
Oxford and London, England
June 15-22, 2024
Does anyone care about King Charles, anyway?
Dr. Candice Ortbals-Wiser
Department of Political Science and Criminal Justice
Charles III was crowned the King of the United Kingdom in May 2023. In the days before the coronation, 70% of British citizens aged 18 to 35 reported to pollsters that they were not interested in the Royal family. Although many Americans have been enamored by Harry and Meghan, as of 2023, fewer than half of Americans view the Sussexes favorably. So, who cares about the British Royal family? What is the role of the King as head of state in the United Kingdom and how does his role in politics compare to that of political executives in other countries? This course examines the political importance of the monarch during the history of the British empire, the political power of the monarch compared to that of Parliament over time, and current debates about the relevance of the monarchy in the 21st century.
Cost: $3,000 – includes course fees, airfare, lodging, excursions, daily breakfast, a few group meals and travel medical insurance. Students are responsible for other meals/snacks, souvenirs and extra excursions. Limited scholarships available based on application.
Oxford and London, England
July 13-20, 2024
Intro to Film through the Magic of Harry Potter
Matt Maxwell
Filmmaker in Residence
Discover the magic of the Harry Potter film series in England. Join us as we explore the famous set locations for the films throughout Oxford and London. You’ll have the opportunity to tour Warner Brother’s Film Studios in London, where the films were produced, and see the actual sets such as The Great Hall, Platform 9 3/4, and even Diagon Alley. Throughout this adventure, you’ll learn how films are created from idea inception to production, to film premiering at the theaters. We will also have the chance to create our own Harry Potter-inspired short film while in Oxford. If Hogwarts has been your dream, ACU will take you there. We can’t wait to make some movie magic with each of you muggles. Mischief managed.
Cost: $3,000 – includes course fees, airfare, lodging, excursions, daily breakfast, a few group meals and travel medical insurance. Students are responsible for other meals/snacks, souvenirs and extra excursions. Limited scholarships available based on application.
Leipzig, Germany and Prague, Czechia
June 15-22, 2024
Escaping Communism
Dr. Susan Lewis
Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs
In 1989, 20,000 refugees from Communist East Germany flooded into Prague. Through an exploration of art, music, literature, and history we’ll learn who these people were, why they were willing to take life-threatening risks to escape, and what happened next. As we travel through former East Germany into Prague, their stories will come alive. We’ll walk the musty corridors of the Secret Police (Stasi) Headquarters. We’ll peer into the peaceful garden that became a crowded refugee encampment. We’ll see the artifacts of two revolutions that led to freedom in the former Eastern Bloc. Experiencing the modern, vibrant, thriving cities of Leipzig, Germany, and Prague, Czechia, will unlock a moment in history that until now may have been confined to black and white history book photos.
Cost: $3,000 – includes course fees, airfare, lodging, excursions, daily breakfast, a few group meals and travel medical insurance. Students are responsible for other meals/snacks, souvenirs and extra excursions. Limited scholarships available based on application.
Leipzig and Berlin, Germany
July 13-20, 2024
Great German Scientists
Dr. Autumn Sutherlin
Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry
“If I have seen further, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants.” – Sir Isaac Newton. Our current understanding of science is built upon the contributions of those who preceded us. In this course, we will look into the lives and achievements of German scientists such as Albert Einstein, Caroline Hershel, and Werner Heisenberg. By retracing their footsteps and exploring the environments that inspired them, we will gain valuable insights into how these brilliant minds contributed to our understanding of the world around us, which is a reflection of the divine creation.
Cost: $3,000 – includes course fees, airfare, lodging, excursions, daily breakfast, a few group meals and travel medical insurance. Students are responsible for other meals/snacks, souvenirs and extra excursions. Limited scholarships available based on application.