Dartmore Institute: Prague and Krakow - Power, Culture, and Human Rights in Central Europe

Defining and protecting human rights are among the greatest challenges of the 21st century.  In this program students investigate the evolution of human rights with an emphasis on developments in Central Europe since 1945,through exploration of the culturally and historically rich cities of Prague, Czech Republic, and Krakow, Poland.  Both suffered years of human rights violations under Nazism and Communism, and both emerged to form democratic societies.  Visit Prague's Jewish Cemetery and the Castle, the Krakow Ghetto, and Auschwitz, and meet civic activists and attend cultural events.  Examine the social and psychological impacts of war and oppression through the poetry of Symborska, the short stories of Vaculik and Kafka, the novels of Kundera, the plays of Havel and Stoppard.  Enjoy free time with Czech and Polish students in vibrant bistros and jazz clubs.  Through study and experience of place, examine the relationships among human rights, power, values, and culture.  Earn six credits in politics and/or philosophy at introductory or upper level according to specific additions to the program core curriculum.