Program Type: Non-UT program
Dates: July 24 - August 14th, 2010
Application Deadline: Priority Deadline: December 1, 2009; Final deadline: March 1, 2010
Language of Instruction: English
UT instructor: Dr. Stephen Reese
Information Session Schedule

Overview

“There is no global issue, no political arena, no academic discipline in which the statement of problems and the framing of possible solutions are not influenced by media coverage.”

The Salzburg Academy on Media & Global Change is a unique three-week study abroad program in Salzburg, Austria. Sixty students and a dozen faculty attend from all five continents to literally create a dynamic, online Global Media Literacy curriculum. In debates and workshops, through lectures and small group sessions the students decide how universities should teach about how media cover the world.

The intent of The Salzburg Academy Program is:

• • to encourage cross-cultural thinking about the roles media play in global affairs and public policy
• • to help students and faculty evaluate distinctive international media and policy models and consider their advantages and limitations
• • to propose and initiate standards regarding media coverage of issues such as terrorism and climate change

In addition to helping to create media literacy materials for use in classrooms everywhere, the Academy students and faculty also create accompanying teaching modules focusing on how the world's media cover such critical international issues as climate change, religion and terrorism.

To hear the students talk about what they created and experienced visit the Salzburg Academy's web site, and read the Salzburg Academy Blog. Patricia Stivo (pictured above) says: “To tell a little bit about my experience with the Salzburg Academy is to recall the best educational excursion of my life.”

Eligibility

The program is open to all undergraduate and graduate students in good academic standing. Undergraduate students should have a minimum overall UT-Austin GPA of 3.0, and at least 60 credit hours by the summer of participation. Priority will be given to applicants from the College of Communication. There are no course prerequisites, but some communication course work is recommended.

In 2009, participation was capped at 50 students, with a maximum of 20 coming from Maryland and other American Universities. Five seats are reserved each year for students of The University of Texas at Austin.

Courses & Credit

The Salzburg program consists of two three-credit courses, and is designed to address the curricular needs of both upper-level undergraduates and graduate students.

Global Media Literacy (Transfer Credit: RTF365 or RTF384). This course will explore how distinctive media (television, newspapers, the Internet, magazines, radio and film) shape views of global events and global issues within nations, across regions and internationally. From stories on celebrities to coverage of crises, how do American, African, Asian, European, Middle Eastern and South American media differ in their reporting?

Global Change, Global Cooperation, Global News (Transfer credit: J349T/J395). This course will examine and evaluate how media around the world not only cover but help frame two issues of contemporary importance. How does coverage of poverty and public health, for example, shape not only our view of events, but our understanding of possible solutions? How can we use media to become more knowledgeable and responsible world citizens?

UT Journalism professor Steve Reese has taught in the 2008 and 2009 programs, and will teach again in 2010, along with other professors from various countries. Breakout sections of 10-12 students each are generally supervised by two faculty members.

Credit for two courses (6 credit hours) is granted by the University of Maryland, and is considered transfer credit at The University of Texas at Austin. Credit is considered in-residence for most requirements within the College of Communication at The University of Texas at Austin. Please note that some UT Austin programs limit transfer credit in the major, so it is imperative that students consult their academic advisor in order to make an informed decision regarding the impact of their participation in the program. All UT participants are required to obtain approval from their academic advisor prior to participation in order to determine how the course credits will apply toward their UT degree.

Accommodations

The students and faculty study in the world-renowned Schlossleopoldskron, an 18th century Rococo palace built by the Prince Archbishop of Salzburg, owned by the King Ludvig I of Bavaria, renovated by Max Reinhart, the co-founder of the Salzburg Music Festival, and used for the von Trapp family home in “The Sound of Music.”

Scholarships & Financial Aid

Students can apply for the UT International Education Fee (IEF) scholarship through the Global Assist system. The Salzburg Academy program code is: 300999. The scholarship application deadline is March 1 for summer.

Because the Salzburg Academy is considered a “non-UT program,” students receiving financial aid through the UT Office of Student Financial Services will not be able to use their financial aid toward this program.

Check the external funding resources information available on the funding for study abroad page for other resources that may apply to your participation in this program.

Student Expenses

These are estimated expenses for 2010:

UMCP Program fee:  $6,100* (Includes Application fee of $30; $270 non-refundable deposit; and $250 Study Abroad Fee)
Airfare $1,300
Personal expenses $400
Passport $100
ISIC card $22
Total estimated expenses: $7,922

*Fee included tuition for 6 credits, shared double occupancy accommodations in the newly renovated 17th century Meierhof building next door to the Schloss; full board, including buffet style breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as coffee/tea breaks; all student academic fees including field trips and group activities; and general administrative costs of the Salzburg Seminar and the University of Maryland.