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

Pan-university studies
Autumn 2024
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
Contact Person: Mgr. Erin Anna Huták
Timetable
Thu 26. 9. to Thu 19. 12. Thu 11:00–12:30 KOM S117
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: 8/20, only registered: 1/20, only registered with preference (fields directly associated with the programme): 1/20
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
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 the main historical developments of this region (chiefly revolving around the fall of communism and the change that ensued), and current political challenges and developments in this part of Europe (such as the rise of populism, authoritarian tendencies in politics, democratic backsliding). This will allow the students to assess the past-present linkages and their relevance today (as in how the communist past still plays a significant role in this part of Europe and why this is so). Hence, the course will enable the students to fully understand not only the historical perspective of the given region but also the major political and societal issues that Central and Eastern Europe has been facing in contemporary times. Last of all, the course program has one field/study trip planned (most likely a local one), providing the students with the 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).
Learning outcomes
The course is designed to give students a complex insight into the main challenges of the post-communist transition of Central and Eastern Europe, covering the main historical developments of this region, and current political challenges and developments in this part of Europe (such as the rise of populism, authoritarian tendencies in politics, democratic backsliding).
Syllabus
  • 1- Introductory lecture 2- Theoretical approaches to communism 3- History of the Eastern Bloc (former Warsaw Pact states) 4- Post-1989 developments I: The Balkans 5- Revolutions of 1989 and the end of communism 6- Mid-term exam 7- Post-1989 developments II: Central Europe 8- Field trip (in all likelihood local) and/or documentary projection (*prior agreement with the CZS and the students needed by October 17) 9- Post-1989 developments III: Eastern Europe 10- Current issues: Populism and semi-authoritarianism on the rise in Central Europe and Beyond (possibly including an expert interview) 11- Past influencing the present: Evidence from the Czech Republic 12- Course wrap-up and Final exam 13- *Final exam (re-sit)
Assessment methods
*Mid-term test: 30 points This exam consists of 6 open questions requiring short answers (1-2 paragraphs on each question). The goal is to check whether the students have acquired the basic knowledge in the first part of the course. The reading materials provided in the Information System (see the Learning materials folder) and the lecture content will be included in the exam. These readings, listed in separate folders according to the names of the lectures, will be made available to the students a week before the start of the course. The number of pages to be read per week shall be, at most, 38. *Final exam: 40 points The exam consists of 5 open questions requiring longer answers (2-3 paragraphs on each question). Students will be asked to prove that they have acquired enough knowledge about the topics covered throughout the course, showing that they can critically discuss the dynamics in the region from historical and theoretical points of view. *Presentations on the selected topics (to be uploaded by the students to the respective IS folder before the presentation): 30 points Each presentation will be about 20min long, consisting of a short summary/background to the given topic, critical analysis of the problem at hand, and questions for the in-class discussion. The following topics/seminars are to be chosen by the students when presenting: 5, 7, and 10. The students are to choose a controversial politician, a populist political platform, and/or an anti-European political movement/party from either Central Europe or the Balkans, present on his/her/their political career/influence and discuss their political relevance concerning the post-socialist development of both regions, paying particular attention to the specificities of these regions. It is expected that the max number of students per group shall not exceed 4. The students will have applied for the topics/groups of their choice by October 10 (reporting directly to Dr. Taterová). The failure to do so will significantly influence one’s score, as the student will effectively lose the points they would usually have by presenting to their peers. **Active participation is expected but not required. Students are strongly advised to address the assigned readings before the lectures and join the discussions. This makes the lessons more interactive, allowing the students to broaden their horizons.
Náhradní absolvování
It is not possible to take this exam while studying abroad.
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 2023.
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  • Permalink: https://is.muni.cz/course/cus/autumn2024/CZS66