Technology and the Cold War
- Spend three weeks in the beautiful capital city of Berlin, Germany
- Join KU students and Professor Kyle Camarda for this program
- Discover the technological basis for famous Cold War events like the Berlin Airlift
- Receive 3 hours of credit for C&PE 601 Undergraduate Topics in Chemical & Petroleum Engineering
- Fulfill KU Core 34 Global Culture through co-completion of UNIV 342
Taking place in Berlin in summer 2026, the Technology and the Cold War study abroad program will introduce undergraduates to basic ideas in logistics and optimization theory, its application to scheduling and planning, and a historical context in which logistics was vital to success in geopolitics. The history of divided Berlin, 1945-1989, is a fascinating story of a political island: a city surrounded by a wall, maintained by Allied forces and constrained by the Soviet Empire.
This class will explore optimal supply chains, scheduling and planning strategies, and constrained logistics that military and civilian planners used to keep the population of Berlin supported and independent of East Germany. It will include visits to many Berlin-area sites connected to the Cold War period, including Checkpoint Charlie, Potsdam and the Glienicke Bridge — known as the Bridge of Spies — the Berlin Wall Memorial and the Templehof airport, used in the famous Berlin Airlift. A guided tour of Cecilienhof Palace, where the famous Potsdam agreement was signed, is also included.
Berlin is the vibrant capital city of Germany. The city of 3.7 million inhabitants is known for its diversity, urban green space, nightlife, and tangible history. Berlin is home to several of Europe’s most prominent universities and a large student population, ensuring a youthful atmosphere and many student-friendly amenities. The beautiful Spree River runs through the city center and there are numerous architectural, historic, cultural, and outdoor features to explore. With an expansive system of public transportation it is very easy to get around.
The program will be located for its entirety in Berlin. Multiple excursions in and around the immediate vicinity of Berlin will be an integral part of the program.
With a combination of lectures and site visits, students will gain a new understanding of logistics and optimization and see firsthand how technology transformed a country and set the stage for the Cold War.
Students will enroll in 3 credits of C&PE 601 Undergraduate Topics in Chemical & Petroleum Engineering.
This course will introduce undergraduates to basic ideas in logistics and optimization theory, as well as show how new technologies changed geopolitical decision-making during the Cold War. It will also demonstrate the links between advances in mathematics and computing and the ability of the Allies to supply West Berlin during the famous Berlin Airlift. No prior knowledge of optimization or programming is needed. An outline of course topics is as follows:
- Logistics and the Traveling Salesman: Problem Formulation
- Technological Advances: Communications
- Atomic Weapons and Cold War Geopolitics
In addition, students enrolled in KU Core 34 can complete the Global Culture goal and earn an additional three hours of course credit by completing the Optimization and the Cold War in Berlin study abroad experience and UNIV 342: Sponsored Educational Experience. UNIV 342 is a 3-credit hour asynchronous course that, when combined with a study abroad experience, satisfies the Global Culture goal of KU Core 34.
Students will live in double-occupancy, centrally-located student residences in the city of Berlin. Residences are conveniently located near public transportation with access to major sites. Breakfast at the residence is provided daily.
All students have unique things to consider when studying abroad. A Traveler Profile is a set of personal factors, characteristics or life experiences that could impact daily life abroad. Your individual Traveler Profile may include things such as your age, foreign language proficiency, gender, medical history, medication use, mental health, mobility, piercings and tattoos, travel experience, and more.
SAGE is dedicated to creating international engagement opportunities that meet the needs of all our students and providing resources to support you through the process of studying abroad. Before selecting a program, consider how your Traveler Profile may impact your experience abroad in unique ways and talk with your Program Coordinator about any program-specific concerns. Students with documented disabilities should discuss any accommodation needs with their Program Coordinator early in the planning process.
Check our Traveler Profile pages linked below for information specific to you and other students who may be on your program.
- Adult Learners and Non-Traditional Students
- First Generation Students
- Physical and Mental Health Histories
- Religious, Spiritual, and Non-Religious Students
- Sexual and Gender Diversity
- Students of Color Abroad
- Students with Children
- Students with Financial Need
- Veterans, Active Duty, and ROTC
- Visible and Invisible Disabilities
Open to any undergraduate student from the University of Kansas. A minimum 2.5 GPA is required, but exceptions will be considered upon submission of a petition.
Any student from any academic program or career focus is encouraged to apply, though the program may be of particular interest to students in Computer Science, all Engineering disciplines, Math, Physics, Chemistry, Supply Chain Management or related fields. Contact the Program Director for more detailed and specific information.
Dr. Kyle Camarda
Associate Professor, Department of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering
University of Kansas.