396/Pol. Sci. 396/Slavic
396/Hist. 333/Soc. 393. Survey of Eastern Europe. (4).
(SS).
The area commonly known as Eastern Europe is in the center of
public attention these days, but has tended to be neglected by
social scientists, and students of the humanities. It has often
been treated as one of the backyards of Western history. Yet, for many centuries, the peoples of Central and Eastern Europe
have played important parts in the history of our civilization.
Today as in many past eras, it is an area where powerful empires
and competing social systems confront each other. The countries
of Central and Eastern Europe are astir with social, political, economic change and experimentation, ethnic conflict, religious
and intellectual ferment. This course intends to provide a broad
overview of Eastern Europe, its history, politics, economic systems, social structure, and cultural contributions. It will feature
lectures by specialists from different departments within the
University, and sessions for discussion to integrate the lectures
and readings. The format can easily lead to lack of focus, and the different presentations inevitably will be of uneven quality.
But the advantages are that the students are exposed to a wide
variety of perspectives. The course is suitable for those who
know little about Eastern Europe as well as for those whose background
is specialized within one discipline and who wish to broaden their
knowledge. Course requirements include a mid-term exam, an essay, and a final examination. [Cost:2] [WL:1] (Zimmerman)
410. Polish Culture. (1). (Excl). May
be repeated for a total of two credits.
This course, consisting of six lectures, will examine the role
of Polish writers, artists, historians, etc. in raising
and shaping the national identity and beliefs of the Poles under
oppressive foreign rule in the 19th century and, later, in independent
Poland. The lecturer will stress the function of historical myths
and symbols in this education which brought varied results: from
open and enlightened patriotism to narrow-minded nationalism and xenophobia. One lecture will focus on changing images of America
in Poland in the last two centuries. A better understanding of, and active participation in, the lectures may require a basic
knowledge of the history of Poland after the Partitions as well
as a general orientation in Polish literature. Bibliographic guides
will be available well before the class begins. (Jedlicki)
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