1. Introduction: structure and logic of the course, assignments, responsibilities (20. 9.)

Lecturer: Pavel Pšeja



2. Notion of Central Europe and its relationship to the early history of the region (27. 9.)

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 classses. Students will be invited to express their own
opinions on the phenomenon and compare it with the respective societies of their countries, their
cultural and historical roots.


Assigned reading:

Johnson, Lonnie R. (2002), pp. 3-12.

Wandycz, Piotr S. (2001), pp. 1-11.


Additional reading:

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

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


Issues for discussion:

The cultural meaning of the notion of Central Europe.

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