Culture and Societies of the Region

This course introduces students to the cultural and social diversity of East-Central Europe. It examines how the region is defined, how its societies have developed and how historical, political and demographic factors have shaped their contemporary character. Students learn key concepts related to culture, identity and regional specificity.

The course covers major features of East-Central European cultures, the variety of languages, religions and traditions, and the region’s role within broader processes such as globalization and regionalization. Teaching methods include discussions, student presentations and an Oxford-style debate prepared with the group.

A practical component involves visits to selected cultural institutions, including the “Grodzka Gate – NN Theatre” Centre and the Centre for the Meeting of Cultures, giving students direct insight into local approaches to heritage and cultural memory.

By the end of the course, students are expected to understand the region’s cultural complexity and be able to analyse international and regional processes. They will also develop communication skills for working in multicultural settings and learn to express independent, well-reasoned opinions on issues related to East-Central Europe.

T. Snyder, The Reconstuction of Nations. Poland, Ukraine, Lithuania, Belarus 1569-1999, New Haven – London 2003

Cultures and Nations of Central and Eastern Europe, ed. Z. Gitelman, L. A. Hajda, J-P. Himka, R. Solchanyk, Cambridge 2001

O. Halecki, Borderlands of Western Civilization: A History of East Central Europe, New York 2000

East-Central Europe's position within Europe: between East and West, ed. J. Kłoczowski, Lublin 2004

A.W. Ziętek, Dimensions of Poland’s Cultural Security, “Studia Europejskie” 2025, nr 3

T. Kamusella, Central Europe in the Distorting Mirror of Maps, Languages and Ideas, “The Polish Rewiew” 2012, vol. 57, No. 1

A. Bölcskei, Central Europe as a historical, cultural, social and geopolitical concept today, Debrecen 2019

P. Jordan, Europe’s cultural diversity as a problem for European integration, “Regional Studies on Devleopment” 2022, vol. 26, No. 3

Milan Kundera, The Tragedy of Central Europe

A. Grzymala-Busse, Religious Nationalism and Its Effects in East Central Europe, “East European Politics and Societies and Cultures” 2015, vol. 29, No. 2

W1 - Student has a basic knowledge about nature and evolution of international institutions, existing in particular aspects of international relations, with focus on political, economic, cultural and military aspects - K_W03

W2 - Graduate understands political, economic and social mechanisms in the sphere of international relations - K_W04

W3 – Graduate understands diversity of relations in contemporary international space, including processes of cooperation, integration and competition in international environment as well as existing regularities among them with the special focus on processes of regionalization and globalization – K_W08

W4 – Graduate understands processes of international development with the special focus on their demographic, environmental, economic, social and cultural conditions – K_W15

U1 – Graduate can perform critical analysis and evaluation as well as formulate opinions on international phenomena and processes -K_U05

U2 – Graduate can communicate and participate in debates with diversified groups on specialized topics in the area of international and transnational relations – K_U07

U3 – Graduate can communicate and perform tasks in multicultural environment – K_U12

K1 – Graduate is ready to critically evaluate received content in learning process and public debate – K_K01

K2 – Graduate is ready to express independent opinions in public debates concerning international issues - K_K08