Undergraduate Course Descriptions
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
Tuesday, Thursday - 12:30-1:50 PM
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
Tuesday, Thursday - 9:30-10:50 PM
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
Wednesday, 4:00-6:50
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.