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International Field Trips

Montclair Spring in Berlin
Theater and Dance International Field Trip

Course: January – May 2012
Travel: March 8-18, 2012

 

Program Overview
The goal of this course is to explore the vibrant theatre scene in Berlin as an outstanding example of cutting-edge contemporary European theatre practices and performance.   
Throughout the spring semester and prior to the trip to Berlin, students will meet once a week. The course will include a brief introduction to German history and culture as well as readings and discussions on current theater in Germany. Guest speakers will discuss the role of Berlin in 20th century German history, including the Weimar Republic, World War II, the division of the city into East and West Berlin during the Cold War (including a discussion of The Candy Bombers), and the emergence of Berlin as one of, if not the most important cultural centers in Europe today. Student will explore modern and contemporary German theatre artists, practices and performances and read English translations of the plays they will attend in Berlin The one-week study tour in Berlin is an integral part of the spring semester course. Participants attend performances in Berlin’s established theatres as well as the more avant-garde performance venues. 

Highlights
Theater Performances (approximately five) and theater tours to include the following:
Berliner Ensemble, Volksbuhne, Schaubuhne; Deutches Theater and/or Kammerspiele as well as from among the following: English Language Theatre, Maxim Gorki Theatre, Sopiensaele, etc.
Museums: Reichstag, Brecht-Weigel Museum. Pergamon, Memorial for Murdered Jews of Europe, Berlin Wall, Potsdam, New National Gallery, Bauhaus Archive

Faculty
Dr. Jane T. Peterson and Dr. Debbie Saivetz, Associate Professors in the Department of Theatre and Dance at Montclair State University, will serve as faculty for this course.  Dr. Peterson teaches theatre history and dramatic literature and is a professional dramaturg; Dr. Saivetz teaches acting and directing, and is a professional director specializing in contemporary American and Latino theatre.

Guest lecturers from the New York/New Jersey area will lecture on German history and culture.  A variety of guest artists will conduct tours and seminars with the students in Berlin.
 
Academic Requirements
All students register for one of the following:
THTR 432: Theater Scenes/Berlin
THTR 509 Special Topics: Theater Scenes/Berlin
Students will read plays in translation prior to seeing the performances in Berlin.  There will be quizzes on the plays during the classroom periods.  Each student will be required to write a 5 - 7 page paper on one of the productions in Berlin; the paper will include the following: background research on the playwright, the theatre company that produced the play, critical response to the production, and a personal response to the production.

A limited number of non-students will be accepted for the Berlin tour only, for an additional administrative fee.
Accommodations and Meals
Participants will stay in a centrally located Berlin hostel hotel in double occupancy rooms with private bath. Breakfasts are included throughout.

Estimated Program Cost: $2,200
The program cost includes:

  • Roundtrip airfare
  • 2 star hostel hotel with continental breakfast
  • Transfers in Germany
  • Theatre tickets
  • All lectures, workshops, and tours

Program costs are based on 15 participants and current exchange rates and are subject to change.
Application Procedure and Payment Schedule:
The minimum GPA considered will be 2.75. All participants are required to have an interview with one or both of the faculty. Applications should include one reference form completed by a faculty member other than Prof. Peterson or Prof. Saivetz, plus the $100 non-refundable deposit.
Once accepted into the program, the payment schedule for program costs is as follows:
Non-Refundable Deposit:        $ 100
Deposit by Nov. 15:                 $ 900
Deposit by Dec. 15:                 $ 650
Final Payment by Feb.1:          $ 650 (final amount to be confirmed)
Make checks payable to “Montclair State University”.

Pre-Enrollment Form

Non-students: Please add administrative fee of $300 for the travel portion without the spring semester course tuition.

For further information:
Contact the Global Education Center at 973-655-4185 or email simonW@mail.montclair.edu.
Contact Jane Peterson at 973-763-4109 or petersonJ@mail.montclair.edu or Debbie Saivetz at 973-655-3353 or saivetzD@mail.montclair.edu
Or visit us on the web at www.montclair.edu/globaled