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Multidisciplinary Studies in Krakow

Poland Krakow City Square Student Taking Photo 343535699
What's Included

Students who choose to study abroad in Krakow with API complete courses offered in English by the Jagiellonian University of Krakow’s Department of Humanities and Social Sciences. This program is designed to encourage an exchange of ideas and experiences. The program focuses on the most significant issues of modern philosophy, anthropology, history, literary theories, art history and psychology. The main emphasis is placed on the modern and interdisciplinary character of 20th century cultural phenomena.

What's Included?

Highlights

Pre Departure Services

Advising

@api Online System

Orientation Materials and Resources

Access to International Phone Plans

API Alumni Network

Social Networking

Scholarships

On Site Services

Airport Reception

On-Site Orientation

Excursions

Resident Director

Tuition

Medical and Life Insurance

Social and Cultural Activities

Welcome and Farewell Group Meals

Volunteer Opportunities

Transit Pass

Tutoring

Housing

Re-Entry Services

Re-Entry Materials and Support

Post-Program Evaluation

Transcript

Alumni Network and API Ambassador Program
View all opportunities and amenities

Application Requirements

  • Minimum 2.5 G.P.A.
  • Students must be currently enrolled in a university with freshmen (2nd semester), sophomores, juniors or senior standing
  • Open to all levels of Polish speakers
  • Completed API application
  • University Approval Form
  • One letter of recommendation
  • Official transcript
  • Statement of purpose
  • Course pre-registration form
  • Entry requirements: valid passport
Dates & Fees
Session Program Dates Program Cost Application Deadline Payment Deadline
Fall Sep, 2021 - Dec, 2021 $11,980 Jun 10, 2021 Jul 1, 2021
Academic Year Sep, 2021 - Jun, 2022 $22,900 Jun 10, 2021 Jul 1, 2021
Spring Feb, 2022 - Jun, 2022 $11,980 Oct 20, 2021 Nov 15, 2021
Excursions

API students participate excursions designed to help familiarize them with the culture and surrounding areas of their host city and country. The following is a listing of potential excursions for API Krakow programs. API may need to modify the excursions offered in a given term due to travel restrictions or health and safety concerns.

  • Oswiecim (Auschwitz)

    About 40 miles southwest of Krakow is the town of Oswiecim. Most people know the city by its German name, Auschwitz. This was the site of the largest Nazi concentration camp, and during the years 1940-45 more than 1.5 million people lost their lives there. The main gate still has the original inscription “Arbeit macht frei” (work sets you free). The Martyrdom Museum, included on the list of the UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites, was established in 1947 and provides student visitors with the history and personal testimonies of the survivors of the camp.

  • Wieliczka Salt Mine

    The Wieliczka Salt Mine has been listed as a UNESCO monument since 1978. This 700-year-old mine attracts visitors from all over the world. Located just 15 km outside of Krakow, the salt mine (kopalnia soli) is still operating. Because the mine is renowned for the preservative qualities of its microclimate as well as for its health-giving properties, it also functions as an underground sanatorium where chronic allergies are treated. The most beautiful chamber is the Chapel of St. Kinga, which was voluntarily carved out between 1862-80. The floors, walls, chandeliers, and banisters are all carved from salt. The bas-relief wall carvings depict scenes from the New Testament and display amazing dimension and realism.

  • Zakopane

    Zakopane is a cozy village embedded in the Tatras, the highest mountain range of the Carpathians. This quaint town attracts over a million tourists a year, and is famous for its “góralski” (highland) culture and way of life. Moreover, Zakopane has left its mark on Polish culture due to the fact that many Polish artists, writers, and painters have been inspired by the village’s unique atmosphere.

  • Budapest

    Budapest is Hungary’s capital and largest city. The river Danube flows through Budapest on its way to the Black Sea, dividing the city in two. In fact, Buda and Pest were officially united in 1873. Hungary joined the European Union in 2004, but its capital retains an Eastern mystique, with twisty old streets lined with beautiful architecture. Today Budapest is bustling with activity. The language will fascinate you, the nightlife buzzes, the classical music scene is impressive, and the Hungarian people are warm and welcoming. Budapest’s famous thermal baths are a “must-do” for the traveler. Due to Budapest’s stunning beauty, many tourists believe it to be one of the hidden treasures of Central Europe.

  • Oswiecim (Auschwitz)

    About 40 miles southwest of Krakow is the town of Oswiecim. Most people know the city by its German name, Auschwitz. This was the site of the largest Nazi concentration camp, and during the years 1940-45 more than 1.5 million people lost their lives there. The main gate still has the original inscription “Arbeit macht frei” (work sets you free). The Martyrdom Museum, included on the list of the UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites, was established in 1947 and provides student visitors with the history and personal testimonies of the survivors of the camp.

  • Wieliczka Salt Mine

    The Wieliczka Salt Mine has been listed as a UNESCO monument since 1978. This 700-year-old mine attracts visitors from all over the world. Located just 15 km outside of Krakow, the salt mine (kopalnia soli) is still operating. Because the mine is renowned for the preservative qualities of its microclimate as well as for its health-giving properties, it also functions as an underground sanatorium where chronic allergies are treated. The most beautiful chamber is the Chapel of St. Kinga, which was voluntarily carved out between 1862-80. The floors, walls, chandeliers, and banisters are all carved from salt. The bas-relief wall carvings depict scenes from the New Testament and display amazing dimension and realism.

  • Budapest

    Budapest is Hungary’s capital and largest city. The river Danube flows through Budapest on its way to the Black Sea, dividing the city in two. In fact, Buda and Pest were officially united in 1873. Hungary joined the European Union in 2004, but its capital retains an Eastern mystique, with twisty old streets lined with beautiful architecture. Today Budapest is bustling with activity. The language will fascinate you, the nightlife buzzes, the classical music scene is impressive, and the Hungarian people are warm and welcoming. Budapest’s famous thermal baths are a “must-do” for the traveler. Due to Budapest’s stunning beauty, many tourists believe it to be one of the hidden treasures of Central Europe.

  • Berlin

    A city once divided, Berlin lies at the heart of Germany – literally and figuratively. While it is the second most populous city in Europe (metropolitan area notwithstanding), it maintains a more tranquil feel than other large cities, as 1/3 of the city is composed of forests, gardens, and parks. Berlin is not only the political capital of Germany, but arguably one of Europe’s capitals of art, culture, and politics. Designated a UNESCO “City of Design”, it possesses amazing architecture, cuisine, museums, and music and is a favored destination for young travelers and students

  • Zakopane and Poprad, Slovakia

    If you enjoy hiking or skiing then the Tatra Mountains are the place for you. The Tatras are the highest range of the Carpathians Mountains and they stretch across the Polish-Slovakian border.

    During our trip we will have a chance to hike one of the Tatra Mountains valley as well as admire beautiful panorama of Tatras from the summit of Kasprowy Wierch Mountain, reached via cable car. Trip includes also visit to nearby Poprad (Slovakia) with its two main attractions Aquapark and treetop walkway.

  • Oswiecim (Auschwitz)

    About 40 miles southwest of Krakow is the town of Oswiecim. Most people know the city by its German name, Auschwitz. This was the site of the largest Nazi concentration camp, and during the years 1940-45 more than 1.5 million people lost their lives there. The main gate still has the original inscription “Arbeit macht frei” (work sets you free). The Martyrdom Museum, included on the list of the UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites, was established in 1947 and provides student visitors with the history and personal testimonies of the survivors of the camp.

  • Wieliczka Salt Mine

    The Wieliczka Salt Mine has been listed as a UNESCO monument since 1978. This 700-year-old mine attracts visitors from all over the world. Located just 15 km outside of Krakow, the salt mine (kopalnia soli) is still operating. Because the mine is renowned for the preservative qualities of its microclimate as well as for its health-giving properties, it also functions as an underground sanatorium where chronic allergies are treated. The most beautiful chamber is the Chapel of St. Kinga, which was voluntarily carved out between 1862-80. The floors, walls, chandeliers, and banisters are all carved from salt. The bas-relief wall carvings depict scenes from the New Testament and display amazing dimension and realism.

  • Tatra Mountains

    If you enjoy hiking or skiing then the Tatra Mountains are the place for you!

    The Tatras are the highest range of the Carpathians Mountains and they stretch across the Polish-Slovakian border. A quarter of the range is Polish, and it was formally declared the Tatra National Park in 1955.

    Located only a short bus trip from Krakow Tatras are a perfect escape from a busy city life.

    This day trip is full of diverse events. We will take cable car to summit of Kasprowy Wierch Mountain to admire panorama of Tatras, walk along Krupówki - Zakopane Township main street and taste some delicacies from local farmers market where you can purchase unique souvenirs.

Program Details

What You’ll Study

TOTAL CREDITS - 12-18 credits per semester

Students who choose to study abroad in Krakow with API complete courses offered in English by the Jagiellonian University of Krakow’s Department of Humanities and Social Sciences. This program is designed to encourage an exchange of ideas and experiences. The program focuses on the most significant issues of modern philosophy, anthropology, history, literary theories, art history, and psychology. The main emphasis is placed on the modern and interdisciplinary character of 20th-century cultural phenomena.

Students select the majority of their classes from the Department of Humanities and Social Sciences, and International Relations and Polish Studies, and may ask for special permission to complete a course in another department of the university that offers courses in English. The courses are generally attended by American and other international students. Most courses are equivalent to three U.S. semester credits. Course credits are indicated in parentheses after the course title. Not all classes taught outside of the Department of Humanities and Social Sciences are equivalent to three U.S. semester credits.

API students will indicate course choices on the application and then complete course registration upon arrival in Poland. When seeking approval for courses at their home university prior to departure, students should select courses only from the Department of Humanities and Social Sciences, and International Relations and Polish Studies course listings. Students must enroll in a minimum of two classes from the Department of Humanities and Social Sciences program offerings.

The list of classes offered by other departments that are taught in English is not released until after API students have arrived in Poland. As final course selection may vary from pre-approved courses, it is important for all students to take their advisor’s contact information with them to Krakow to ensure that the courses that they take in Krakow can successfully transfer back to their home university.

INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITIES AT LOCAL MUSEUM

There are limited internship opportunities in Krakow through the Galician Jewish Museum. If you are interested in working as a docent or with the museum’s marketing and communications department, please let your API Program Manager know as soon as possible. Internships are unpaid and do not award credit.

OTHER OPPORTUNITIES

Krakow’s Volunteer Center and Children’ Friends Society offer long and short-term volunteer opportunities for experienced caregivers and students experiences in working with children. Details available upon arrival.

TRANSCRIPTS

API students will receive a transcript from the Jagiellonian University of Krakow upon successful completion of their program.

  • Uzl5Xxsqpczr9Rwvdzhf

    Piotr Gebalski

    Piotr will be your Resident Director in Krakow and will be a resource for you while you are in Poland!

  • Rebecca Cott Head Shot

    Rebecca Cott

    Rebecca Cott will be your Program Manager and prepare you to go abroad!

    Email - [email protected]

Courses

COURSE OFFERINGS

  • Students may take a Polish language course throughout the semester (4 semester credits). Classes are taught at all levels (beginning, intermediate, advanced) and are conducted in Polish. All other courses are taught in English.
  • API students will indicate course choices on the application and then complete course registration upon arrival in Poland. When seeking approval for courses at their home university prior to departure, students should select courses only from the Department of Humanities and Social Sciences, and International Relations and Polish Studies course listings.
  • The list of classes offered by other departments that are taught in English is typically not released until after API students have arrived in Poland. As final course selection may vary from pre-approved courses, it is important for all students to take their advisor’s contact information with them to Krakow to ensure that the courses that they take in Krakow can successfully transfer back to their home university.
  • Students must enroll in a minimum of two classes from the Department of Humanities and Social Sciences program offerings before they become eligible to select any courses from other departments/programs.

ACADEMIC CALENDAR PROGRAM

The academic calendar in Poland is different from that of most U.S. universities. The traditional fall semester at Jagiellonian also continues classes throughout the month of January, and the first half of February is reserved for final exams. API, however, has made special arrangements on behalf of its fall students to complete coursework and exams in December, so as to not interfere with the American academic calendar in the spring.

ADDITIONAL COURSE OPTIONS

Titles of classes that are taught in English by departments outside the Department of Humanities and Social Sciences are available after arrival in Poland. For this reason, API is not able to publish course listings for these departments. Departments that may have classes available in English are listed below. It is recommended that students seek course approval for a full semester’s credit from the Department of Humanities and Social Sciences classes prior to departure. Most courses outside of the Department of Humanities and Social Sciences are NOT equivalent to semester credits (the average range is 1-2 U.S. semester credits per course). Students may enroll in 1-2 classes that are taught in English from the following departments:

Department of Business & Communication

An additional fee of $200 per class is charged for classes taken in the Department of Business & Communication

  • Department of Comparative Civilization Studies
  • Department of International Polish Studies (see above)
  • Institute of Computer Sciences
  • Institute of History
  • Institute of American Studies
  • Institute of Ethnology and Cultural Anthropology
  • Institute of European Studies
  • Institute of Psychology
  • Institute of Sociology
  • Institute of Geography

CREDIT INFORMATION

Jagiellonian University operates on the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS). It is generally accepted that in order to convert from ECTS to U.S. semester credits, one should divide the ECTS total by 2.

Two-Week Intensive Beginner Polish

This course is designed for students who with no previous background in the Polish language. Students will increase their vocabulary and knowledge of grammar. Students should be able to read basic texts.

Language of Instruction: Polish    Course Level: Lower Division  

Recommended US semester credits: 3   Course Level: Lower Division  

View Syllabus   

Semester Intensive Beginner Polish

This course is designed for students who with no previous background in the Polish language. Students will increase their vocabulary and knowledge of grammar. Students should be able to read basic texts.

Language of Instruction: Polish    Course Level: Lower Division  

Recommended US semester credits: 4   Course Level: Lower Division  

View Syllabus   

Poland and the European Union

The lecture will present the main problems connected with the Polish road to and membership in the European Union. The course consists of the two interrelated parts: Polish Road to the European Union- during the fall semester and Poland in the European Union – in the spring semester. In the first part, it aims to provide an in-depth analysis of the development of the Polish foreign policy and the overview of the main political and social problems of Poland before joining the EU. The subject adopts a chronological and problem-oriented approach to the study of the Polish foreign relations from the 1989 Autumn of Nations to the first years of the 21st century. The aim of the second part is to give students the general overview of the consequences of Poland’s membership in the European Union. Poland became a member in 2004 and since then the participation in this regional grouping of states had a significant impact on Polish society, economy, legal system and politics (including foreign policy).

Language of Instruction: English    Course Level: Lower Division  

Recommended US semester credits: 3   Course Level: Lower Division  

View Syllabus   

Analyzing Polish Cinema

In this course students should be able to: think aesthetically, provide an overview of Polish audiovisual culture in the 20th and 21st century, see the phenomenon of Polish cinema in its historical and ideological development, explain the concept of camp, elucidate the connections and differences between theater acting and film acting, appreciate art for its own sake, and express themselves clearly in speech and in writing.

Language of Instruction: English    Course Level: Lower Division  

Recommended US semester credits: 3   Course Level: Lower Division  

View Syllabus   

Anatomy and Dynamics of Prejudices

The aim of this course is to explore the dimensions of negative stereotypes, prejudices, ethnocentrism, racism, antisemitism and discriminations in societies and to come to grips with possible solutions. The focus will be mainly on Europe on a comparative basis, including difficult neighborhood. The approach will be interdisciplinary (political science, social psychology, sociology, history and education). Attention will be paid to the origins and to the patterns of prejudices. In this course we will also explore the key concepts, resources, methods and activities of international bodies (UNESCO, EU, Council of Europe, OSCE), governmental agencies (i.e. state museums, centers of culture and education) and regional NGO’s counteracting prejudices. We will also review films that address topics of racism, intolerance, prejudices and antisemitism in Central Europe and elsewhere.

Language of Instruction: English    Course Level: Lower Division  

Recommended US semester credits: 3   Course Level: Lower Division  

View Syllabus   

The Cold War

When the Second World War was coming to an end most people touched by the atrocities of the ending conflict did not envision a new conflict. Yet the war Allies: USA, Great Britain, and USSR were driven by diverse interests, expectations, power desire, and fear. Barely a few months after one conflict has ended, differences between East and West started to grow and became more and more visible. Yet some respect for the other side and most probably fear of a new, nuclear conflict, prevented a major conflict from breaking out. The two political and military blocks closed within themselves and entered several decades of rivalry, peaceful rivalry in Europe and America, although at times brutal and very close to real confrontation. This peaceful rivalry is referred to as span ‘Cold War’ as if to oppose it to real, hot warfare. The fact that no fighting broke out in Europe did not mean there was no military confrontation elsewhere.

Language of Instruction: English    Course Level: Lower Division  

Course Level: Lower Division  

View Syllabus   

History of Polish Culture

Starting form the very beginning of Polish history in the Roman period, until the present time, the course explores the whole range of aspects of the history and culture of the nation. Special emphasis is given to the national art, literature, music, therefore the course is illustrated by pieces of literature, as well as the presentation of art, architecture and music. The course will concentrate on culture of particular periods of the Polish history.

Language of Instruction: English    Course Level: Lower Division  

Recommended US semester credits: 3   Course Level: Lower Division  

View Syllabus   

The Holocaust and its Cultural Meaning

There is no question that the Holocaust is the definitive event of the twentieth century for the West. Yet only after over half a century do we find that all the world can finally and freely speak of the Holocaust and the effect it has had on European and Western culture. The Shoah needs to be understood as something more than a historical or political event.The introductory classes will build a foundation based on analysis of the changing terminology and definitions, as well as situate the Holocaust against the historical backdrop and social context of modern Europe. Presented and analyzed next will be the fundamental questions provoked by the Holocaust (e.g., how did it happen, what did political leaders do or not do, how did ordinary people react,, etc.). The perpetrator, victim, and bystander roles will be discussed in detail; means of resistance and rescue will also be examined. As the course is being taught in Central Europe, attention will be paid to pre- and post-communist memory of the Holocaust. Each meeting will center on a specific theme and questions. The primary aim is to enable the student to examine the many facets of Holocaust history and memory. Another goal is to arrive at a more critical, analytical, and nuanced understanding of the Shoah. Students will be able to demythologize the Holocaust and critique the presentations and representations (or lack thereof), in private and public discourse, in their own and other nation-states, under totalitarian and democratic systems.

Language of Instruction: English    Course Level: Lower Division  

Recommended US semester credits: 3   Course Level: Lower Division  

View Syllabus   

Memory of the Holocaust in Europe in Comparative Perspective

Topics covered in this course include:

  • Collective Memory
  • History and Memory
  • War, Violence, Silence, and Denial in History
  • Politics of Memory
  • Coming to Terms with Disturbing Past? Israel, Germany, France, USA, CEE (Poland, Hungary), Baltic countries, Scandinavian countries, South America
  • Contested Pasts – Transformed Memories
  • Strategies of Remembrance
  • Holocaust in Philosophy, Literature, Education, and Art
  • Overview of institutions throughout the world that deal with the history of the Holocaust
  • Holocaust Remembrance: Intergovernmental Organizations, States, and Civil Society
  • Education, Research and Good Practices
  • Education about the Holocaust and Human Rights
  • Preparing Holocaust Memorial Days


Language of Instruction: English    Course Level: Lower Division  

Recommended US semester credits: 3   Course Level: Lower Division  

View Syllabus   

Modern Philosophy I

This course surveys the major issues of modern philosophical thought in the areas of metaphysics (the debate between post-Nietzscheans and the defenders of classical metaphysics), ethics (modern views on what it means to be moral and how morality can be justified), and political philosophy (philosophical foundations of liberal democracy). The following authors’ works will be discussed: Richard Rorty, Juergen Habermas, Edmund Husserl, Max Scheler, Alasdair MacIntyre, John Rawls, Karl Popper, Ortega y Gasset and Friedrich Hayek.

Language of Instruction: English    Course Level: Lower Division  

Recommended US semester credits: 3   Course Level: Lower Division  

View Syllabus   

Poland and Europe in the 20th Century

The aim of the course is to present the main events and social processes of the 20th-century history of Poland. Subjects to discuss are listed below:

  • Polish lands in Europe at the turn of the 19th to 20th centuries
  • Polish lands and Poles in the First World War: the Eastern versus the Western front.
  • Peace settlements after the First World War - the Versailles system. Poland in the Paris Peace talks.
  • Poland in Europe in the years 1918-1939: analysis of statistical data
  • The forming of Polish state after World War I.
  • Europe's approval of Poland's position
  • Domestic economic and political developments in 1918-1939
  • Poland In the European international politics in the Years 1918-1939
  • Poland and the coming of the Second World War
  • The Second World War - Poland - The occupied territories
  • The Second World War: Poland- Between London and Warsaw
  • The Second World War - Poland - Between London, Moscow and Washington DC
  • The international dimension of Poland's war meetings in Teheran, Yalta, Potsdam and their impact on Poland
  • The establishment of Communist regime in Poland 1944-1948.
  • The outbreak of the Cold War. The Marshall Plan; the two camp policy, the Berlin Blockade, NATO, Warsaw Pact, the forming of FRG and GDR.
  • Western Europe and reconstruction. Stalinism and the age of terror 1948-1956.
  • The "Thaw" of 1956. XX Congress of the CPSU. Polish October. Europe and the Word In 1956
  • Gomulka's Poland
  • Gierek's Poland. The emergence of the democratic opposition. Role of the Catholic Church.
  • The Solidarity Revolution of 1980-81. Solidarity Poland in Europe
  • The Martial Law in Poland. Crisis of the Communist system
  • Poland in the 1980s. Europe In the 1980s
  • The "Velvet" Revolution of 1989-1990

Language of Instruction: English    Course Level: Lower Division  

Recommended US semester credits: 3   Contact Hours: 6 Course Level: Lower Division  

View Syllabus   

Polish Gay Literature and Social Change

This course offers a view of Polish literature and culture through the un-normative lens combined with introductory elements from gender and queer theories and a sociological look on LGBT issues in contemporary Poland. The course also covers the acquisition of a broader Polish cultural context of non-normative sexualities: theatre, film, music (classical and popular). The understanding of basic gender studies and queer studies procedures, as well as psychoanalytical analysis, is taken into account, as is the ability to trace and understand the clues of non-normative sexualities.

Language of Instruction: English    Course Level: Lower Division  

Recommended US semester credits: 3   Course Level: Lower Division  

View Syllabus   

Psychology of Culture - Culture Shock

The course objective is to make us aware of facts and theories that provide understanding and explanation of cultural systems and communication practices between and within societies in general and in professional activities in particular. The students will develop a better understanding of the relationship between communication strategies and interaction dynamics and the processes of socialization and acculturation. In consequence, they will develop a higher awareness of the cultural differences that will provide them with tools for better interaction practices. The role of language, non-verbal, verbal and contextual communication will be studied in the context of cultural dimensions and business environment. The course explores problems which are occurring during cultural encounters and communication with strangers. This issue has become more and more important during the last decade because of the growing amount of international contacts between previously separated parts of Europe and within these parts. Improving our communication requires that we become aware of how we communicate. Throughout the course, the participants will learn how to become consciously competent. While the course is based on structural theory of cultural differences and on communication theory it does not present these theories in detail. It focuses on practical application of these theories to the issues of acculturation, culture shock, conflict’s management, conducting negotiations and developing relations with strangers across cultural boundaries.

Language of Instruction: English    Course Level: Lower Division  

Recommended US semester credits: 3   Course Level: Lower Division  

View Syllabus   

Religion and Identity in Poland

The aim of this course is to introduce international undergraduate students to religion in Poland, including a range of religious groups, beliefs, and practices, across more than a thousand years of history. Against that broad background, several key issues will be looked at in depth. The most fundamental of these is how religion in general, and Roman Catholicism in particular, has related to Polish national identity. Other topics of special interest will be the history of religious tolerance in Poland, the role of the Roman Catholic Church in opposing communist rule and the question of the relevance of religion in modern social life in Poland.

Language of Instruction: English    Course Level: Lower Division  

Recommended US semester credits: 3   Course Level: Lower Division  

View Syllabus   

Conflict Resolution and Peace Building

The aim of the course is to describe and explain the mechanisms, methods and legal instruments used in international relations to resolve conflicts and to bring peace and security to conflict-experienced countries and regions through a broadly understood process of peace-building, applied by states and international organizations.

Language of Instruction: English    Course Level: Lower Division  

Recommended US semester credits: 2.5   Course Level: Lower Division  

View Syllabus   

Human Rights

This course covers the following topics:

  • Theories of human rights
  • Human rights and constitutional law
  • United Nations system of human rights protection
  • European system of human rights protection
  • Human rights in South America, Africa, and Arabic states

Language of Instruction: English   

Recommended US semester credits: 2  

View Syllabus   

International Law

International relationships are characterized by a reciprocal respect for rules. Such commitment is considered mandatory by nation states. These rules are usually known as International Law. International society is made up of independent entities that are free to make their own choices. However, they are also, of necessity, interdependent, hence the need to establish regularized relationships through the creation of mutually agreed rules. In this course students, by being introduced to these rules, will come to understand how states conduct their foreign policy. The main topics under discussion will be: subjects of International Law; international organizations (with especial emphasis upon the United Nations), international treaties; international liability and international crimes (for example, terrorism).

Language of Instruction: English    Course Level: Lower Division  

Recommended US semester credits: 3.5   Course Level: Lower Division  

International Political Economy

Topics covered in this course include:

  • International relations, economics, and political economy
  • Theories, approaches, and concepts
  • One economics, many recipes
  • The impact of globalization on the state
  • Current economic dilemmas
  • New actors and structures
  • Changing balance of power
  • Methodology: economic policy making in theory and practice
  • Comparative, rational choice and constructivist approaches
  • Realism, Liberalism, Marxism, Regime theory, Hegemonic Stability
  • Institutions
  • Grand theories continued: the debates: Case studies and group presentation
  • Theory and levels of analysis
  • Interests, institutions and ideas
  • International and domestic approaches,
  • Two and multi-level games
  • State versus market
  • The role of government in the economy and market failure
  • Market structures, imperfect competition, accountability
  • Regulation
  • Foreign economic policy making
  • Economic diplomacy
  • Introduction to Economic Nationalism and International Trade
  • Regionalism
  • Applied trade policy making

Language of Instruction: English    Course Level: Lower Division  

Recommended US semester credits: 3.5   Course Level: Lower Division  

View Syllabus   

International Relations in the 20th Century

This course aims at providing students with basic knowledge of the international history of the 20th century, including short introduction into the mechanisms leading to the WWI and WWII, inter-war period, Cold War problems, European issues, including both Western and Eastern Europe, certain issues of the IR in the Asia-Pacific and the Middle East.

Language of Instruction: English    Course Level: Lower Division  

Recommended US semester credits: 3.5   Course Level: Lower Division  

View Syllabus   

International Security I: Concepts and Approaches

Topics covered in this course include:

  • Security as a phenomenon in international relations
  • War and peace
  • Domestic politics and interstate war
  • Political dimension of international security
  • Determinants of international security
  • Economic development and interstate conflicts (ethnic and civil wars, terrorism)
  • Contemporary challenges to international security
  • Technology and modern security
  • Insurgency/counterinsurgency

Language of Instruction: English    Course Level: Lower Division  

Recommended US semester credits: 2.5   Course Level: Lower Division  

View Syllabus   

Introduction to International Development

This course is an introduction to International Development (ID). Multidisciplinary and not necessarily fully formed yet, ID is a field of knowledge and an emerging social science discipline. ID studies the reasons for the inequality of life for human beings. Most humans live in poverty and political instability. Collectively referred to as the developing world, it is the part of the world that is of primary interest to ID. However, both by seeking a theoretical explanation of the inequality and by looking for practical solutions to it, International Development is becoming critically important to all humans, no matter where they live. First, the course will examine the basic concepts of the discipline and the main theoretical approaches to understanding the nature and processes of International Development. Second, the course will introduce its main actors. Third, the course will take a look at selected issues examined by ID, such as colonialism and its legacy of poverty and international aid and its politics. Finally, the course will scrutinize the role of the state in relation to market forces.

Language of Instruction: English    Course Level: Lower Division  

Recommended US semester credits: 2.5   Course Level: Lower Division  

View Syllabus   

Introduction to Politics and Political Science

Topics covered in this course include:

  • Politics as the most serious realm of a human life and a foundation of all other human activities (economic, artistic at al.)
  • Anthropological visions as a background of politics
  • Tensions between politics and pedagogy
  • Aims of domestic and international politics
  • Relations between politics and war
  • Relations between politics and ethics
  • What is political science?
  • The concept of power
  • Political systems: democratic, authoritarian and totalitarian regimes
  • Social determinants of politics: geopolitics and political culture
  • Political participation and voting behavior
  • Group politics
  • Trust in politics
  • Migration and politics of multiculturalism

Language of Instruction: English    Course Level: Lower Division  

Recommended US semester credits: 2.5   Course Level: Lower Division  

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Military Operations and Technology

This course will examine conventional military operations from the period of World War I to the present. The course format will consist of a mixture of roughly 50 percent military history and 50 percent description of how modern military forces are organized, equipped and trained for conventional combat operations. Students will develop an understanding of how military forces have evolved during this period as well as how military technology has changed in the past century and how those changes gave influenced the way operations are conducted. While the majority of the course will focus on conventional combat, there will be some reference to so-called “low-intensity” operations such as counterinsurgency, in so far as those types of operations have had a bearing on how conventional forces prepare for and conduct operations.

The course will start with a brief overview of the state of military art and science at the turn of the 20th Century. This will be followed by an overview of 20th Century military campaigns that will continue into the early 21st Century.

Language of Instruction: English    Course Level: Lower Division  

Recommended US semester credits: 2.5   Course Level: Lower Division  

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New Terrorism and CounterTerrorism

This course offers the following learning objectives:

  • To present a general knowledge of theoretical aspects of contemporary terrorism.
  • To present a knowledge of methods, concepts, tools, and actions undertaken for the purposes of prevention and combating of terrorism.
  • To identify basic features and modes of terrorist activities.
  • To develop a practical ability to work out a plausible practical response to different forms of terrorism.

Language of Instruction: English    Course Level: Lower Division  

Recommended US semester credits: 2.5   Course Level: Lower Division  

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Political Philosophy and International Relations

The aim of the course is to present and discuss main theories and schools of thought of Western political philosophy in a chronological order.

Language of Instruction: English    Course Level: Lower Division  

Recommended US semester credits: 3   Course Level: Lower Division  

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Introduction to Translation Studies

The course is designed as a presentation of the main schools of Western Translation Studies (TS) from the 1940s until today. Students will look at the main tenets of particular branches of contemporary TS, and trace the changes of theoretical paradigms and research areas. The main stress will be laid on studies concentrating around the notions developed within the equivalence paradigm, the broadly defined area of Descriptive Translation Studies and the Cultural Turn in TS. The idea of TS as an interdisciplinary field and the status of translation and translation studies in today’s humanities will also be discussed. Some attention is also given to historical statements on translation.

Language of Instruction: English    Course Level: Lower Division  

Recommended US semester credits: 2.5   Course Level: Lower Division  

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Language Learning Strategies

This seminar will examine language learning styles and strategies. The main goal of the seminar is to determine language learning styles and profiles of the participants and to assist them to effectively manage their learning of languages.

Language of Instruction: English    Course Level: Lower Division  

Recommended US semester credits: 2.5   Course Level: Lower Division  

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Milosz and Gombrowicz: The Dialectic of Belief and Unbelief

Miłosz and Gombrowicz are the key Polish writers who – more or less openly – debated the problem of religion. The essential aim of the course is to reconstruct dynamics of religious/agnostic/atheistic insights shared by the two great personalities.

The starting point will be a comparative reading of "The World: Naive Poems" (1943) and "The Marriage" (1947), both written in a particular context of the implosion of a traditional metaphysical frame. Further reading of the two writers include several chapters from Diary of Gombrowicz, some essays (e.g. excerpts from "Ulro Land") and poems by Miłosz. The course will also introduce some basic ideas referring to an unprecedented condition of religious belief in the 20th century. The main guide through the ideas that mark out the horizon of contemporary religious and secular beliefs is Charles Taylor, the author of fundamental "A Secular Age."

Language of Instruction: English    Course Level: Lower Division  

Recommended US semester credits: 2.5   Course Level: Lower Division  

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Symbols Embodied: Modern Polish Drama and Theatre

Unlike most of western theater, which is usually realistic, the Polish way of playwriting and Polish performing art are mostly poetic and allegorical. Polish drama of the 20th century has achieved worldwide acclaim and counts among the acknowledged masterpieces of the European canon. The most famous names: Witkiewicz, Gombrowicz, and Mrozek, among others, come to mind. Modern theater of our time counts the names of Grotowski or Kantor to their founders. The intention of the course is to familiarize students with the major trends in modern Polish drama from Romanticism to the end of 20th Century, with elements of the previous periods. Texts and video-recorded performances of selected plays will be presented and discussed and will be treated both as a unique phenomenon and as a typical example of some great European aesthetic movements. The course will try to maintain a balance between performance studies and literary readings. The first three lectures start from the general cultural context of medieval religious performances. The course then moves on to the humanistic and baroque court stage. The remaining several weeks will be dedicated to reading metaphysical plays in verses of Polish Romanticism and the majority of the time we will spend on analyzing modern avant-garde plays. The theoretical subject of the course is focused on the relationship between literary and theatrical forms of drama.

Language of Instruction: English    Course Level: Lower Division  

Recommended US semester credits: 2.5   Course Level: Lower Division  

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Two-Week Intensive Beginner Polish

This course is designed for students who with no previous background in the Polish language. Students will increase their vocabulary and knowledge of grammar. Students should be able to read basic texts.

Language of Instruction: Polish    Course Level: Lower Division  

Recommended US semester credits: 3   Course Level: Lower Division  

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Semester Intensive Beginner Polish

This course is designed for students who with no previous background in the Polish language. Students will increase their vocabulary and knowledge of grammar. Students should be able to read basic texts.

Language of Instruction: Polish    Course Level: Lower Division  

Recommended US semester credits: 4   Course Level: Lower Division  

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Film and Religion

Analysis of selected works of contemporary Western cinema in a postsecular manner, i.e. emphasizing their religious dimensions. Course is focused on Christianity, denominations within Christianity, Buddhism, Judaism, and Atheism. The final film selection will be announced on the first lecture, but it will certainly include Michael Haneke, Coen brothers, Ulrich Seidl, Ricky Gervais, and Chayim Tabakman works.

Language of Instruction: English    Course Level: Lower Division  

Recommended US semester credits: 3   Course Level: Lower Division  

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Gender and Democracy

This course provides an overview of some key issues in the debate on gender equality in Poland. It assesses the impact of socialist regime, democratic transformation and accession to the European Union on gender relations and gender equality in Poland as well as anti-gender mobilization and backlash towards gender equality.

Language of Instruction: English    Course Level: Lower Division  

Recommended US semester credits: 3   Course Level: Lower Division  

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History and Sociology of Food and Drink in Poland

The aim of this course is to introduce international undergraduate students to food and drink in Poland from an academic point of view. This academic reflection will parallel and complement their discovery of Polish cuisine outside of the classroom. In addition to traditional teaching methods involving lectures and classroom discussion, students will be asked to select a recipe described in a local cookbook (Zasmakuj w tradycji) which they will translate, cook for themselves, and then describe the food, its social context, history, place in the calendar, etc to the rest of the class. The class will also be supplemented by short study trips to local food-related events. The class will end with a written exam.

Language of Instruction: English    Course Level: Lower Division  

Recommended US semester credits: 4   Course Level: Lower Division  

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The Holocaust and Its Cultural Meaning II

There is no question that the Holocaust is the definitive event of the twentieth century for the West. Yet only after over half a century do we find that all the world can finally and freely speak of the Holocaust and the effect it has had on European and Western culture. The Shoah needs to be understood as something more than a historical or political event.The introductory classes will build a foundation based on analysis of the changing terminology and definitions, as well as situate the Holocaust against the historical backdrop and social context of modern Europe.

Language of Instruction: English   

Recommended US semester credits: 3  

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Media Art in Poland

The course covers Polish media art in the context of contemporary art in general. The most important movements will be presented including the Workshop of Film Form, conceptual art, minimal art, Polish school of video art, computer-based art etc. The course will also feature the presentations of the works by Józef Robakowski, Zbigniew Rybczyński, Natalia LL, Mirosław Rogala, Krzysztof Wodiczko, Artur Żmijewski, Katarzyna Kozyra and many others.

Language of Instruction: English    Course Level: Lower Division  

Recommended US semester credits: 2.5   Course Level: Lower Division  

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Modern Philosophy II

This course surveys the major issues of modern philosophical thought in the areas of metaphysics (the debate between post-Nietzscheans and the defenders of classical metaphysics), ethics (modern views on what it means to be moral and how morality can be justified), and political philosophy (philosophical foundations of liberal democracy). The following authors’ works will be discussed: Richard Rorty, Juergen Habermas, Edmund Husserl, Max Scheler, Alasdair MacIntyre, John Rawls, Karl Popper, Ortega y Gasset and Friedrich Hayek.

Language of Instruction: English    Course Level: Lower Division  

Recommended US semester credits: 3   Course Level: Lower Division  

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Nationalism and Identity

Central Europe is the midst of exciting historic territory. In the early modern period, (i.e. 16th through 18th centuries) various states and nations experienced upheavals and changes to their sovereignty, starting with periods of pride and glory, all the way to the disappearance from the map of Europe. Such was the fate of Hungary at the beginning of the discussed period, and such was the fate of Poland-Lithuania towards the end. This will be a typical survey course intended to share with students the basic political and social changes in the Central European history in the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries.

Language of Instruction: English    Course Level: Lower Division  

Recommended US semester credits: 3   Course Level: Lower Division  

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Poland as a Work of Art

A country can be an aesthetic experience – it’s possible to get inspired in Poland, you just need to know where to look. Students in this class will browse through recent Polish cinema, design, literature, theater, and fashion to get a “Kraków vibe” unheard of in museums and pubs. Students will try to savor the place in a subtle way, “armed” with art theory and aesthetic sensitivity. Not only will students talk about art: they will also perceive it – glamor, nostalgia and just plain outrageousness.

Language of Instruction: English    Course Level: Lower Division  

Recommended US semester credits: 3   Course Level: Lower Division  

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Poland and the European Union

The lecture will present the main problems connected with the Polish road to and membership in the European Union. The course consists of the two interrelated parts: Polish Road to the European Union- during the fall semester and Poland in the European Union – in the spring semester. In the first part, it aims to provide an in-depth analysis of the development of the Polish foreign policy and the overview of the main political and social problems of Poland before joining the EU. The subject adopts a chronological and problem-oriented approach to the study of the Polish foreign relations from the 1989 Autumn of Nations to the first years of the 21st century. The aim of the second part is to give students the general overview of the consequences of Poland’s membership in the European Union. Poland became a member in 2004 and since then the participation in this regional grouping of states had a significant impact on Polish society, economy, legal system and politics (including foreign policy).

Language of Instruction: English    Course Level: Lower Division  

Recommended US semester credits: 3   Course Level: Lower Division  

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Democracy Promotion

The course will theoretically analyze and critically evaluate several case studies of democracy promotion as an instrument of foreign policy. It will examine the extent to which democracy promotion has been a significant element in the foreign policy of the United States since the end of the Cold War, and examine some of the differences when it comes to European and American perspectives on democracy promotion.

Language of Instruction: English    Course Level: Lower Division  

Recommended US semester credits: 2   Course Level: Lower Division  

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Energy Security

Topics covered in this course include:

  • Definition and concept of energy security
  • Energy balance of the word in the 21 st century
  • The balance of material resources of the world
  • Maritime piracy as a threat to global energy security system
  • Energy policy of the United States of America and Canada
  • Problem of control of energy resources in the Middle East
  • Energy potential and the politics of OPEC / OAPEC
  • Iran’s Energy Policy
  • EU energy security
  • Russia’s energy strategy
  • Energy security and politics of China and India
  • Japan’s Energy Policy
  • Resources of the Caspian Sea Countries
  • Role of Australia and Oceania in global energy system
  • African countries: new actors on global oil market
  • Energy security issues of Poland
  • The Scandinavian countries and the Arctic region
  • Latin America: the forgotten energy granary
  • Alternative energy sources

Language of Instruction: English    Course Level: Lower Division  

Recommended US semester credits: 2.5   Course Level: Lower Division  

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Europe and the United States since 1945

The course will examine how the approach of the United States to democracy promotion has changed during the Cold War, and into the post-Cold War period, and will focus on the War on Terror in particular. Students will gain a detailed understanding of American foreign policy and democracy promotion in various parts of the world.

Language of Instruction: English    Course Level: Lower Division  

Recommended US semester credits: 2.5   Course Level: Lower Division  

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Global Discourse

There is no doubt that the world is shrinking. Its interconnectedness and interdependence makes us-the inhabitants of the world-more aware of us. Whether we live in Chile, Japan, Australia, Iceland or any other place, our lives are becoming more and more integrated, and so are our fates. However, because we know more about ourselves, we also learn more about our differences.

Language of Instruction: English    Course Level: Lower Division  

Recommended US semester credits: 2   Course Level: Lower Division  

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Globalization and Global Governance

Only a few years ago, the term globalization was used widely and wildly. There was no day passing by without an academic, politician, journalist or business person referring to globalization in one way or another. Globalization was equated with free trade; it was said to be a road to the global community, a path to global modernization and democracy, and a vehicle to worldwide prosperity. Although most of the promises made by those who promoted globalization did not materialize, they had at least one good point: the elimination of the East-West division has shrunk the world. Coupled with a rapidly accelerated technological development and an equally rapid growth of international trade, the world has been shrinking unceasingly ever since. Never have people and peoples been so interconnected and interdependent as they are now! The shrinking world needs some kind of new rules and institutions to manage the interconnectedness and interdependence, however. The course will explore the changing nature of international relations and the redefined role of the state.

Language of Instruction: English    Course Level: Lower Division  

Recommended US semester credits: 3.5   Course Level: Lower Division  

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Human Security

Today, the concept of security extends beyond the traditional analysis of international relations and policies of nation-states. Security has increasingly focused on humanitarian issues assuming that in the contemporary world individuals, social groups and societies are subject to growing risks, escalating threats and imminent dangers. Responsibility to protect human beings has underpinned international law, diplomacy, military technologies, and economic systems. Nevertheless, deficiencies and shortcomings of an international humanitarian regime and national policies did not significantly reduce vulnerability among people and nations. Survival, well-being, and dignity of individuals have too often been a contentious issue. In this course, the concept of human security will be elaborated on in different theoretical and empirical contexts. It will be seen in the global universal dimension of relations among different nations, ethnic groups, faith communities and digital commons. Also, regional dimensions will be analyzed in a comprehensive and in-depth manner so as to focus on the diversity of human security determinants and meanings. The concept of human security is often identified with deficits of security and presented as the dehumanization of security. Various aspects of dehumanization will be discussed, ranging from alienation, humiliation, and degradation to the most extreme forms, such as human trafficking, ethnic cleansing, and genocide. Finally, during the course students will be encouraged to reflect upon the real meaning of humanity in the changing security environment. They will not only develop a comprehensive understanding of human security but also acquire practical skills to handle the humanitarian problems faced by individuals and communities worldwide.

Language of Instruction: English    Course Level: Lower Division  

Recommended US semester credits: 2.5   Course Level: Lower Division  

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International Economic Relations

By the end of this course, students will have met the following learning objectives: Students will have knowledge of mechanisms that constitute equilibrium and value-added in the economy as a whole, as well as in understanding the concepts and methods behind analyzing the international political economy. Students will have knowledge of the main economic actors, institutions and political cultures within the global economy. Students will have knowledge of the approaches and concepts used to study long and short-term economic effects and consequences. Students will have knowledge of the characteristics and determinants of national and international economic policy making. Students will be able to evaluate the theory and practice of international economic relations and foreign economic policy. Students will be able to analyze the process of economic diplomacy in national and global economies. Students will be able to examine and express their views logically and consistently.

Language of Instruction: English    Course Level: Lower Division  

Recommended US semester credits: 2   Course Level: Lower Division  

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International Security 2: Application and Analysis

We live in dangerous times. Indeed, we do but one of the most surprising trends in the post-Cold War period has been the decline in the number of international or inter-state wars. This obviously does not mean that the world is necessarily more peaceful or more secure. The plain fact is that international security has changed. Although security once resided in states and their military might, today security studies, as a subfield within International Relations, encompasses a wide-range of issues and many different actors. The lectures of this course will look at the historical evolution of security studies (starting in about 1990) and will discuss important issues and actors in global security studies, ending with the concept and application of human security (which started around 2005).

Language of Instruction: English    Course Level: Lower Division  

Recommended US semester credits: 2   Course Level: Lower Division  

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Key Issues in Contemporary International Politics

By the end of this course, students will have met the following learning objectives: Knowledge: Can employ the knowledge of basic IR theories the IR in studying the chosen developments in international politics Understands the substance and the uniqueness of the IR Recognizes the relationship of political, economic and cultural features of the IR Distinguishes the general and particular factors Skills: Is efficient in collecting and selecting of relevant information Is able to use different methods Can analyze the events and processes in international politics, with the insights of various social disciplines Is capable to present the results in written and oral form Social abilities: Is able to follow the developments in international politics and discuss them Can present own views on events and processes in the international politics Is ready to take part in the research team Should be capable to organize and lead a research team

Language of Instruction: English    Course Level: Lower Division  

Recommended US semester credits: 3   Course Level: Lower Division  

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Liberalism, Multiculturalism and Citizenship

The aim of this course is to provide a good understanding and critical discussion of the main theories of multiculturalism and citizenship and the main types of politics of multiculturalism. The discussion will start with the dominant liberal perspective including such concepts as the liberal-democratic paradigm, the idea of a free society, tolerance, individual and minority rights, and global justice. This perspective provides various ways of theorizing multiculturalism and citizenship that have been recently criticized by proponents of communitarianism leading to an interesting liberal-communitarian debate. This debate will be of crucial importance for our discussion of politics of difference and multicultural citizenship. We will examine several case studies of citizenship and politics multiculturalism such as Britain, France, Germany, Sweden, USA, and Canada. Although considered separately, these issues can be linked in many different ways to provide a thought-provoking discussion of the questions and challenges that individuals and societies in the West face at the beginning of the new millennium.

Language of Instruction: English    Course Level: Lower Division  

Recommended US semester credits: 1.5   Course Level: Lower Division  

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Political and Economic Geography

  • Topics covered in this course include:
  • Political geography and the economic one
  • A methodology and a place among other sciences
  • Geopolitics - a new science or paradigm?
  • The main concepts of geopolitics and its development in the XXI century
  • Changes on the world map
  • Code of geopolitics
  • Country and State: state sovereignty, dependent territories
  • Constitutional, social and economic forms of state
  • The geographical and political features of countries: a border, a borderland, a state capita
  • International organizations - the political, economic and social dimension.
  • Ideologies and political movements of the modern world
  • Key issues of the Present: globalization and regional divisions
  • The nation issue: a nation and an ethnic group, the concepts of the nation, national and ethnic minorities
  • The phenomenon of multiculturalism - the social and religious context

Language of Instruction: English    Course Level: Lower Division  

Recommended US semester credits: 2.5   Course Level: Lower Division  

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Theories of International Relations

Topics covered in this course include: What is IR and how should we understand international relations? Theoretical approaches to international relations Relism Structural Realism and its critics Liberalism Neo-Liberalism and its critics – institutions Neo-Liberalism and its critics – democratic peace Rationalism and post-positivist theories Neo-marxism and the IPE Constructivism Critical theory, feminism and green politics Theories of international integration Values and morality in international relations End of IR theory

Language of Instruction: English    Course Level: Lower Division  

Recommended US semester credits: 2   Course Level: Lower Division  

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War and Conflict

By the end of this course, students will have met the following learning objectives: Students will have general knowledge of theoretical aspects of strategic analysis encompassing the phenomena of war, conflict and international violence. Students will have knowledge of actors, institutions, structures and normative systems shaping contemporary international relations in the context of war and conflict. Students will be able to recognize the substance of basic processes of war and conflict in international. Students will have a practical ability to diagnose events and processes in international relations involving elements of violence, war, and conflict.

Language of Instruction: English    Course Level: Lower Division  

Recommended US semester credits: 2.5   Course Level: Lower Division  

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Cultural History of Love Discourse

Paraclausithyron (a song behind beloved’s door) – this very old literary and musical form originating from an archaic genre of komos and a feature of a Greek comedy, permeated to Roman literature, in order to become one of the leading motifs of love elegy in the Augustan era. In Latin, the figure of exclusus amator (a lover before a closed door) is applied first in a comedy, then lyrical poetry and, first of all, in an elegy, to become the basic motif for the last one. An image of keeping vigil at the shut door of the beloved became an integral constituent of the elegiac declaration of love referring to the characteristic topoi and keywords which, with time, began to substitute the entire motif and the declaration of love as such. The literary analyses on the 16th and 17th-century genre will also be accompanied by the reflexion upon the musical serenade, developing simultaneously and whose origin (still not enough documented by musicologists) probably were connected with the development of the Renaissance Latin elegy.

Language of Instruction: English    Course Level: Lower Division  

Recommended US semester credits: 2.5   Course Level: Lower Division  

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Fake Pasts: Moc-Documentary in Literature, Film and Performing Arts

Topics covered in this course include:

  • “Other” histories: The War of Worlds by Orson Welles, The War Game, Machine Chronicles: Robocalypse, etc.
  • Horror in the age of intelligent machines: Dracula’s Legacy: What We do in the Shadows, etc.
  • Deconstructing documentary narratives: The Office, Borat, Apollo 18, etc.

Language of Instruction: English    Course Level: Lower Division  

Recommended US semester credits: 2.5   Course Level: Lower Division  

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A Survey of the Polish Art History: From Romanesque to Art Nouveau

The aim of the course is to instruct the students about the specimens of old Polish arts and crafts, their development throughout the centuries, their intellectual, social, and historical background, and the multitude of foreign influences (both from the West and East). Finally, the special emphasis will be put on the artistic phenomena that took place only in Poland (e.g. 17th-century coffin portraits, national Polish Sarmatian outfits, etc.). The course will focus both on theory (workshops, analyses of the iconographic materials – the lectures will be illustrated with a vast selection of visual material) and practical analysis (outings to the museums – e.g. The Bishop Erazm Ciołek palace, sightseeing).

Language of Instruction: English    Course Level: Lower Division  

Recommended US semester credits: 3   Course Level: Lower Division  

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Analyzing Polish Cinema

In this course students should be able to: think aesthetically, provide an overview of Polish audiovisual culture in the 20th and 21st century, see the phenomenon of Polish cinema in its historical and ideological development, explain the concept of camp, elucidate the connections and differences between theater acting and film acting, appreciate art for its own sake, and express themselves clearly in speech and in writing.

Language of Instruction: English    Course Level: Lower Division  

Recommended US semester credits: 3   Course Level: Lower Division  

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Anatomy and Dynamics of Prejudices

The aim of this course is to explore the dimensions of negative stereotypes, prejudices, ethnocentrism, racism, antisemitism and discriminations in societies and to come to grips with possible solutions. The focus will be mainly on Europe on a comparative basis, including difficult neighborhood. The approach will be interdisciplinary (political science, social psychology, sociology, history and education). Attention will be paid to the origins and to the patterns of prejudices. In this course we will also explore the key concepts, resources, methods and activities of international bodies (UNESCO, EU, Council of Europe, OSCE), governmental agencies (i.e. state museums, centers of culture and education) and regional NGO’s counteracting prejudices. We will also review films that address topics of racism, intolerance, prejudices and antisemitism in Central Europe and elsewhere.

Language of Instruction: English    Course Level: Lower Division  

Recommended US semester credits: 3   Course Level: Lower Division  

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The Cold War

When the Second World War was coming to an end most people touched by the atrocities of the ending conflict did not envision a new conflict. Yet the war Allies: USA, Great Britain, and USSR were driven by diverse interests, expectations, power desire, and fear. Barely a few months after one conflict has ended, differences between East and West started to grow and became more and more visible. Yet some respect for the other side and most probably fear of a new, nuclear conflict, prevented a major conflict from breaking out. The two political and military blocks closed within themselves and entered several decades of rivalry, peaceful rivalry in Europe and America, although at times brutal and very close to real confrontation. This peaceful rivalry is referred to as span ‘Cold War’ as if to oppose it to real, hot warfare. The fact that no fighting broke out in Europe did not mean there was no military confrontation elsewhere.

Language of Instruction: English    Course Level: Lower Division  

Course Level: Lower Division  

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History of Polish Culture

Starting form the very beginning of Polish history in the Roman period, until the present time, the course explores the whole range of aspects of the history and culture of the nation. Special emphasis is given to the national art, literature, music, therefore the course is illustrated by pieces of literature, as well as the presentation of art, architecture and music. The course will concentrate on culture of particular periods of the Polish history.

Language of Instruction: English    Course Level: Lower Division  

Recommended US semester credits: 3   Course Level: Lower Division  

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The Holocaust and its Cultural Meaning

There is no question that the Holocaust is the definitive event of the twentieth century for the West. Yet only after over half a century do we find that all the world can finally and freely speak of the Holocaust and the effect it has had on European and Western culture. The Shoah needs to be understood as something more than a historical or political event.The introductory classes will build a foundation based on analysis of the changing terminology and definitions, as well as situate the Holocaust against the historical backdrop and social context of modern Europe. Presented and analyzed next will be the fundamental questions provoked by the Holocaust (e.g., how did it happen, what did political leaders do or not do, how did ordinary people react,, etc.). The perpetrator, victim, and bystander roles will be discussed in detail; means of resistance and rescue will also be examined. As the course is being taught in Central Europe, attention will be paid to pre- and post-communist memory of the Holocaust. Each meeting will center on a specific theme and questions. The primary aim is to enable the student to examine the many facets of Holocaust history and memory. Another goal is to arrive at a more critical, analytical, and nuanced understanding of the Shoah. Students will be able to demythologize the Holocaust and critique the presentations and representations (or lack thereof), in private and public discourse, in their own and other nation-states, under totalitarian and democratic systems.

Language of Instruction: English    Course Level: Lower Division  

Recommended US semester credits: 3   Course Level: Lower Division  

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Memory of the Holocaust in Europe in Comparative Perspective

Topics covered in this course include:

  • Collective Memory
  • History and Memory
  • War, Violence, Silence, and Denial in History
  • Politics of Memory
  • Coming to Terms with Disturbing Past? Israel, Germany, France, USA, CEE (Poland, Hungary), Baltic countries, Scandinavian countries, South America
  • Contested Pasts – Transformed Memories
  • Strategies of Remembrance
  • Holocaust in Philosophy, Literature, Education, and Art
  • Overview of institutions throughout the world that deal with the history of the Holocaust
  • Holocaust Remembrance: Intergovernmental Organizations, States, and Civil Society
  • Education, Research and Good Practices
  • Education about the Holocaust and Human Rights
  • Preparing Holocaust Memorial Days


Language of Instruction: English    Course Level: Lower Division  

Recommended US semester credits: 3   Course Level: Lower Division  

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Modern Philosophy I

This course surveys the major issues of modern philosophical thought in the areas of metaphysics (the debate between post-Nietzscheans and the defenders of classical metaphysics), ethics (modern views on what it means to be moral and how morality can be justified), and political philosophy (philosophical foundations of liberal democracy). The following authors’ works will be discussed: Richard Rorty, Juergen Habermas, Edmund Husserl, Max Scheler, Alasdair MacIntyre, John Rawls, Karl Popper, Ortega y Gasset and Friedrich Hayek.

Language of Instruction: English    Course Level: Lower Division  

Recommended US semester credits: 3   Course Level: Lower Division  

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Poland and Europe in the 20th Century

The aim of the course is to present the main events and social processes of the 20th-century history of Poland. Subjects to discuss are listed below:

  • Polish lands in Europe at the turn of the 19th to 20th centuries
  • Polish lands and Poles in the First World War: the Eastern versus the Western front.
  • Peace settlements after the First World War - the Versailles system. Poland in the Paris Peace talks.
  • Poland in Europe in the years 1918-1939: analysis of statistical data
  • The forming of Polish state after World War I.
  • Europe's approval of Poland's position
  • Domestic economic and political developments in 1918-1939
  • Poland In the European international politics in the Years 1918-1939
  • Poland and the coming of the Second World War
  • The Second World War - Poland - The occupied territories
  • The Second World War: Poland- Between London and Warsaw
  • The Second World War - Poland - Between London, Moscow and Washington DC
  • The international dimension of Poland's war meetings in Teheran, Yalta, Potsdam and their impact on Poland
  • The establishment of Communist regime in Poland 1944-1948.
  • The outbreak of the Cold War. The Marshall Plan; the two camp policy, the Berlin Blockade, NATO, Warsaw Pact, the forming of FRG and GDR.
  • Western Europe and reconstruction. Stalinism and the age of terror 1948-1956.
  • The "Thaw" of 1956. XX Congress of the CPSU. Polish October. Europe and the Word In 1956
  • Gomulka's Poland
  • Gierek's Poland. The emergence of the democratic opposition. Role of the Catholic Church.
  • The Solidarity Revolution of 1980-81. Solidarity Poland in Europe
  • The Martial Law in Poland. Crisis of the Communist system
  • Poland in the 1980s. Europe In the 1980s
  • The "Velvet" Revolution of 1989-1990

Language of Instruction: English    Course Level: Lower Division  

Recommended US semester credits: 3   Contact Hours: 6 Course Level: Lower Division  

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Polish Gay Literature and Social Change

This course offers a view of Polish literature and culture through the un-normative lens combined with introductory elements from gender and queer theories and a sociological look on LGBT issues in contemporary Poland. The course also covers the acquisition of a broader Polish cultural context of non-normative sexualities: theatre, film, music (classical and popular). The understanding of basic gender studies and queer studies procedures, as well as psychoanalytical analysis, is taken into account, as is the ability to trace and understand the clues of non-normative sexualities.

Language of Instruction: English    Course Level: Lower Division  

Recommended US semester credits: 3   Course Level: Lower Division  

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Psychology of Culture - Culture Shock

The course objective is to make us aware of facts and theories that provide understanding and explanation of cultural systems and communication practices between and within societies in general and in professional activities in particular. The students will develop a better understanding of the relationship between communication strategies and interaction dynamics and the processes of socialization and acculturation. In consequence, they will develop a higher awareness of the cultural differences that will provide them with tools for better interaction practices. The role of language, non-verbal, verbal and contextual communication will be studied in the context of cultural dimensions and business environment. The course explores problems which are occurring during cultural encounters and communication with strangers. This issue has become more and more important during the last decade because of the growing amount of international contacts between previously separated parts of Europe and within these parts. Improving our communication requires that we become aware of how we communicate. Throughout the course, the participants will learn how to become consciously competent. While the course is based on structural theory of cultural differences and on communication theory it does not present these theories in detail. It focuses on practical application of these theories to the issues of acculturation, culture shock, conflict’s management, conducting negotiations and developing relations with strangers across cultural boundaries.

Language of Instruction: English    Course Level: Lower Division  

Recommended US semester credits: 3   Course Level: Lower Division  

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Religion and Identity in Poland

The aim of this course is to introduce international undergraduate students to religion in Poland, including a range of religious groups, beliefs, and practices, across more than a thousand years of history. Against that broad background, several key issues will be looked at in depth. The most fundamental of these is how religion in general, and Roman Catholicism in particular, has related to Polish national identity. Other topics of special interest will be the history of religious tolerance in Poland, the role of the Roman Catholic Church in opposing communist rule and the question of the relevance of religion in modern social life in Poland.

Language of Instruction: English    Course Level: Lower Division  

Recommended US semester credits: 3   Course Level: Lower Division  

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Conflict Resolution and Peace Building

The aim of the course is to describe and explain the mechanisms, methods and legal instruments used in international relations to resolve conflicts and to bring peace and security to conflict-experienced countries and regions through a broadly understood process of peace-building, applied by states and international organizations.

Language of Instruction: English    Course Level: Lower Division  

Recommended US semester credits: 2.5   Course Level: Lower Division  

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Human Rights

This course covers the following topics:

  • Theories of human rights
  • Human rights and constitutional law
  • United Nations system of human rights protection
  • European system of human rights protection
  • Human rights in South America, Africa, and Arabic states

Language of Instruction: English   

Recommended US semester credits: 2  

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International Law

International relationships are characterized by a reciprocal respect for rules. Such commitment is considered mandatory by nation states. These rules are usually known as International Law. International society is made up of independent entities that are free to make their own choices. However, they are also, of necessity, interdependent, hence the need to establish regularized relationships through the creation of mutually agreed rules. In this course students, by being introduced to these rules, will come to understand how states conduct their foreign policy. The main topics under discussion will be: subjects of International Law; international organizations (with especial emphasis upon the United Nations), international treaties; international liability and international crimes (for example, terrorism).

Language of Instruction: English    Course Level: Lower Division  

Recommended US semester credits: 3.5   Course Level: Lower Division  

International Political Economy

Topics covered in this course include:

  • International relations, economics, and political economy
  • Theories, approaches, and concepts
  • One economics, many recipes
  • The impact of globalization on the state
  • Current economic dilemmas
  • New actors and structures
  • Changing balance of power
  • Methodology: economic policy making in theory and practice
  • Comparative, rational choice and constructivist approaches
  • Realism, Liberalism, Marxism, Regime theory, Hegemonic Stability
  • Institutions
  • Grand theories continued: the debates: Case studies and group presentation
  • Theory and levels of analysis
  • Interests, institutions and ideas
  • International and domestic approaches,
  • Two and multi-level games
  • State versus market
  • The role of government in the economy and market failure
  • Market structures, imperfect competition, accountability
  • Regulation
  • Foreign economic policy making
  • Economic diplomacy
  • Introduction to Economic Nationalism and International Trade
  • Regionalism
  • Applied trade policy making

Language of Instruction: English    Course Level: Lower Division  

Recommended US semester credits: 3.5   Course Level: Lower Division  

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International Relations in the 20th Century

This course aims at providing students with basic knowledge of the international history of the 20th century, including short introduction into the mechanisms leading to the WWI and WWII, inter-war period, Cold War problems, European issues, including both Western and Eastern Europe, certain issues of the IR in the Asia-Pacific and the Middle East.

Language of Instruction: English    Course Level: Lower Division  

Recommended US semester credits: 3.5   Course Level: Lower Division  

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International Security I: Concepts and Approaches

Topics covered in this course include:

  • Security as a phenomenon in international relations
  • War and peace
  • Domestic politics and interstate war
  • Political dimension of international security
  • Determinants of international security
  • Economic development and interstate conflicts (ethnic and civil wars, terrorism)
  • Contemporary challenges to international security
  • Technology and modern security
  • Insurgency/counterinsurgency

Language of Instruction: English    Course Level: Lower Division  

Recommended US semester credits: 2.5   Course Level: Lower Division  

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Introduction to International Development

This course is an introduction to International Development (ID). Multidisciplinary and not necessarily fully formed yet, ID is a field of knowledge and an emerging social science discipline. ID studies the reasons for the inequality of life for human beings. Most humans live in poverty and political instability. Collectively referred to as the developing world, it is the part of the world that is of primary interest to ID. However, both by seeking a theoretical explanation of the inequality and by looking for practical solutions to it, International Development is becoming critically important to all humans, no matter where they live. First, the course will examine the basic concepts of the discipline and the main theoretical approaches to understanding the nature and processes of International Development. Second, the course will introduce its main actors. Third, the course will take a look at selected issues examined by ID, such as colonialism and its legacy of poverty and international aid and its politics. Finally, the course will scrutinize the role of the state in relation to market forces.

Language of Instruction: English    Course Level: Lower Division  

Recommended US semester credits: 2.5   Course Level: Lower Division  

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Introduction to Politics and Political Science

Topics covered in this course include:

  • Politics as the most serious realm of a human life and a foundation of all other human activities (economic, artistic at al.)
  • Anthropological visions as a background of politics
  • Tensions between politics and pedagogy
  • Aims of domestic and international politics
  • Relations between politics and war
  • Relations between politics and ethics
  • What is political science?
  • The concept of power
  • Political systems: democratic, authoritarian and totalitarian regimes
  • Social determinants of politics: geopolitics and political culture
  • Political participation and voting behavior
  • Group politics
  • Trust in politics
  • Migration and politics of multiculturalism

Language of Instruction: English    Course Level: Lower Division  

Recommended US semester credits: 2.5   Course Level: Lower Division  

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Military Operations and Technology

This course will examine conventional military operations from the period of World War I to the present. The course format will consist of a mixture of roughly 50 percent military history and 50 percent description of how modern military forces are organized, equipped and trained for conventional combat operations. Students will develop an understanding of how military forces have evolved during this period as well as how military technology has changed in the past century and how those changes gave influenced the way operations are conducted. While the majority of the course will focus on conventional combat, there will be some reference to so-called “low-intensity” operations such as counterinsurgency, in so far as those types of operations have had a bearing on how conventional forces prepare for and conduct operations.

The course will start with a brief overview of the state of military art and science at the turn of the 20th Century. This will be followed by an overview of 20th Century military campaigns that will continue into the early 21st Century.

Language of Instruction: English    Course Level: Lower Division  

Recommended US semester credits: 2.5   Course Level: Lower Division  

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New Terrorism and CounterTerrorism

This course offers the following learning objectives:

  • To present a general knowledge of theoretical aspects of contemporary terrorism.
  • To present a knowledge of methods, concepts, tools, and actions undertaken for the purposes of prevention and combating of terrorism.
  • To identify basic features and modes of terrorist activities.
  • To develop a practical ability to work out a plausible practical response to different forms of terrorism.

Language of Instruction: English    Course Level: Lower Division  

Recommended US semester credits: 2.5   Course Level: Lower Division  

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Political Philosophy and International Relations

The aim of the course is to present and discuss main theories and schools of thought of Western political philosophy in a chronological order.

Language of Instruction: English    Course Level: Lower Division  

Recommended US semester credits: 3   Course Level: Lower Division  

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Introduction to Translation Studies

The course is designed as a presentation of the main schools of Western Translation Studies (TS) from the 1940s until today. Students will look at the main tenets of particular branches of contemporary TS, and trace the changes of theoretical paradigms and research areas. The main stress will be laid on studies concentrating around the notions developed within the equivalence paradigm, the broadly defined area of Descriptive Translation Studies and the Cultural Turn in TS. The idea of TS as an interdisciplinary field and the status of translation and translation studies in today’s humanities will also be discussed. Some attention is also given to historical statements on translation.

Language of Instruction: English    Course Level: Lower Division  

Recommended US semester credits: 2.5   Course Level: Lower Division  

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Language Learning Strategies

This seminar will examine language learning styles and strategies. The main goal of the seminar is to determine language learning styles and profiles of the participants and to assist them to effectively manage their learning of languages.

Language of Instruction: English    Course Level: Lower Division  

Recommended US semester credits: 2.5   Course Level: Lower Division  

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Milosz and Gombrowicz: The Dialectic of Belief and Unbelief

Miłosz and Gombrowicz are the key Polish writers who – more or less openly – debated the problem of religion. The essential aim of the course is to reconstruct dynamics of religious/agnostic/atheistic insights shared by the two great personalities.

The starting point will be a comparative reading of "The World: Naive Poems" (1943) and "The Marriage" (1947), both written in a particular context of the implosion of a traditional metaphysical frame. Further reading of the two writers include several chapters from Diary of Gombrowicz, some essays (e.g. excerpts from "Ulro Land") and poems by Miłosz. The course will also introduce some basic ideas referring to an unprecedented condition of religious belief in the 20th century. The main guide through the ideas that mark out the horizon of contemporary religious and secular beliefs is Charles Taylor, the author of fundamental "A Secular Age."

Language of Instruction: English    Course Level: Lower Division  

Recommended US semester credits: 2.5   Course Level: Lower Division  

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Symbols Embodied: Modern Polish Drama and Theatre

Unlike most of western theater, which is usually realistic, the Polish way of playwriting and Polish performing art are mostly poetic and allegorical. Polish drama of the 20th century has achieved worldwide acclaim and counts among the acknowledged masterpieces of the European canon. The most famous names: Witkiewicz, Gombrowicz, and Mrozek, among others, come to mind. Modern theater of our time counts the names of Grotowski or Kantor to their founders. The intention of the course is to familiarize students with the major trends in modern Polish drama from Romanticism to the end of 20th Century, with elements of the previous periods. Texts and video-recorded performances of selected plays will be presented and discussed and will be treated both as a unique phenomenon and as a typical example of some great European aesthetic movements. The course will try to maintain a balance between performance studies and literary readings. The first three lectures start from the general cultural context of medieval religious performances. The course then moves on to the humanistic and baroque court stage. The remaining several weeks will be dedicated to reading metaphysical plays in verses of Polish Romanticism and the majority of the time we will spend on analyzing modern avant-garde plays. The theoretical subject of the course is focused on the relationship between literary and theatrical forms of drama.

Language of Instruction: English    Course Level: Lower Division  

Recommended US semester credits: 2.5   Course Level: Lower Division  

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Two-Week Intensive Beginner Polish

This course is designed for students who with no previous background in the Polish language. Students will increase their vocabulary and knowledge of grammar. Students should be able to read basic texts.

Language of Instruction: Polish    Course Level: Lower Division  

Recommended US semester credits: 3   Course Level: Lower Division  

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Semester Intensive Beginner Polish

This course is designed for students who with no previous background in the Polish language. Students will increase their vocabulary and knowledge of grammar. Students should be able to read basic texts.

Language of Instruction: Polish    Course Level: Lower Division  

Recommended US semester credits: 4   Course Level: Lower Division  

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Film and Religion

Analysis of selected works of contemporary Western cinema in a postsecular manner, i.e. emphasizing their religious dimensions. Course is focused on Christianity, denominations within Christianity, Buddhism, Judaism, and Atheism. The final film selection will be announced on the first lecture, but it will certainly include Michael Haneke, Coen brothers, Ulrich Seidl, Ricky Gervais, and Chayim Tabakman works.

Language of Instruction: English    Course Level: Lower Division  

Recommended US semester credits: 3   Course Level: Lower Division  

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Gender and Democracy

This course provides an overview of some key issues in the debate on gender equality in Poland. It assesses the impact of socialist regime, democratic transformation and accession to the European Union on gender relations and gender equality in Poland as well as anti-gender mobilization and backlash towards gender equality.

Language of Instruction: English    Course Level: Lower Division  

Recommended US semester credits: 3   Course Level: Lower Division  

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History and Sociology of Food and Drink in Poland

The aim of this course is to introduce international undergraduate students to food and drink in Poland from an academic point of view. This academic reflection will parallel and complement their discovery of Polish cuisine outside of the classroom. In addition to traditional teaching methods involving lectures and classroom discussion, students will be asked to select a recipe described in a local cookbook (Zasmakuj w tradycji) which they will translate, cook for themselves, and then describe the food, its social context, history, place in the calendar, etc to the rest of the class. The class will also be supplemented by short study trips to local food-related events. The class will end with a written exam.

Language of Instruction: English    Course Level: Lower Division  

Recommended US semester credits: 4   Course Level: Lower Division  

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The Holocaust and Its Cultural Meaning II

There is no question that the Holocaust is the definitive event of the twentieth century for the West. Yet only after over half a century do we find that all the world can finally and freely speak of the Holocaust and the effect it has had on European and Western culture. The Shoah needs to be understood as something more than a historical or political event.The introductory classes will build a foundation based on analysis of the changing terminology and definitions, as well as situate the Holocaust against the historical backdrop and social context of modern Europe.

Language of Instruction: English   

Recommended US semester credits: 3  

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Media Art in Poland

The course covers Polish media art in the context of contemporary art in general. The most important movements will be presented including the Workshop of Film Form, conceptual art, minimal art, Polish school of video art, computer-based art etc. The course will also feature the presentations of the works by Józef Robakowski, Zbigniew Rybczyński, Natalia LL, Mirosław Rogala, Krzysztof Wodiczko, Artur Żmijewski, Katarzyna Kozyra and many others.

Language of Instruction: English    Course Level: Lower Division  

Recommended US semester credits: 2.5   Course Level: Lower Division  

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Modern Philosophy II

This course surveys the major issues of modern philosophical thought in the areas of metaphysics (the debate between post-Nietzscheans and the defenders of classical metaphysics), ethics (modern views on what it means to be moral and how morality can be justified), and political philosophy (philosophical foundations of liberal democracy). The following authors’ works will be discussed: Richard Rorty, Juergen Habermas, Edmund Husserl, Max Scheler, Alasdair MacIntyre, John Rawls, Karl Popper, Ortega y Gasset and Friedrich Hayek.

Language of Instruction: English    Course Level: Lower Division  

Recommended US semester credits: 3   Course Level: Lower Division  

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Nationalism and Identity

Central Europe is the midst of exciting historic territory. In the early modern period, (i.e. 16th through 18th centuries) various states and nations experienced upheavals and changes to their sovereignty, starting with periods of pride and glory, all the way to the disappearance from the map of Europe. Such was the fate of Hungary at the beginning of the discussed period, and such was the fate of Poland-Lithuania towards the end. This will be a typical survey course intended to share with students the basic political and social changes in the Central European history in the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries.

Language of Instruction: English    Course Level: Lower Division  

Recommended US semester credits: 3   Course Level: Lower Division  

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Poland as a Work of Art

A country can be an aesthetic experience – it’s possible to get inspired in Poland, you just need to know where to look. Students in this class will browse through recent Polish cinema, design, literature, theater, and fashion to get a “Kraków vibe” unheard of in museums and pubs. Students will try to savor the place in a subtle way, “armed” with art theory and aesthetic sensitivity. Not only will students talk about art: they will also perceive it – glamor, nostalgia and just plain outrageousness.

Language of Instruction: English    Course Level: Lower Division  

Recommended US semester credits: 3   Course Level: Lower Division  

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Poland and the European Union

The lecture will present the main problems connected with the Polish road to and membership in the European Union. The course consists of the two interrelated parts: Polish Road to the European Union- during the fall semester and Poland in the European Union – in the spring semester. In the first part, it aims to provide an in-depth analysis of the development of the Polish foreign policy and the overview of the main political and social problems of Poland before joining the EU. The subject adopts a chronological and problem-oriented approach to the study of the Polish foreign relations from the 1989 Autumn of Nations to the first years of the 21st century. The aim of the second part is to give students the general overview of the consequences of Poland’s membership in the European Union. Poland became a member in 2004 and since then the participation in this regional grouping of states had a significant impact on Polish society, economy, legal system and politics (including foreign policy).

Language of Instruction: English    Course Level: Lower Division  

Recommended US semester credits: 3   Course Level: Lower Division  

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Democracy Promotion

The course will theoretically analyze and critically evaluate several case studies of democracy promotion as an instrument of foreign policy. It will examine the extent to which democracy promotion has been a significant element in the foreign policy of the United States since the end of the Cold War, and examine some of the differences when it comes to European and American perspectives on democracy promotion.

Language of Instruction: English    Course Level: Lower Division  

Recommended US semester credits: 2   Course Level: Lower Division  

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Energy Security

Topics covered in this course include:

  • Definition and concept of energy security
  • Energy balance of the word in the 21 st century
  • The balance of material resources of the world
  • Maritime piracy as a threat to global energy security system
  • Energy policy of the United States of America and Canada
  • Problem of control of energy resources in the Middle East
  • Energy potential and the politics of OPEC / OAPEC
  • Iran’s Energy Policy
  • EU energy security
  • Russia’s energy strategy
  • Energy security and politics of China and India
  • Japan’s Energy Policy
  • Resources of the Caspian Sea Countries
  • Role of Australia and Oceania in global energy system
  • African countries: new actors on global oil market
  • Energy security issues of Poland
  • The Scandinavian countries and the Arctic region
  • Latin America: the forgotten energy granary
  • Alternative energy sources

Language of Instruction: English    Course Level: Lower Division  

Recommended US semester credits: 2.5   Course Level: Lower Division  

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Europe and the United States since 1945

The course will examine how the approach of the United States to democracy promotion has changed during the Cold War, and into the post-Cold War period, and will focus on the War on Terror in particular. Students will gain a detailed understanding of American foreign policy and democracy promotion in various parts of the world.

Language of Instruction: English    Course Level: Lower Division  

Recommended US semester credits: 2.5   Course Level: Lower Division  

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Global Discourse

There is no doubt that the world is shrinking. Its interconnectedness and interdependence makes us-the inhabitants of the world-more aware of us. Whether we live in Chile, Japan, Australia, Iceland or any other place, our lives are becoming more and more integrated, and so are our fates. However, because we know more about ourselves, we also learn more about our differences.

Language of Instruction: English    Course Level: Lower Division  

Recommended US semester credits: 2   Course Level: Lower Division  

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Globalization and Global Governance

Only a few years ago, the term globalization was used widely and wildly. There was no day passing by without an academic, politician, journalist or business person referring to globalization in one way or another. Globalization was equated with free trade; it was said to be a road to the global community, a path to global modernization and democracy, and a vehicle to worldwide prosperity. Although most of the promises made by those who promoted globalization did not materialize, they had at least one good point: the elimination of the East-West division has shrunk the world. Coupled with a rapidly accelerated technological development and an equally rapid growth of international trade, the world has been shrinking unceasingly ever since. Never have people and peoples been so interconnected and interdependent as they are now! The shrinking world needs some kind of new rules and institutions to manage the interconnectedness and interdependence, however. The course will explore the changing nature of international relations and the redefined role of the state.

Language of Instruction: English    Course Level: Lower Division  

Recommended US semester credits: 3.5   Course Level: Lower Division  

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Human Security

Today, the concept of security extends beyond the traditional analysis of international relations and policies of nation-states. Security has increasingly focused on humanitarian issues assuming that in the contemporary world individuals, social groups and societies are subject to growing risks, escalating threats and imminent dangers. Responsibility to protect human beings has underpinned international law, diplomacy, military technologies, and economic systems. Nevertheless, deficiencies and shortcomings of an international humanitarian regime and national policies did not significantly reduce vulnerability among people and nations. Survival, well-being, and dignity of individuals have too often been a contentious issue. In this course, the concept of human security will be elaborated on in different theoretical and empirical contexts. It will be seen in the global universal dimension of relations among different nations, ethnic groups, faith communities and digital commons. Also, regional dimensions will be analyzed in a comprehensive and in-depth manner so as to focus on the diversity of human security determinants and meanings. The concept of human security is often identified with deficits of security and presented as the dehumanization of security. Various aspects of dehumanization will be discussed, ranging from alienation, humiliation, and degradation to the most extreme forms, such as human trafficking, ethnic cleansing, and genocide. Finally, during the course students will be encouraged to reflect upon the real meaning of humanity in the changing security environment. They will not only develop a comprehensive understanding of human security but also acquire practical skills to handle the humanitarian problems faced by individuals and communities worldwide.

Language of Instruction: English    Course Level: Lower Division  

Recommended US semester credits: 2.5   Course Level: Lower Division  

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International Economic Relations

By the end of this course, students will have met the following learning objectives: Students will have knowledge of mechanisms that constitute equilibrium and value-added in the economy as a whole, as well as in understanding the concepts and methods behind analyzing the international political economy. Students will have knowledge of the main economic actors, institutions and political cultures within the global economy. Students will have knowledge of the approaches and concepts used to study long and short-term economic effects and consequences. Students will have knowledge of the characteristics and determinants of national and international economic policy making. Students will be able to evaluate the theory and practice of international economic relations and foreign economic policy. Students will be able to analyze the process of economic diplomacy in national and global economies. Students will be able to examine and express their views logically and consistently.

Language of Instruction: English    Course Level: Lower Division  

Recommended US semester credits: 2   Course Level: Lower Division  

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International Security 2: Application and Analysis

We live in dangerous times. Indeed, we do but one of the most surprising trends in the post-Cold War period has been the decline in the number of international or inter-state wars. This obviously does not mean that the world is necessarily more peaceful or more secure. The plain fact is that international security has changed. Although security once resided in states and their military might, today security studies, as a subfield within International Relations, encompasses a wide-range of issues and many different actors. The lectures of this course will look at the historical evolution of security studies (starting in about 1990) and will discuss important issues and actors in global security studies, ending with the concept and application of human security (which started around 2005).

Language of Instruction: English    Course Level: Lower Division  

Recommended US semester credits: 2   Course Level: Lower Division  

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Key Issues in Contemporary International Politics

By the end of this course, students will have met the following learning objectives: Knowledge: Can employ the knowledge of basic IR theories the IR in studying the chosen developments in international politics Understands the substance and the uniqueness of the IR Recognizes the relationship of political, economic and cultural features of the IR Distinguishes the general and particular factors Skills: Is efficient in collecting and selecting of relevant information Is able to use different methods Can analyze the events and processes in international politics, with the insights of various social disciplines Is capable to present the results in written and oral form Social abilities: Is able to follow the developments in international politics and discuss them Can present own views on events and processes in the international politics Is ready to take part in the research team Should be capable to organize and lead a research team

Language of Instruction: English    Course Level: Lower Division  

Recommended US semester credits: 3   Course Level: Lower Division  

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Liberalism, Multiculturalism and Citizenship

The aim of this course is to provide a good understanding and critical discussion of the main theories of multiculturalism and citizenship and the main types of politics of multiculturalism. The discussion will start with the dominant liberal perspective including such concepts as the liberal-democratic paradigm, the idea of a free society, tolerance, individual and minority rights, and global justice. This perspective provides various ways of theorizing multiculturalism and citizenship that have been recently criticized by proponents of communitarianism leading to an interesting liberal-communitarian debate. This debate will be of crucial importance for our discussion of politics of difference and multicultural citizenship. We will examine several case studies of citizenship and politics multiculturalism such as Britain, France, Germany, Sweden, USA, and Canada. Although considered separately, these issues can be linked in many different ways to provide a thought-provoking discussion of the questions and challenges that individuals and societies in the West face at the beginning of the new millennium.

Language of Instruction: English    Course Level: Lower Division  

Recommended US semester credits: 1.5   Course Level: Lower Division  

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Political and Economic Geography

  • Topics covered in this course include:
  • Political geography and the economic one
  • A methodology and a place among other sciences
  • Geopolitics - a new science or paradigm?
  • The main concepts of geopolitics and its development in the XXI century
  • Changes on the world map
  • Code of geopolitics
  • Country and State: state sovereignty, dependent territories
  • Constitutional, social and economic forms of state
  • The geographical and political features of countries: a border, a borderland, a state capita
  • International organizations - the political, economic and social dimension.
  • Ideologies and political movements of the modern world
  • Key issues of the Present: globalization and regional divisions
  • The nation issue: a nation and an ethnic group, the concepts of the nation, national and ethnic minorities
  • The phenomenon of multiculturalism - the social and religious context

Language of Instruction: English    Course Level: Lower Division  

Recommended US semester credits: 2.5   Course Level: Lower Division  

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Theories of International Relations

Topics covered in this course include: What is IR and how should we understand international relations? Theoretical approaches to international relations Relism Structural Realism and its critics Liberalism Neo-Liberalism and its critics – institutions Neo-Liberalism and its critics – democratic peace Rationalism and post-positivist theories Neo-marxism and the IPE Constructivism Critical theory, feminism and green politics Theories of international integration Values and morality in international relations End of IR theory

Language of Instruction: English    Course Level: Lower Division  

Recommended US semester credits: 2   Course Level: Lower Division  

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War and Conflict

By the end of this course, students will have met the following learning objectives: Students will have general knowledge of theoretical aspects of strategic analysis encompassing the phenomena of war, conflict and international violence. Students will have knowledge of actors, institutions, structures and normative systems shaping contemporary international relations in the context of war and conflict. Students will be able to recognize the substance of basic processes of war and conflict in international. Students will have a practical ability to diagnose events and processes in international relations involving elements of violence, war, and conflict.

Language of Instruction: English    Course Level: Lower Division  

Recommended US semester credits: 2.5   Course Level: Lower Division  

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Cultural History of Love Discourse

Paraclausithyron (a song behind beloved’s door) – this very old literary and musical form originating from an archaic genre of komos and a feature of a Greek comedy, permeated to Roman literature, in order to become one of the leading motifs of love elegy in the Augustan era. In Latin, the figure of exclusus amator (a lover before a closed door) is applied first in a comedy, then lyrical poetry and, first of all, in an elegy, to become the basic motif for the last one. An image of keeping vigil at the shut door of the beloved became an integral constituent of the elegiac declaration of love referring to the characteristic topoi and keywords which, with time, began to substitute the entire motif and the declaration of love as such. The literary analyses on the 16th and 17th-century genre will also be accompanied by the reflexion upon the musical serenade, developing simultaneously and whose origin (still not enough documented by musicologists) probably were connected with the development of the Renaissance Latin elegy.

Language of Instruction: English    Course Level: Lower Division  

Recommended US semester credits: 2.5   Course Level: Lower Division  

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Fake Pasts: Moc-Documentary in Literature, Film and Performing Arts

Topics covered in this course include:

  • “Other” histories: The War of Worlds by Orson Welles, The War Game, Machine Chronicles: Robocalypse, etc.
  • Horror in the age of intelligent machines: Dracula’s Legacy: What We do in the Shadows, etc.
  • Deconstructing documentary narratives: The Office, Borat, Apollo 18, etc.

Language of Instruction: English    Course Level: Lower Division  

Recommended US semester credits: 2.5   Course Level: Lower Division  

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A Survey of the Polish Art History: From Romanesque to Art Nouveau

The aim of the course is to instruct the students about the specimens of old Polish arts and crafts, their development throughout the centuries, their intellectual, social, and historical background, and the multitude of foreign influences (both from the West and East). Finally, the special emphasis will be put on the artistic phenomena that took place only in Poland (e.g. 17th-century coffin portraits, national Polish Sarmatian outfits, etc.). The course will focus both on theory (workshops, analyses of the iconographic materials – the lectures will be illustrated with a vast selection of visual material) and practical analysis (outings to the museums – e.g. The Bishop Erazm Ciołek palace, sightseeing).

Language of Instruction: English    Course Level: Lower Division  

Recommended US semester credits: 3   Course Level: Lower Division  

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Highlights
  • Classes taught in English and Polish
    • Internships available (not for credit)
    Housing

    Semester students in Krakow live in student apartments, which are located within the historical center of the city, generally 25-30 minutes walking distance or 15-20 minutes by tram to Jagiellonian University. Each apartment will typically have 2-3 single or double bedrooms and a shared bathroom. Each unit is furnished, includes its own kitchen, and has a washing machine.

    NOTE: HOUSING BETWEEN THE FALL AND SPRING SEMESTERS IS NOT INCLUDED. MEALS ARE NOT INCLUDED IN THE SEMESTER OR YEAR HOUSING OPTIONS.