Archived Course Descriptions
Spring 2009
POL 211 Polish Society and Politics
Dr. Slawomir Jozefowicz
For the last 20 years Poland - the sixth largest European Union nation in terms of population and the largest among the 12 new EU members - has been undergoing considerable changes. In 1988 it was still a socialist country, one of the satellites of the Soviet Union (even if the most rebellious), and a member of the Warsaw Pact. Today Poland is a fully fledged parliamentary democracy with a growing market economy, belonging to both NATO and the EU. It is one of the most pro-American countries in the world. This course will try to explain how these historic changes have been possible, examining the unique and unprecedented processes of transition and transformation, their mechanisms, and positive and negative consequences. It will begin with the revival of the Solidarity movement in late 1980s, the collapse of the old regime and the ‘negotiated revolution’ of 1989. Students will be introduced to the main socio-political, economic and cultural problems of contemporary Poland, including the most recent developments and controversies. This interdisciplinary course will discuss such issues as: characteristic features of Poland’s political and party system, its main political and ideological conflicts, Polish foreign policy and relations with neighboring countries (especially Germany and Russia, but also with the US), challenges and consequences of European integration, social costs of the market-oriented economic reforms, the role of the Catholic Church, the ongoing Westernization (and Americanization) of Polish culture and way of life. Although the course will focus specifically on Poland, it will foster better understanding of the recent evolution of post-communist Central and Eastern Europe in general.
POL 411 Polish Minorities: The Multicultural Experience Past and Present
Dr. Slawomir Jozefowicz
This course will look at “Polish minorities” in two different ways, reflecting the dual meaning of this concept. First, it will examine the significant role of ethnic minorities in Poland, which since at least the Jagiellonian dynasty era (1385-1572) until WWII was one of the most multi-ethnic and multi-cultural societies in Europe, with large Ukrainian, Jewish, German and other communities. In contrast, after 1945 Poland became one of the most homogenous countries in ethnic, cultural and religious terms. On the other hand, Poles belong to nations marked with significant migration experiences, particularly since the second half of the 19th century. To be a Pole and to live abroad has been one of the most noticeable motifs of Polish national identity. Identifiable Polish communities (of at least several thousand people) exist in some 50 countries. Around 20 million Poles and people of Polish origin – more than half of the population of contemporary Poland - currently live abroad. The course will consider and compare these two different experiences of multiculturalism as seen from the Polish perspective. It will reconstruct different historical, political and economic contexts which caused Poles to emigrate. We will also discuss the case of Poles who never actually left their homeland and became minorities due to foreign aggressions, wars and shifts of borders. The course will not only explore the specific character of various experiences of the Polish diasporas in different countries and cultures (with special emphasis on the Polonia in North America), but will also attempt to draw more universal conclusions, regarding the role and status of ethnic minorities in general, especially in the context of today’s ideas and policies of multiculturalism.
POL 323 Polish Literature: Dangerous Books
Marta Cieslak
For a very long time books were in Poland as dangerous as any other political activity that could undermine a dominant political system, no matter if under Russian, Prussian or Austrian control during the partitions, German or Soviet occupation during WWII or during the post-war communist epoch. At different points of Polish history censorship was one of the biggest challenges for writers, poets and journalists. Paradoxically, under the extremely complex conditions the greatest Polish texts were created by the most uncommon literary minds of the country. Even after 1989, however, when Poland finally regained its independence, some books have been still so controversial that they have provoked discussions on the limits of such concepts as freedom of speech, freedom of artistic expression, or independence of scholarly research in case of non-fiction works.
This course will discuss books that were censored, banned, or considered controversial while at the same time shaped Poland and the notion of Polish identity under different historical and political circumstances. We will read both fiction and non-fiction works by such authors as Witold Gombrowicz, Aleksander Wat, Czeslaw Milosz or Jan Tomasz Gross and discuss social factors that made the books disturbing for authorities, critics, and readers.
Fall 2008
POL 211: Culture Wars in the US and Poland
Dr. Slawomir Jozefowicz
The significant polarization of American politics and culture has evolved into what is often described as a culture war between the right and left. The development of two major ideological “camps” struggling with each other has, some would argue, assumed greater importance than the division of society along the lines of religious or political affiliation, social class or ethnicity.
This process is not limited to the US, as similar developments can be observed in some European societies, with Poland representing an excellent case for comparison. Despite their different historical experiences, cultural traditions and social structures, the concept of a culture war explains the essence of main ideological conflicts in these two different societies surprisingly well.
This course will clarify the meaning of the ongoing culture wars in the US and Poland, identifying such divisive issues as the status of moral values, the relation between church and state, abortion, sexuality, and the role of censorship. It will also compare the American and Polish culture wars, discussing in detail their similarities and differences, as well as the specific features of the ideological divisions in both countries.
POL 210: History of Poland and Central Europe
Dr. Slawomir Jozefowicz
To what extent is the history of the part of Europe between Germany and Russia different from the history of Western Europe? What made the Central European historical experience unique? What are the similarities and differences between Russia and Eastern Europe (Ukraine and Byelorussia) on the one hand and Central Europe on the other hand? The course will explore these questions, identifying the roots of the Central European identity and historical consciousness, analyzing its evolution through the centuries, starting from the very beginnings of Central European nationhood. The turning points in the history of Poland and Central Europe will be identified and the most important controversies arising from them will be discussed. The course will focus on the process of the national emancipation of the small and mid-size nations of the region from multi-national structures (such as the Habsburg empire), oppressive regimes (Nazi occupation and Soviet domination), up to the demise of the communist system in 1989. We will also compare and discuss the actual variety of Central European historical experiences and national perspectives.
POL 324: Poland Today
Marta Cieslak
The course discusses the concepts and myths that are crucial to the understanding of Poland today. It aims to break common stereotypes about Poland by presenting the Polish experience through the lives of both important public figures as well as through the testimony of anonymous Poles whose lives were intertwined with crucial events in Polish history. The course covers the history, literature, politics, music and popular culture that provide an interdisciplinary perspective on what Poland is today and how different it is from the popular views present in American society.
The course will focus on twentieth century historical events such as the recreation of independent Poland in 1918, World War II, the communist system with emphasis on its influence on social structures, the Solidarity movement and the period of transformation after 1989. We will discuss the historical events focusing on individual figures whose personal experiences reflect the complex history of Poland. As the course attempts to offer a multidisciplinary perspective, we will read historical and literary texts as well as original records. The texts will be illustrated with works of art, documentaries, movies and popular music. Finally, students will be encouraged to provide their own understanding of the Polish experience by searching for links with their own cultural backgrounds.
Spring 2008
PS 210: Contemporary Poland and Central Europe
Professor: Dr. Slawomir Jozefowicz
This course will introduce students to the main issues of contemporary Polish and Central European politics as well as social, cultural and economic life. It will focus on the developments affecting post-communist Europe after 1989. The experiences of Poland, the Czech and Slovak Republics and Hungary's transition to liberal democracy and a market economy will be examined and compared to the post-Soviet experiences of Russia and other Eastern European societies (Ukraine and Byelorussia). The course will identify both positive and negative aspects of the transformations after the fall of communism, discussing such issues as the social and economic consequences of market oriented reforms; the development of civil society; the heritage of the old system; nationalistic, xenophobic and populist tendencies; and commercialization and westernization (as well as Americanization) of life. The role of the accession to the European Union in 2004 with its profound consequences will be thoroughly examined. We will also discuss the present dilemmas of Polish and Central European politics, the future of the European integration (European federation vs. Europe of homelands), relations with Russia and the US, and the direction of further internal reforms. The history of Poland is full of dramatic changes: splendid victories and tragic defeats. At its height, Poland's empire made it one of the largest and most powerful European states in the 15th and 16th centuries. In the depths of its national catastrophes, it lost its independence in late 18th century, suffered partition lasting for 123 years, and waged relentless, often bloody struggles with oppressors.
PS 211: History of Poland and Central Europe
Professor: Dr. Slawomir Jozefowicz
To what extent is the history of the part of Europe between Germany and Russia different from the history of Western Europe? What made the Central European historical experience unique? What are the similarities and differences between Russia and Eastern Europe (Ukraine and Byelorussia) on the one hand and Central Europe on the other hand? The course will explore these questions, identifying the roots of the Central European identity and historical consciousness, analyzing its evolution through the centuries, starting from the very beginnings of Central European nationhood. The turning points in the history of Poland and Central Europe will be identified and the most important controversies arising from them will be discussed. The course will focus on the process of the national emancipation of the small and mid-size nations of the region from multi-national structures (such as the Habsburg empire), oppressive regimes (Nazi occupation and Soviet domination), up to the demise of the communist system in 1989. We will also compare and discuss the actual variety of Central European historical experiences and national perspectives.
PS 411 Poland and Europe: Cultural and Political Transformations
Professor: Dr. Slawomir Jozefowicz
This course will introduce students to the main issues of the Polish presence in Europe - understood both as a cultural and political community of nations. It will focus on the international, intercultural and comparative aspects of the changing status of Poland in Europe. The history of Poland's relations with its neighbors - especially Russia, Byelorussia, Ukraine, and Germany - will be discussed. We will also consider the ways Poles perceive and represent their neighbors and, on the other hand, are perceived by them. The course will examine the Polish re-integration with the West after the collapse of communism in 1989, the consequences of joining NATO in 1999 and the EU in 2004, as well as the present dilemmas of Poland's foreign and security policy. Special emphasis will be put on Poland's present eastern policy and the evolution of relations with Russia, Byelorussia and Ukraine. We will also consider Poland's special relations with the US in the contexts of US-EU controversies regarding the war on terrorism and Iraq, as well as the role of the "American factor" in Polish politics and social consciousness in general. The course will cover not only political but also social and cultural changes taking place in contemporary Poland after its historical "return" to Europe.
Fall 2007
PS 210 History of Poland
Professor: Dr. Slawomir Józefowicz
The history of Poland is full of dramatic changes: splendid victories and tragic defeats. At its height, Poland's empire made it one of the largest and most powerful European states in the 15th and 16th centuries. In the depths of its national catastrophes, it lost its independence in late 18th century, suffered partition lasting for 123 years, and waged relentless, often bloody struggles with oppressors. The aim of the course is to introduce students to the main issues and controversies of Poland's history. We will identify the most important turning points and formative periods, beginning with adoption of Christianity in 966 and the establishment of Polish statehood under the Piast dynasty. The major developments of both the Piast (996-1370) and Jagiellonian (1385-1572) eras will be discussed as well as the characteristic features of the highly original Noble Republic (1569-1795) and the reasons of the loss of independence. We will also look closely at the era of partitions and struggles for independence (1795-1918), the mid-war period of the Second Republic (1918-1939), the main events of WWII affecting Poland (1939-1945), the formation and evolution of the People's Republic (1945-1989), the Solidarity revolution of 1980-1981, the role of Pope John Paul II, the martial law period and the eventual demise of the communist system in l989.
PS 410 Polish National Identity and Political Culture
Professor: Dr. Slawomir Józefowicz
Shaped by numerous historical experiences-some highly spiritual and inspirational, others traumatic and destructive-Polish national identity is complex: strong yet ambivalent, firmly established, yet lacking in self-confidence. This paradox finds its reflection in the evolving Polish political culture of the last few decades. This interdisciplinary course will explore a variety of factors shaping Polish national identity and political culture: geographical and geo-political, ethnic and religious, historical and cultural. Topics include: the historical role of the Church; the predominance of rural culture (nobility and peasantry); Sarmatism and the socio-political system of the Noble Republic; traditions of extreme individualism and anarchy alongside religious and ethnic tolerance in multi-cultural ancient Poland; the consequences of partition; legacy of resistance; the culture of romanticism juxtaposed with realism/pragmatism (positivism); the formation of Polish nationalism; the consequences of the communist system; the legacy of the Solidarity revolution; the roots of modern Polish conservatism; the reasons for the relative weakness of liberalism; the impact of market reforms; consumer culture and intensification of contacts with other nations after 1989.
Courses offered under the aegis of the Polish Studies Program |
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Peter K. Gessner, Program Director from 1998 to 2006 |
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| Course Title | Instructor | Semester |
| Poland: Sacred and Profane: Images in Culture |
Anna Niedzwiedz | Spring 2007 |
| Religion and Nationality: The Polish Experience |
Anna Niedzwiedz | Spring 2007 |
| Symbolism in Polish Folk Culture | Anna Niedzwiedz | Fall 2006 |
| Poland and Eastern Europe: Cities and Their Stories |
Anna Niedzwiedz | Fall 2006 |
| Poland and Eastern Europe Dissident Thought: Dilemmas of Anti-Communist Dissidence | Tomasz Herzog | Spring 2006 |
| Education and Politics: Poland | Tomasz Herzog | Spring 2006 |
| Poland and Eastern Europe: The Church and the State |
Tomasz Herzog | Fall 2005 |
| Poland and Eastern Europe: Films, Democracy and Politics |
Tomasz Herzog | Fall 2005 |
| Poland and Eastern Europe - Dissident Thought: Dilemmas of Anti-Communist Dissidence | Tomasz Herzog | Spring 2005 |
| Poland and Eastern Europe: Post 1989 Democratic Transition and Consolidation | Tomasz Herzog | Spring 2005 |
| Poland and Eastern Europe: The Church and the State |
Tomasz Herzog | Fall 2004 |
| Poland and Eastern Europe: Films, Democracy and Politics |
Tomasz Herzog | Fall 2004 |
| Polish Feminism: Literature and Politics | Dorota Kolodziejczyk | Spring 2004 |
| 20th Century Polish-Jewish Literature: novel, essay, testimony | Dorota Kolodziejczyk | Spring 2004 |
| Polish Minorities: History and Culture | Dorota Kolodziejczyk | Fall 2003 |
| Magic Realism in Polish film | Dorota Kolodziejczyk | Fall 2003 |
| Polish Feminism: Literature and Politics | Dorota Kolodziejczyk | Spring 2003 |
| Polish National Identity in Literature | Dorota Kolodziejczyk | Spring 2003 |
| Poland and Islam: Contact and Strife | Dorota Kolodziejczyk | Fall 2002 |
| The Hero/ine in Polish Film: Then and Now |
Dorota Kolodziejczyk | Fall 2002 |
| Polish Literature in the 20th Century: Sex and Psychoanalysis |
Pawel Dybel | Spring 2002 |
| Chaos, War and Endurance: Polish Poets | Pawel Dybel | Spring 2002 |
| Jews and Poland: The Holocaust and After | Pawel Dybel | Fall 2001 |
| Roots of National Identity: Poland | Pawel Dybel | Fall 2001 |
| WWI, WWII, Holocaust and Communism | Lcszek Koczanowicz | Spring 2001 |
| 20th Century Polish Culture and Politics | Lcszek Koczanowicz | Spring 2001 |
| Roads to Democracy in Eastern Europe | Lcszek Koczanowicz | Fall 2000 |
| Between Literature and Philosophy: Stanislaw Lem's Science Fiction | Lcszek Koczanowicz | Fall 2000 |
| Art in Poland since the Nineteenth Century | Feliks Szyszko | Spring 2000 |
| Topics in the Culture and Arts in Poland | Feliks Szyszko | Fall 1999 |
| Film and Theater Creating | Maria Zmarz | Spring 1999 |
| Documentary Reality and Political Reality in Poland | Maria Zmarz | Fall 1998 |
