European Field Studies – Germany and Italy: Memory, Place, and Change

Italy , Europe Germany , Europe April2025 Philosophy Geography

Duration of Program:

Itinerary

Apr. 22-25: Pre-departure: orientation and lectures at Langara, 6 hours/day (mandatory)

May 1–11: Berlin: this vibrant city becomes our classroom for 10 days! Deeply explore the cultural, political and moral issues embedded in this fascinating and ever-changing city

May 11: travel by train southward through Germany to Munich

May 11-15: Munich, Germany: journey to this lovely Bavarian city, and explore its complicated contrasts and connections to Rome and Berlin

May 15: travel by rail from Bavaria, through the spectacular Alps, to the unique city of Venice

May 15–18: explore Venice, the city of canals 

May 18: travel by rail through the heart of Italy to Rome

May 18-24: Rome: the Eternal City becomes our classroom for 7 days! Following our theme of memory, place and change, wander the ancient and modern city, exploring Mussolini’s EUR, unique neighbourhoods, and the legendary Tiber River

May 25: Program conclusion: return to Canada or embark on independent journeys in Italy and/or Europe

 



Program Overview:

Our journey begins in Berlin, but .... All roads lead to Rome!

Get ready to learn in four unique European cities with deep and rich histories, vibrant cultures, and striking contrasts to Vancouver. Activities will include instructor-led lectures, walking tours and guest lectures from local experts, visits to museums, memorials, and other sites of significance.


Program Themes and Highlights:

Memory and Change in Urban Contexts:

Explore how Berlin, Munich, and Rome confront their complex histories—Nazism, fascism, socialism, and reunification—to shape more ethical and sustainable futures.

•  Immersive Field-Based Learning:
Experience history firsthand through guided visits to museums, memorials, and architectural sites, supported by in-situ lectures, fieldwork, and critical reflections.

•  Global Lessons in Reconciliation:
Analyze European approaches to memorializing past injustices and draw meaningful comparisons to Canada’s efforts toward reconciliation and social justice.

•  Intercultural Growth and Ethical Awareness:
Build intercultural competence by navigating foreign cultures, reflecting on your role as a visitor, and engaging with diverse social, historical, and political contexts.

•  Philosophical and Ethical Insights:
Deepen your understanding of moral and political philosophy while forming critically informed views on pressing contemporary issues like migration, identity, and climate change.

 


Application Details and Deadlines:

You can apply to join the Field School following 3 easy steps: 
STEP 1: Read through the details of the field school and its application process here:
STEP 2: Fill out and submit your completed application and Statement of Interest  online, and follow instructions to submit all other supplementary documents.
STEP 3: Pay your non-refundable $500 deposit* towards your program fees for the field school by February 7th, 2025.

*non-refundable unless a student is not accepted into the program or the program is cancelled 

If you are applying from outside of Langara

To be eligible for the program, you must be admitted to Langara College first if you have not previously been accepted into a Regular Studies program at the college by following the steps below:

1) check and meet Langara’s admission requirements 

2) submit an application and supporting documentation to the college  

Note: When completing your application, you should indicate that you want to be admitted into the open-enrollment, Associate of Arts or Associate of Science program (unless you are planning to continue as a Regular Studies student in another program at Langara, in which case, you should apply for admission to that program). 

3) pay the application fee ($40 for domestic students and $155 for international students) 

4) receive and accept their Offer of Admission 

5) email a copy of their Langara acceptance letter to globalengagement@langara.ca  

6) complete and submit a Field Studies Application Form and Statement of Interest by February 7th, 2025 

7) pay a non-refundable $500 deposit* once you are deemed eligible for the program 

*non-refundable unless a student is not accepted into the program or the program is cancelled 

Contact Information:

Langara Global
globalengagement@langara.ca