Study Abroad in Austria

Dates
June 14 - July 2, 2008

The Program
Vienna was once the capital of the vast Hapsburg Empire, which included modern day Austria, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, parts of Italy and Poland, and even Spain. In order to showcase their wealth, power, and taste, the ruling Hapsburg family furnished their imperial capital with decadent palaces, extravagant theaters and opera houses, inspiring churches, and some of the best museums in Europe. For this reason Vienna earned the nickname “city of dreams,” and is still breathtakingly beautiful.

During the reign of the Hapsburgs, Vienna attracted people from throughout the empire. This made Vienna less of an Austrian city and more of a cosmopolitan metropolis with a unique identity. It also made Vienna a world leader in culture and art. In the late 1800s there were simultaneous and interconnected revolutionary movements in Viennese politics, arts, and culture. This period produced Schönberg’s ground-breaking12-tone musical compositions, Adolph Loos’s striking streamlined buildings, and the paintings of Gustav Klimt and Egon Schiele. During this time Freud developed and practiced his psychoanalytic theory, while Adolph Hitler and Theodor Herzl (founder of the modern Zionist movement) experienced their formative years. We will explore modern Vienna and study the art, culture, and politics of this turbulent era, which continues to shape the city today.

Activities
Students will tour the city and contemplate its architecture, visit the Museum of the History of Vienna and the Belvedere Palace art museum, and spend an evening at the “Prater,” Vienna’s famous carnival (featured in the 1949 film “The Third Man”). Students are also encouraged to visit Vienna’s famous coffeehouses and pastry shops, and enjoy the atmosphere of its traditional beer gardens (and “Heurige”). [64 words]

Courses
[students must choose one of the following courses]


“German Study in Vienna”
German language (4 hrs)

Students will receive intense German instruction at the ActiLingua Academy in the mornings and then learn about Vienna and its history on field trips with the philosophy class in the afternoons. There will also be ample opportunity to practice German reading and speaking skills while exploring the city and interacting with the people of Vienna.

“Wittgenstein’s Vienna”
Philosophy 499 (4 hrs)/Philosophy 599 (4hrs)
Dr. Chris Meyers
Ludwig Wittgenstein, one of the most important philosophers of the 20th Century, was described by Bertrand Russell as “the most perfect example of genius traditionally conceived,” while economist J.M. Keynes simply referred to him as “a god.” Wittgenstein’s ideas have traditionally been interpreted within the British analytic tradition. However, some scholars have argued that his philosophy goes deeper, touching on issues of ethics, metaphysics, and the meaning of life, and that proper appreciation of Wittgenstein requires understanding the late 19th century Viennese culture within which he grew up and developed his philosophical interests.

Eligibility
To qualify, undergraduate students must be in good academic standing with a minimum GPA of 2.0 and have at least 28 semester hours of university coursework. Graduate students must be in graduate standing.

Costs
Undergraduate cost is $3,699/Graduate cost is $3,899
Costs include tuition and fees, housing with breakfast, ground transportation in Vienna, museum admissions, and guest speakers. Classes at ActiLingua Academy also included for students taking the German course.

Financial Aid
The Vienna Studies Program qualifies for financial aid in the form of guaranteed student loans, Summer Pell Grants, or graduate assistantships. Southern Miss’ students interested in receiving financial aid should contact the International Programs office.

Application Deadline
Completed applications with $200 deposit are due by April 18, 2008.  Balance of fees, less deposit, is due no later than April 25, 2008.  Acceptance for qualified participants is made on a first come, first serve basis, so students are encouraged to apply early. Final authority over enrollment decisions rests with the program director and the Director of International Education.

Assistance and Information
The University of Southern Mississippi
International Programs
118 College Dr. #10047
Hattiesburg, MS 39406-0001
Phone: 601-266-4344
Fax: 601-266-5699
Email: studyabroad@usm.edu

Dr. Chris Meyers
The University of Southern Mississippi
Department of Philosophy and Religion
118 College Dr. #5015
Hattiesburg, MS 39406-0001
Phone: 601-266-4524
Email: cd.meyers@usm.edu

On to London...
From July 6 to August 5 the University of Southern Mississippi’s renowned British Studies Program will offer coursework in over a dozen academic areas—from Shakespeare to politics to international business. Students who participate in the Vienna Studies Program and then continue on to London and enroll in the British Studies Program receive a substantial discount on the Vienna program. Why not extend your time in abroad, earn an extra six credit hours, and get a complete European experience? For more information on enrolling in the British Studies Program, contact International Programs.

click here for the Austrian Studies application