humanities, or equivalent
Honors-eligible: This course is eligible for honors credit. Membership in your home university Honors program and supplemental honors learning agreement is required to receive honors credit for this course. See USAC Honors page
- Summer Session IArt Journalism 200-level 1 credit Taught in EnglishSummer Session IIArt Journalism 200-level 1 credit Taught in English
This course will introduce the theoretical and technical aspects of photography while providing an overview of the historical development of photography as a creative endeavor. Students learn the main features of their camera, the basics of exposure management, managing lighting, and understanding composition as they develop a sense of place and their own ways of visualizing their travel experiences.
- Summer Session IHistory Political Science 400-level 1 credit Taught in EnglishSummer Session IIHistory Political Science 400-level 1 credit Taught in English
This course is designed as an introduction to Vienna and Budapest, the capital cities of Austria and Hungary as well as Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia. Students will visit historical and contemporary sites of cultural and political significance with a focus on the historical development of the region, ethnic relations, European integration, and contemporary political and economic conditions.
Co-requisite: Vienna and Budapest Tour