Departmental Spring Term Abroad

Culture and Society in Poland

SOC 406: Culture and Society in Poland (Professor Krzysztof Jasiewicz)

Four weeks (25 days) in Poland, two weeks on campus. The 20th century was for Poland a time of both hope and despair. She was reborn as a free nation only to experience wars, Nazi occupation, and Soviet domination. It played a pivotal role in the struggle that ultimately led to the collapse of communism in Europe, to become a regional leader in the process of transition to pluralist democracy and market economy. Now Poland is a member of NATO and one of the largest countries in the European Union. This spring, approximately ten students will spend almost four weeks in Poland, learning about the factors that shaped Polish national identity, the process of transition away from communism in East Central Europe, and contemporary social and cultural issues. Professor Krzysztof Jasiewicz , a native of Poland, will lead the course, assisted by a number of guest lecturers drafted from among faculties of Poland’s top academic institutions. We will be based in Warsaw – hosted by Collegium Civitas, a private liberal arts college – and take side trips to Kraków (Poland’s ancient capital), Gdansk (the cradle of the Solidarity movement) and the industrial city of Lodz. (6 credits)

Click here for a copy of the syllabus.