Remodelling Political Culture in Central Europe after 1989: Example of the Czech Republic on
Central European Background


The course is conceived to give the students a basic insight into the trends and events that have
in some way influenced recent political and social developments in the Czech Republic, and have
significantly contributed to the present character of political institutions and political life in
the country. However, even when the explanations related to the Czech political and social
developments constitute the core of the course, they primarily serve to give examples of tendencies
observable in the region of Central Europe as a whole. Therefore after a general historical
introduction, and a survey of political and social processes in the Czech Republic, here serving as
a model of case study, comparison with similar developments in other Central European countries
will be given as well. Issues like formation of parties and party systems in Central Europe,
build-up of new institutions, regional co-operation, and influences of the EU and NATO enlargement
are important part of the course. In this way, the course outlines the Czech position within the
broader Central and Eastern European context and makes possible comparison with changes in the
region as a whole.


Guidelines to work

Students are expected to take active part in the discussions held in seminars and based on a
knowledge of the texts, which are prescribed as the assigned readings, and on the ability to
comment on them and use them as a source for their own opinions. However, it is to be noted while
it is really necessary that the assigned texts have been read before the lessons, their purpose is
complimentary, i.e. issues discussed in classes do not repeat the same facts and opinions. To
qualify for sitting the final examination, students are obliged to comply with all other
requirements of the course, i.e. submit all other assignments as indicated below. It is crucial to
see all assignments must be made in time, while late submissions (without acceptable excuse) will
be penalized.

Moreover, please note in order to be able to fully participate in the course, you are expected to
learn how to use University’s electronic information system through which you will receive
information about your results and grades, and also to make use of your university email address
which serve for communication with your teacher.


Assignments

1) Review of a website – students are expected to select web site(s) of (a) Central European
country (official pages), (b) particular ministries and/or agencies of Central European countries,
and (c) selected think-tanks and other policy institutions (any of these options is eligible),
write up a short paper (app. 8.000 characters) that briefly summarizes contents of page(s) under
review, and offers some personal reaction/commentary.  Did you find the site useful or
interesting? What points you have found attractive or difficult to grasp?  Would you recommend any
site? Why? Etc. Deadline to submit the review is October 19.

2) Group project – students will work in groups of 3 or 4 members. Each group is expected to choose
an issue related to topics as indicated in sessions 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12 respectively, and present
its analysis in class. For example, you may be required to choose one of the countries concerned
(Slovakia, Poland, Hungary, while papers enabling for comparative approach – possibly including the
Czech Republic – are also eligible) and present details of its political system and/or political
development, or you can present a project related to parties/party systems in these countries.
Another option is to elaborate developments and structures of organizations of Central European
co-operation, i.e. CEFTA, CEI, Visegrad Group. Finally, you can also address an issue of accession
of CE countries to NATO and/or EU. Deadline to submit the project handout is November 2. The final
presentations shall by submitted by email at least two days before the session in which the
respective presentation shall be done.


Examination procedure

The final examination consists of a written test involving 4 questions that cover topics lectured
in the classes and/or contained in the assigned readings. Each question is for 10 points, i.e. 40
altogether. The exam will be held in December 14, at 2pm in the room in which classes are held.


Grading

Review of a website – 20 % of the final grade

Group project – 40 % of the final grade (20 % handout, 20 % presentation)

Final exam – 40 % of the final grade

The threshold to pass is 55 points of 100 possible. The grade scale is as follows: A 82-100, B
75-81, C 68-74, D 61-67, E 55-60, F 0-54.


Teacher responsible for the course


Dr. Pavel Pšeja

Tel.: 549 497 175

e-mail: palo@fss.muni.cz