Plagues, History, and Public Health
Summer Faculty-led Program
About the Program
This program will give students an integrated and in-depth study of the power of plagues to shape human history and their impact on public health. Over its long history, Prague has seen many plagues and epidemics, some of which have left still visible traces on the city landscape. Students will learn about the role of plague doctors, tour the Jewish quarter, examine life under medieval quarantine, and analyze plague art and architecture. Visits include locations associated with the impact of plagues, such as Prague Castle, plague columns in the city, the National Museum, the Terezin Memorial, and the city of Brno. Through primary sources, guest lecturers, and site visits, students will evaluate how infectious disease shapes human behavior, explain historical perspectives on infectious diseases, and discuss the impact of epidemics on public health practices in the past, present, and future. The program will be based on a popular course offering, MB200 The Fourth Horseman, Plagues that Changed the World.
View the program brochure.
Upcoming virtual Info Session:
When: January 14, 6:30-7:30 pm Zoom
Deadlines
| Application Opening | APPLICATION OPEN |
| Application Deadline (Early Action) | December 1, 2024 |
| Application Deadline (Regular) | February 5, 2025 |
| Scholarship Application Deadline* | November 15, 2024 |
For more details on How to Apply?
Overview
Program Dates: July 7 – 31, 2025
Courses
The program utilizes the historical city by visiting numerous museums, national monuments, cultural landmarks, and other significant venues to engage students in their coursework, providing first-hand experiences that inform critical and creative thinking.
| Prefix | Course Name | Credits | GEP | Instructor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MB 200 | The Fourth Horseman, Plagues that Changed the World. | 3 | Natural Sciences; Interdisciplinary Perspectives; Global Knowledge | Alice Lee; Michael Taveirne |
Eligibility
- GPA Requirements: minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA
- Be in good standing with the Office of Student Conduct.
- Meet the minimum eligibility policy set forth by the NC State Study Abroad Office
Program Cost
- Admin Fee: $450 ($75 non-refundable set-up fee and $375 study abroad fee)
- Program Cost: $4,700
- TOTAL: $5,150
Minimum number of students: 12
Included
- Tuition
- Housing
- Cultural activities
- Field trips
- International health insurance
- Transportation pass
- Airport pickup
- Orientation activities and materials
- Welcome and farewell dinners
- Student support services
- 24/7 on-site & emergency assistance
Not Included
- International airfare (Students are responsible for booking their flights as NC State Prague does not arrange group flights)
- Meals
- Supplies and personal expenses
- Textbooks and studio materials
- Passport fee (if applicable)
Faculty Leader Contact
Alice Lee | amlee3@ncsu.edu
Travel Documents: Passport
Students must have a valid passport to take part in any international travel. Passports must be valid for three months after their final day of travel. Students may apply for a passport from the US Passport Acceptance Facility.
Excursions, Cultural Activities and Field trips
- Orientation including culinary class, Czech language and culture workshop
- Select group meals
- Optional cultural and sporting activities include hiking, the opera, theater, farmer’s markets, royal gardens, medieval castles, and soccer/football matches.
Housing
Housing is included for all program participants, which is located in a nice residential part of the city, just a short ride from the Center, and near conveniences such as grocery stores, restaurants, gyms, and public transportation. In addition to your NC State program peers who live along with you, several Student Housing Assistants also reside in the same building and provide additional support and help with local connections. Rooms are double-occupancy, with shared bathrooms and kitchen space. Students may request a roommate or otherwise will be matched up.
PAST PRAGUE SUMMER STUDENTS:
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