Description

Memory and History in Istanbul

The Global Education Office and the Department of English at Virginia Commonwealth University in conjunction with Bosphorus University are pleased to announce an innovative 7-week summer study abroad opportunity in Turkey. Students will study the works of writers and filmmakers that are set in Istanbul and in different parts of the world while experiencing this
particular city's deep and rich cultural history.

Course and Credit Options: 3-9 VCU Credits
All students must enroll in ENGL 391: Memory and History in the Contemporary Novel and Film for 3 credits and may choose to enroll in one or two other courses (up to 6 credits) offered through Bosphorus University's summer catalog with the approval of the program director. These courses represent a wide variety of specialties and disciplines. Students will receive VCU credit (not transfer credit) for the courses taken at Bosphorus University.

Course Description:

In ENGL 391: Memory and History in the Contemporary Novel and Film, students will experience a cross-cultural and cross-disciplinary approach to various twentieth and twenty-first century visual and verbal narratives in order to gain an understanding of the role images and words play in the representation of history and memory. Students will experience novels
that turn to painting, sculpture, photography, film, television, video and the computer screen to recollect the past. The selected films will expose students to the complicated task of resurrecting the past from personal memories.

Students may also take up to two additional courses (6 credis) from Bosphorus University during the summer term. These courses constitute a wide variety of specialties and can be found in the Bosphorus University summer course catalog. Courses are categorized into various groups including Literature, Fine Arts, Languages, Sports, Politics, Economics, Business, Applied Disciplines, Science, Technology, Engineering, Philosophy, History, Psychology, Culture and Education. Final course selection must be approved by the program director and must not conflict with the meeting times for

ENGL 391: Memory and History in the Contemporary Novel and Film (tentatively scheduled on MWF 11-12:50). Students will receive VCU credit (not transfer credit) for the courses taken at Bosphorus University.

Highlights

While in Turkey
There will be several day excursions that will be held over the course of the program within the Istanbul Metropolitan area, which will compliment components of student coursework and will allow students to engage with the residents of Istanbul.

Housing:
Students will stay for the duration of the program in Bosphorus University's "Superdorm," which is located approximately one mile away from the main university campus where their classes will be held. A shuttle runs every 30 minutes between the Superdorm and the Bosphorus University campus.

This program will be directed by Dr. Ece Aykol, an instructor of English at VCU. Aykol has lived in Istanbul for most of her life and earned both her bachelor's and master's degrees from Istanbul University. This is her first time leading this program.

Degree Level

Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

Subject Areas

• English
• Film
• Painting
• Photography
• Sculpture

Cost in US$:

Approx. USD2,200 + airfare + tuition

Program Fees Include:

The program fee is approximately USD2,100 - USD2,300 and includes the following:
* Accommodations in Turkey
* Some meals
* Some ground transportation
* Study and museum visits
* On-site Program Director support
* Pre-departure orientation
* International Student Identity Card
* VCU administrative fees
* Application deposit

The following are not included in the program fee. Students are responsible for:
* Airfare
* VCU tuition and fees
* Public transportation
* Most meals
* Passport application fee
* Turkish tourist visa at the airport (USD20)
* Textbooks (approximately USD75)
* Cell phone in Turkey, if desired
* Personal expenses during the program (estimated at USD1,000 - USD2,000)
* Anything not specifically mentioned above

Airfare is not included. Participants are responsible for making their own round-trip travel arrangements from the US to their destination city. Program directors will meet with accepted students to go over specific travel logistics and may help students in identifying low-cost travel
options. For best fares, students are encouraged to purchase their tickets prior to April 15.

Experience Required

yes

This program is open to all students, regardless of major, who have at least a 2.0 GPA. Participants will need to have completed 3 credits in a 200-level art history, film, history or literature course (or the equivalent). Applicants will need to participate in a personal interview with the program director upon submission of application materials. Class standing, GPA and previous coursework may be taken into account when selecting participants. An academic letter of reference is required. Please submit this with your application materials after submitting the online form.

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Dormitory

Participants Travel

Independently

Typically Participants Work

in Groups of 10-15

Application Process Involves

• Essay
• In-Person Interview Required
• Letters of Reference
• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Phone/Video Interview
• Written Application

Typically The Application Process Time is

2-4 weeks

Post Services Include

• Exit Debriefing Abroad

Year Founded

1838