This course explores important themes in Czech culture and offers a basic introduction to Czech language. Selected topics provide perspectives on Czech identities, history, politics, economics, and cultural and social life with an aim to help students better situate their learning within the Czech context. This course explores both dominant and marginalized cultures in the Czech Republic leading to a broad and nuanced understanding of the dynamism of Czech culture today. The language learning focuses on basic Czech vocabulary and grammar structures for simple every-day interactions within the context of Czech cultural norms and values. The course discussions, activities and various field studies facilitate direct engagement with a new culture to foster students' adaptation to the new environment and to develop their own cross-cultural awareness.