CZS66 Challenges of Post-Communism: From the Collapse of the Soviet Bloc to the Central and Eastern Europe

Pan-university studies
Autumn 2023
Extent and Intensity
2/0/0. 6 credit(s). Type of Completion: zk (examination).
Teacher(s)
doc. Mgr. Vladimir Dordevic, Ph.D. (lecturer)
Mgr. Eva Taterová, M.A., Ph.D. (lecturer)
Guaranteed by
Mgr. Erin Anna Huták
Pan-university studies
Contact Person: Mgr. Erin Anna Huták
Supplier department: Pan-university studies
Timetable
Thu 21. 9. to Thu 21. 12. Thu 14:00–15:30 322
Prerequisites (in Czech)
This syllabus presents binding information about the course and its use is solely for this course and this semester. In case the students discover any shortcoming or any issue which is not sufficiently clarified herein, they are encouraged to consult it with the lecturers as soon as possible. Lecturers Mgr. Eva Taterová, M.A., Ph.D. (evataterova@gmail.com) Mgr. Vladimir Đorđević, Ph.D. (dordevic_fss@yahoo.com) Annotation The course is conceived to give students a complex insight into the main challenges of the post-communist transition of Central and Eastern Europe, covering main historical developments of this region (chiefly revolving around the fall of communism and the change that ensued), dealing with current political challenges and developments in this part of Europe (such as the rise of populism, authoritarian tendencies in politics, democratic backtracking), and allowing the students to assess the past-present linkages in this regard (as in how the communist past still plays a major role in this part of Europe and why this is so). Hence, the course is to enable the students to fully understand not only the historical perspective of the given region but also comprehend the major issues, both political and societal, that Central and Eastern Europe has been facing. Last of all, the course program has one field/study trip planned, providing the students with possibility to experience the communist past for themselves and see the way it has come to define the present (in this case of one of the CEE countries, the Czech Republic).
Course Enrolment Limitations
The course is also offered to the students of the fields other than those the course is directly associated with.
The capacity limit for the course is 20 student(s).
Current registration and enrolment status: enrolled: 0/20, only registered: 0/20, only registered with preference (fields directly associated with the programme): 0/20
fields of study / plans the course is directly associated with
there are 12 fields of study the course is directly associated with, display
Course objectives (in Czech)
The course is conceived to give students a complex insight into the main challenges of the post-communist transition of Central and Eastern Europe, covering main historical developments of this region (chiefly revolving around the fall of communism and the change that ensued), dealing with current political challenges and developments in this part of Europe (such as the rise of populism, authoritarian tendencies in politics, democratic backtracking), and allowing the students to assess the past-present linkages in this regard (as in how the communist past still plays a major role in this part of Europe and why this is so). Hence, the course is to enable the students to fully understand not only the historical perspective of the given region but also comprehend the major issues, both political and societal, that Central and Eastern Europe has been facing. Last of all, the course program has one field/study trip planned, providing the students with possibility to experience the communist past for themselves and see the way it has come to define the present (in this case of one of the CEE countries, the Czech Republic).
Syllabus (in Czech)
  • 1- Introductory lecture (Eva) 2- Theoretical approaches to communism (Vladimir) 3- History of the Eastern Bloc (former Warsaw Pact states) (Eva) 4- Revolutions of 1989 and The End of Communism (Eva) 5- Post-1989 development I: Central Europe (Eva) 6- Mid-term test (Vladimir) 7- Post-1989 development II: The Balkans (Vladimir) 8- Post-1989 development III: Eastern Europe (Eva) 9- Field trip (Vladimir) 10- Past influencing the present: Evidence from the Czech Republic (Eva) 11- Current issues: Populism on the rise in Central Europe (possibly including an expert interview) (Vladimir) 12- Course wrap up and Final exam (Vladimir)
Assessment methods (in Czech)
Mid-term exam: 30 points; Final exam: 40 points; Presentations: 30 points Active participation is expected but not required.
Language of instruction
English
Further Comments
Study Materials
The course is taught only once.
The course is also listed under the following terms Autumn 2022, Autumn 2024.
  • Enrolment Statistics (Autumn 2023, recent)
  • Permalink: https://is.muni.cz/course/cus/autumn2023/CZS66