1. Introduction



   Lecturer: Pavel Pšeja


2. The notion of Central Europe and its relationship to the history of the region


                                                                                          Lecturer:
Pavel Pšeja


Objective: to inform students about the broad background and differing dimensions of the notion of
Central Europe.


Lecture: The term “Central Europe” will be discussed in some depth, especially with regard to
different cultural, political and social interpretations of the area. The lecture aims at
explaining specific features of Central European culture and identity, thus giving specific
background to further discussions in classes. Students will be invited to express their own
opinions on the phenomenon and compare it with their respective societies, their own cultural and
historical roots.


Assigned reading:

·         Johnson, Lonnie R.: “Where is Central Europe?” Central Europe: Enemies, Neighbours,
Friends, 2^nd edition, Oxford University Press, Oxford, 2002. pp. 3-12.

·         Wandycz, Piotr S. “What Do We Mean By the Term ‘Central-Eastern Europe’?” Central Europe
in History: The Price of Freedom. Praha: Academia, 1998, pp. 11-20.


Additional reading:

·         Wandycz, Piotr S.  The Price of Freedom: A history of East Central Europe from the Middle
Ages to the present, 2^nd edition, London: Routledge, 2001.

·         Johnson, Lonnie R.: Central Europe: Enemies, Neighbours, Friends, 2^nd edition, Oxford:
Oxford University Press,  2002.


Issues for discussion:

The cultural meaning of the notion of Central Europe.

Explain the role played by the German-speaking population in forming Central Europe.