East Central Europe in Transition

Syllabus

 

Course goals

This course will provide an inside look at the reality and the history behind the changes in process in the Czech republic and East Central Europe today. Lectures from notable figures in Czech and European politics and culture will focus on the theme of transformation in the speaker’s area of expertise. Speakers are chosen for their experience in a particular area of politics or civil society. Discussions are meant to expose American and European students to the viewpoints and thoughts of their counterparts.

Teaching methods

• Lectures and seminars (twice a week).
• Lectures will be given by distinguished speakers and the instructor. They will cover the main topics.
• Students are welcome to cut in with their questions, different opinions and other contributions during the lecture.
• In seminars, students should participate in discussions; they should use the information from the lectures and required reading.
• Students may be asked to present short articles/texts assigned by the instructor.
• Students are welcome to discuss any issues with the instructor, they can make an appointment with her.

Requirements

• Participation in seminar discussions and 90 per cent attendance [10%].
• A mid-term essay of 1.500 – 1.800 words [40 %].
• Final exam: students will be asked to choose three topics out of four and write short (300-400 words each) essays on the chosen topics. The topics will be carefully chosen from the lectures and the required reading. [50 %].

Required reading

Course reading will be provided in copy packets. Some materials may be distributed via e-mail. Students will be asked for reading the required material prior to the class for which it is assigned. Reading will serve as the basis for class discussions. At times assigned reading will be supplemented with additional materials. The instructor reserves the right to alter the reading in order to facilitate the class.

Information sources

Course reader and additional materials may be accessed at the program website.

Reader I: East Central Europe in Transition (Summer 2005)

Reader II: Political Transitions in Europe (Fall 2003)

The Prague Post (CR’s top quality English language daily newspaper)

The Prague Tribune (monthly publication focusing on lifestyle and business in the CR)

The Media Services for Central Europe: www.monitorce.com

Transitions Online (quality online publication covering Central and Eastern Europe, the Balkans, and the former Soviet Union)

For current developments the World Wide Web is another interesting source. For instance:

Central Europe Online (http://www.centraleurope.com/ceo.html)

The Economist (AAC library or www.economist.com)

The New Presence (libraries or http://www.new-presence.cz)

Freedom House (http://freedomhouse.org)

European Voice (http://www.europeanvoice.com)

Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (http://www.rferl.org)

Web pages of political parties, deputies, senators, presidents, parliaments, politicians, various NGOs, BBC, The Guardian, The Times, CCN, etc.

More sources (books, journals, databases) available at the AAVŠ library,Institute of International Relations library (http://www.iir.cz), City Library in Prague (www.mlp.cz), CERGE library.