Frequently Asked Questions
Application process
After you have received your letter of admission
Travel
About the venue
Miscellaneous
Application process
1. How can I apply to the
You may apply to the HCA Spring Academy through our online application system, which will be open during the application period only.
2. When is the deadline for applying to the
The application deadline is November 15, 2013
3. Who can apply for the HCA Spring Academy?
You can apply for the HCA Spring Academy if you are already a Ph.D. candidate and your thesis topic is in the field of American Studies, including History, Literature, Law, Politics, Religion, Geography, Sports, Economics, Education, or Sociology.
4. What is the conference language?
The language of the conference is English and all presentations will be made in English. Applicants are advised that it is necessary to have a good standard of spoken English to take full advantage of the conference
5. What projects are likely to be chosen?
There are no particular criteria except for those outlined above. So far topics have included projects on gender, identity, immigration, international relations, the Cold War, slavery, literature, sports, performance and political activism.
6. Is it possible to be a “visiting” participant?
No, we regret that we cannot accommodate “visiting” participants at the
7. When will I know whether I got accepted?
The selection process for the Spring Academy 2013 will end in January 2013.
After you have received your letter of admission
1. Do I have to confirm my participation?
Yes, the deadline for confirmation is January 18, 2013.
2. What do I have to send in for the participants’ handbook?
You will receive a list of all the materials we will need from you for the handbook. We will ask you to send us your digital photo, a short biography, a personal statement, and a shorter version of your abstract. The maximum number of characters (including spaces) for the biography, personal statement, and short abstract must not exceed 1500. Submission deadline: January 27, 2013.
3. What does the presentation outline have to look like?
It should be 8 to 10 pages long (1.5 spacing) and provide an overview of your presentation for your fellow participants. Further information will be distributed in due time. Submission deadline: February 18, 2013.
4. How long does the presentation have to be?
Your presentation should be no longer than 20 minutes. It will be followed by a 40-minute discussion session, so you will be able to get feedback and answer questions.
5. What presentation materials can I use?
You can use any presentation material which you find helpful. Almost all of our participants have used PowerPoint-Presentations or prepared handouts. The conference center provides the technical equipment for a PPP, but please be prepared to transfer your data to the computer set up at the conference room.
Travel
1. How do I get to
You will get a detailed description of how to get to
2. How do I find the venue (Heidelberg Center for American Studies (HCA)?
It is located at the very center of Heidelberg’s famous Old Town (HCA, Hauptstraße 120, close to the Karlstorbahnhof). You will also get a description and a schedule for public transportation.
About the venue
1. Are there single or double bedrooms?
There are no single rooms available, so all of you will have to share a room with another participant. If you definitely need a single room, please let us know before your arrival, so we can see whether we have a free single room.
2. Do I have to provide for my own meals?
There will be breakfast for all participants at the hotel every morning. You will need to provide for your own lunch and supper. As a rule almost all of our participants use the university’s student dining hall. There are also a lot of small places nearby where you can get an inexpensive lunch. For some evenings we will make reservations for a joint dinner at a local restaurant.
3. Is there internet access?
There are computers with internet access at the venue.
4. What are the times for check-in/check-out?
We recommend that you plan your arrival for Sunday (preferably in the afternoon or evening before 7 p.m.). If you only have a short trip to
When planning your departure please keep in mind that you have to check out on Saturday morning at 11 a.m.
Please let us know what your travel arrangements are at least three weeks prior to your arrival.
Miscellaneous
1. Can I bring a companion to the
We regret that we are unable to accommodate persons accompanying you.
2. Will I receive a certificate?
Certificates to confirm your participation in the Spring Academy will be issued and distributed on the last day of the conference. It will list your presentation (including the title) and the workshops you will have taken part in.
3. Who is in charge of the
