HISTORY 301-SA-2 New Lectures in History: Milestones of Czech History and Civilization

The course provides an introduction to cultural aspects of the Czech and Central European environment in a broad sense. It concentrates on major historical events and processes that shape future developments in the area and contribute to various aspects of the Czech national identity. Cultural awareness is raised by readings and lectures, and deepened through discussion. Participants are expected to gain background knowledge of the region's history and civilization and to understand and examine issues of social changes and their effects on the social fabric of the nation. Visits to historically important sites in Prague and the Czech Republic are an integral part of the course. The course is complemented with reading and analysis of important fiction of relevant époques.

POLITICAL SCIENCE 361-SA: Democratic Transitions

The course explores processes of transition from authoritarian rule to democracy in Europe, and the aftermath of such transition. The course is comparative by nature and presents general issues based on case studies from Western, Central and Eastern Europe. The material is presented from two perspectives: that of a political scientist and that of a leading protagonist of the transition process in Central and Eastern Europe. We will begin with a discussion of Europe as a geopolitical entity and identify its main divisions. We will characterize European non-democratic regimes of the past and turn towards dissident activities of Central and Eastern Europe, and deal with theories of transition as well as specific instances of such transition. Fundamental challenges to democratization—nationalism, legacy of the past—are discussed at the conclusion of the course.

SLAVIC 267-SA: Modern Czech Film: History on Screen

The course will provide deeper insight into the problems of modern Czechoslovak history and socio-cultural developments as documented by both major feature films and documentaries by leading Czech and Slovak directors (including Academy Award Laureates Milos Forman and Jirí Menzel). Films will cover World War II, the Stalinist Fifties, the period of political and cultural thaw in the Sixties, as well as the most significant works of the post-1968 Soviet invasion years. Students will also have an opportunity to learn more about post-1989 Velvet Revolution trends and controversies in Czech film art as viewed against the general backdrop of key historical events. Participants will gain more intimate knowledge and understanding of the unique modern Central European experience as interpreted by famous film makers, many of whom helped create the phenomenon of the Czech New Wave that is recognized all over the world as a major contribution to the art of film.

SLAVIC 106-SA: Elementary Czech

Elementary Czech is designed to give students the ability to handle everyday situations in Czech. Emphasis is on listening and reading comprehension, speaking, beginning writing skills, and an introduction to Czech grammar.

EXCURSIONS

Students will visit Prague Castle, the medieval town of Cesky Krumlov in Southern Bohemia, the gothic monastery of Zlata Koruna, the 14th-century silver mining town of Kutna Hora and the concentration camp at Terezin. The group will also enjoy an overnight trip to Southern Moraviafor, a boat trip through the Punkva caves, and wine tasting in a private wine cellar.