Study Abroad in the Czech Republic: New Media in Prague – Academics

New Media Curriculum: How the Academics Fit Together

This program is for artists. But instead of paint, brushes, ink or clay, CET New Media students push the boundaries of contemporary art by relying on the most current of media. They create installations with interactive video. They use locative and mobile media. They produce code-based projects. They create multi-channel and multi-threaded sound and images.

All of this happens at the Film and Television School of the Academy of Performing Arts in Prague. FAMU, as it is locally known, is the top European film school (and ranked 7th in the world, if you’re counting). FAMU houses the Center for Audio Visual Studies (CAS), an art school within a film school. And it is at CAS that students have access to state-of-the-art facilities.

For their projects, students are in the driver’s seat. They work in small groups of international peers and are mentored by renowned FAMU faculty. They meet with a steady stream of visiting artists and media theorists who also share their expertise. It is no wonder that students rave about CET New Media, an intimate one-of-a-kind program for one-of-a-kind students.

New Media Spring Academic Requirements

All students enroll in two core courses—New Media Mentorship and New Media Workshop. In New Media Mentorship, students examine a New Media theme such as “Everything Aural” or “Instructions for Employing Tools.” Each student produces a project with guidance from the instructor. In New Media Workshop, students show and discuss their works in progress. The workshop is a combination of the American art school “studio visit,” “crit” and an open seminar. Mentorship: at least 3 hours/week. 3 recommended credits. Workshop: 1 hour/week. 1 recommended credit.

Students enroll in one or two CAS New Media courses. These classes are hosted by the Center for Audio Visual Studies and focus on methods and topics specific to New Media. 2 recommended credits each. Potential courses include:

• New Media History
• Open and Non-Linear Narrative

All students attend at least three Visiting Artist Modules. Throughout the semester, visiting European and North American artists, philosophers, media theorists and creative individuals present “events.” These are performances, workshops, lectures and students collaborations, based both on their own work and specific topics related to creating new media art. These modules typically last 1 to 3 days and take place over weekends. 3 recommended credits total.

All students enroll in Czech language. Czech language classes are “front-loaded.” This means that for the first week of the program, they meet for 4 hours/day. No other classes meet during this time. After that, language classes continue but at a slower pace, approximately 3 hours/week. Most students take Beginning Czech Language. Intermediate and advanced Czech language learners can be accommodated. 59 total hours. 3 recommended credits.

Students take one to three electives from CAS or FAMU. Electives focus on topics such as imaging, soundtracks and alternative cinematography. See the CAS website and the FAMU website for specific course offerings. Electives are taught in English and commence several weeks into the program. Courses are taken with other international students. 1 to 3 recommended credits each.

View all course options and download syllabi.

Classroom Matters

Prerequisites

There is no language prerequisite for this program. Students of all Czech language levels are welcome.

Students must be able to demonstrate (usually via their university transcript) previous background in new media before attending this program. If you are interested in this program but have no documented coursework in new media, please contact CET.

Students are required to submit a portfolio with their application. This portfolio is reviewed by FAMU Center for Audio Visual Studies in Prague prior to admission.

CAS and FAMU Courses

FAMU courses operate according to the Charles University calendar. They commence several weeks into the program. Elective offerings tend to be unpredictable from semester to semester. Flexibility is a must! CET assigns students an international student mentor to help them get the most out of their FAMU courses.

Academic Rigor

CET New Media is a study abroad program for serious students. Classes and workshops are scheduled Mondays through Fridays. Visiting Artist Modules take place on the weekends. Attendance is mandatory. Work on individual projects frequently spills over to evenings and weekends.

Outside the Classroom

Activities & Excursions

CET New Media students attend special tours, day trips outside of Prague, cultural events, film screenings and social activities with Czech students. They meet and hear exclusive lectures from members of Prague’s art community. Past students have:

• Attended a gallery opening and mingled with local artists at the after-party.
• Viewed an experimental noise-rock concert.

Overnight Academic Excursions

Once during the term, students depart Prague and venture on an overnight excursion together.

• Cesky Krumlov. This is a beautiful medieval/renaissance castle town on the Austrian border. The castles, deserted German villages and natural beauty of Cesky Krumlov’s surrounding region give students a new perspective on Czech history and culture.