Current Central Europe - JTB127

• Title: Current Central Europe
• Czech title: Současná střední Evropa
• Guaranteed by: Department of Russian and East European Studies (23-KRVS)
• Faculty: Faculty of Social Sciences
• Actual: from 2023
• Semester: summer
• E-Credits: 6
• Examination process: summer s.:
• Hours per week, examination: summer s.:0/2, C [HT]
• Capacity: unknown / unknown (10)
• Min. number of students: unlimited
• 4EU+: no
• Virtual mobility / capacity: no
• State of the course: taught
• Language: English
• Teaching methods: full-time
• Note: course can be enrolled in outside the study plan; enabled for web enrollment
• Guarantor: Mgr. Ing. Olga Švepešová Blaťáková
• Teacher(s): Mgr. Ing. Olga Švepešová Blaťáková
• Pre-requisite : {Skupina prerekvizit pro BP_HAS - 3. ročník}

Annotation

This course focuses on explaining current trends, initiatives, and developments in Central Europe in the context of region's political history. Emphasizing a practical approach, the course integrates simulations, case study presentations, and engaging discussions to provide students with a thorough understanding of the complex dynamics and challenges shaping the region today.

Last update: Švepešová Blaťáková Olga, Mgr. Ing. (31.01.2024)

Aim of the course

After passing the course, students will be able to understand current political dynamics in Central Europe and critically assess the challenges and opportunities the region is facing in the contemporary geopolitical landscape.

Last update: Švepešová Blaťáková Olga, Mgr. Ing. (31.01.2024)

Course completion requirements

Grading is based on the Dean's Measure no. 20/2019: https://fsv.cuni.cz/deans-measure-no-20/2019

• 91% and more   => A
• 81-90%             => B
• 71-80%             => C
• 61-70%             => D
• 51-60%             => E
• 0-50%               => F

More in SMĚRNICE S_SO_002: Organizace zkouškových termínů, kontrol studia a užívání klasifikace A–F na FSV UK.

Students will be evaluated based on following assignments:

1) Final exam – max. 30  points

2) Group assignment: Presentation of a case study – max. 25 points

3) Participation in a simulation –  max. 25 points

4) Active participation in the class and discussions –  max. 20 points

Last update: Švepešová Blaťáková Olga, Mgr. Ing. (31.01.2024)

Literature

Detailed reading will be published via sylabus.

Last update: Švepešová Blaťáková Olga, Mgr. Ing. (31.01.2024)

Teaching methods

Lectures, simulations, presentations and discussions on class topics (see the class schedule). The topics of a group presentation will be distributed during the first session.

Last update: Švepešová Blaťáková Olga, Mgr. Ing. (31.01.2024)

Syllabus

Lecturer:

Mgr. Ing. Olga Švepešová Blaťáková

Schedule:

The course will take place twice a week starting April 9, 2024:

Tuesdays: 9:30 – 10:50 AM

Thursdays: 8:00 – 9:20 AM

Class Topics

1. What is Central Europe?  (April 9)

·       Introduction and presentation of the course objectives and assignments

·       Understanding the term Central Europe, concepts & views

2. Central Europe and Foreign Policy I: Regional Integration and Security Policy (April 11)

·       EU and NATO integration and partnerships

·       The Visegrad Group, Bucharest Nine, Three Seas Initiative, Austerlitz/Slavkov Format

·       Politics of neutrality (Austria, Switzerland, Liechtenstein)

3. Central Europe and Foreign Policy II: Bilateral and Global Relations (April 16)

·       Relations with Great Powers

·       Relations with European Powers

4. Poland (April 18)

·       Modern Polish foreign policy

·       Polish parliamentary elections 2023 and shift in internal political dynamics

5. Hungary (April 23)

·       Foreign and European policies of Hungary

·       Diaspora and irredentism

6. Czech Republic and Slovakia (April 25)

·       Understanding historical ties and dissolution of Czechoslovakia

·       Current relations and cooperation between the Czech Republic and Slovakia

7. Czech Foreign Policy (April 30)

·       Priorities & concepts

8. Simulation (May 2)

·       Students will test their knowledge and make leadership decisions in a real-world foreign policy scenario involving Central Europe

9. Visiting Lecturer: Czech Republic and Visegrad Group (May 7)

·       (TBC) Guest speaker from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic

10. Populism in Central Europe (May 9)

·       Roots and causes for populism in Central European countries

11. Presentation of Case studies I (May 14)

12. Presentation of Case studies II (May 16)

Last update: Švepešová Blaťáková Olga, Mgr. Ing. (31.01.2024)