Polish Studies at University of Rochester

• The Institution
• Language Instruction Courses
• Poland-Related Courses
• Faculty
• Study Abroad
• Poland-Related Resources

Polish 101, 102: Elementary Polish @ @

COURSE DESCRIPTION: Introduction to modern Polish and basic vocabulary
COURSE INSTRUCTOR: Polakowski, K.

Polish 103: Review Polish @

COURSE DESCRIPTION: Builds on basic speaking and conversation skills learned in introductory level Polish courses taken at the University of Rochester or at Study Abroad programs.
COURSE INSTRUCTOR: Hauser, Ewa

Polish 151 Intermediate Polish @

COURSE DESCRIPTION: While the main focus of the Elementary Polish Course was put on word-formative process, the basic use of the cases and prepositions as well as the essential aspects of Polish syntax, the intermediate course will focus on active use of contemporary Polish, written and colloquial. The main objective, based on basic knowledge of grammatical rules is to achieve independence in communicaion. Summer courses of the Polish language in Krakow, facilitated by the Skalny Center for Polish and Central European Studies at U.R. is highly recommended after completion of the intermediate course.
COURSE INSTRUCTOR: Polakowski, K.

Political Science 156: U.S. Cold War Policy @

COURSE DESCRIPTION: The course concentrates on the general conceptions and actions of the United States government toward Eastern Europe during the Cold War. It analyzes how the National Security Council and Department of State supported the president in shaping American policy. The course surves specific presidential actions from this period based on origianl American documents. It especially concentrates on analyzing the most dramatic and important moments: 1953 (Berlin), 1956 (Poland and Hungary), 1968 (Czechoslovakia), 1980-81 (Poland), and 1989 (all Eastern Bloc). Students examine American diplomacy in this era as well as the problem of linkage between American policy and actions undertaken by East European countries in international and domestic policy (human rights).
COURSE INSTRUCTOR: Mania. A

Political Science 253 : Comparative Political Parties @

COURSE DESCRIPTION: This course focuses on political parties in the comparative context, comparing and contrasting the strengths and weaknesses of parties in an evolving political order. Special emphasis is given to political parties in Czechoslovakia, Hungary, Poland, and the U.S. Why parties emerge and how they adapt to changing conditions, the place of parties in democratic government, and the degree of candidate-centered politics are but a few of the themes this course explores in a cross-national context.
COURSE INSTRUCTOR: Meguid. B

Political Science 257 : Poland in the New Europe @

COURSE DESCRIPTION: This course provides an introduction to Poland's modern history: from the downfall of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth at the end of the 18th century, to the re-emergence of an independent Poland following World War I, to Poland's tragic role during World War II, to the establishment of Communist rule, and finishing with the collapse of the Communist system in 1989. Poland's history is placed in the context of broader regional developments, and comparisons with neighboring countries is made . Although special emphasis is placed on 20th century history, careful attention is also paid to key events and developments of the previous century. This course focuses primarily on political and social history, highlighting significant cultural phenomena and developments where appropriate.

Political Science 259 : Central European Politics and Government @

COURSE DESCRIPTION: This course takes a look at the transition from Communism as a cultural process.It focuses on such institutions as the Catholic Church and its role in the transition, the rule of law as the basis of the new social order and the results of totalitarian/authoritarian regimes on the attitudes, social behavior and likelihood for successful and lasting change of the society. The last part of the course is devoted to the development of the new Polish national identity.

Political Science 268 : Transitions in Democracy @

COURSE DESCRIPTION: This course examines the phenomena of authoritarian breakdown and the establishment of democratic political systems. The fundamental question is whether the worldwide wave of democratization over the past 20 years will result in the consolidation of stable democratic regimes. Drawing on the experience of Latin America in the 1980s and the more recent experiences of post-Socialist and Central European countries, the course will investigate the factors that advance and hinder prospects for the establishment of democracy in post-authoritarian settings.

Political Science 271 : Russia & Eastern Europe: Politics & International Relations @

COURSE DESCRIPTION: For the small countries of Eastern Europe, politics has long taken place in the shadow of larger actors, and continues to be decisively influenced by events beyond national borders. Meanwhile, the dramatic shifts in international affairs in this century have had their origins in domestic upheavals, often in Russia. The course will survey the politics and international relations of the region in the twentieth century, devoting roughly equal attention to historical and contemporary developments. Historical topics covered include the history of the Soviet state, the breakdown of democratic experiments in Eastern Europe, the Cold War, central planning and socialist cooperation, and the collapse of the So viet empire. Contemporary subjects will include democratization, state building, macroeconomic stabilization, privatization, and European integration.
COURSE INSTRUCTOR: Stone, Randall W.

Political Science 356 : Political Economy of Reform @

COURSE DESCRIPTION: Contemporary theory in political science and economics increasingly emphasizes the role of institutions. In Central Europe and the former Soviet Union, meanwhile, institutions have seen an unprecedented degree of experimentation, reform and variation since 1989. This course will integrate recent theoretical developments with contemporary case studies. Emphasis will be on the political and economic consequences of the choice of institutions, and the politics of institutional design. The course will focus on five topics: central planning, simultaneous politica l and economic transitions, macroeconomic stabilization, privatization and property rights, and the politics of regulation. Class format: discussion
COURSE INSTRUCTOR: Stone, Randall W.

Religion 220 : Masters of Yiddish Literature in Translation @

COURSE DESCRIPTION: Against the background of the Shtetl, the small Eastern European town, the masters of Yiddish literature, I.L. Peretz, Sholom Aleichem, I.B. Singer, and their contemporaries, recreate the life of Jew ry at the turn of the nineteenth century. A representative selection of their works (studied in translation) shows how Jews in spite of persecution, poverty, and defamation clung to the values of their faith, their love of learning, and their humanity. T he characteristic mixture of humor and sadness of these masters, their deep insight, their application of modern literary techniques indicate how literature serves to maintain values in time of change and upheaval.
COURSE INSTRUCTOR: Braun, Wilhelm
POLISH CONTENT: Both I.L. Peretz and I.B. Singer were born in Poland and formed part and described the Yiddish culture that existed there.

History 116 : History of Poland @

COURSE DESCRIPTION: The aim of the course is to present a millennium of Poland's history from the formation of the Polish state in the 10th century to the collapse of the communist system in 1989. It gives an overview of Polish history in a broad European context, with special emphasis on East Central Europe. It focuses on political developments and pays careful attention to significant social and cultural phenomena. Beginning with the development of the Polish state under the first Piasts, it examines the period of feudal disintegration and the reunification of the Polish kingdom; then analyzes Poland under the Jagiellonian dynasty and the formation of the Commonwealth of Two Nations, its society, culture and position in Europe. It discusses the rise of the nobles' democracy and its transformation into a magnates' oligarchy, as well as the crisis and downfall of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. The 19th century struggle for Poland's independence, the rise of the modern Polish nation and social and economic changes are also presented, followed by the reestablishment of the Polish state after World War I and its internal politics as well as its international positions. Finally, closer attention is given to the plight of Poland during World War II and the period of Communist rule
COURSE INSTRUCTOR: Lencznarowicz, J

Anthropology 250/Film Studies 256/Political Science 157: Political Films: Poland and Central Europe @

COURSE DESCRIPTION: The class will study the development of cinema under Communism, with special attention to the Polish Film School and the post-communist search for a new cinema. Film as the dominant form of expression under state patronage will also be examined in terms of party censorship. The transition from Communism transformed the film industry and film production. It also changed the means of artistic expression.. There will be ten feature films and a few short documentaries screened. Readings will include some historical background and film reviews. (Spring)
COURSE INSTRUCTOR: Hauser, Ewa

Political Science 298: Contemporary Eastern Europe @

COURSE DESCRIPTION: An overview of problems in communist and post-communist society will constitute the core of this course. Students will read basic texts by Eastern European scholars and novelists, view films and documentaries focusing on the development of democratic opposition to the former party states, and consider recent examples of post-communist social criticism. Problems of democratic culture and institutions will be discussed on the basis of recent news stories, articles, and political events coverage. (Fall)
COURSE INSTRUCTOR: Hauser, Ewa

Braun, Wilhelm - Professor Emeritus of German Literature @

Ph.D., Toronto
Phone: 716-275-5378
MAJOR INTERESTS: Information not available
POLAND RELATED SCHOLARSHIP: Has taught course Literature of the Shtetl

Hauser, Ewa, Adjunct Associate Professor of Political Science and Director of the Center for Polish and Central European Studies @ @ @

Ph.D., Johns Hopkins, 1982
Phone: (716) 275-3734 / Fax: (716) 271-161-6 / E-Mail: ehsr@troi.cc.rochester.edu
MAJOR INTERESTS: Current research interests include the political culture of Eastern Europe, censorship and law, and women in Eastern Europe. Construction of Gender and National Identity; Comparative politics and Communism and Capitalism; Sexual Education and Societal values.
POLAND RELATED SCHOLARSHIP:
COURSES

• Political Films: Poland and Central Europe
• Political Symbolism & Mass Media in East Central Europe
• Women in Society: Eastern Europe
• Contemporary East European Societies
• Old and New Nationalism in Eastern Europe
• Elementary Polish
• Intermediate Polish
• Review Polish

PUBLICATIONS

• "Past Imperfect: Poles and Ukrainians Among the Others" in the Film "With Fire and Sword" by Jerzy Hoffman, 1999.

OTHER

• Is a member of the Committee which administers the Certificate Program in Polish and Central European Studies. Was consultant for the World Bank.

Meguid, Bonnie M. Assistant Professor of Political Science @

Ph.D., Harvard, 2002
Phone: 585-275-2338 / E-Mail: bonnie.meguid@rochester.edu
MAJOR INTERESTS:Comparative politics, political parties, party systems, elite and mass political behavior, elections in comparative perspective, and European politics. She is currently completing a book manuscript, Competition between Unequals: The Role of Mainstream Party Strategy in Rising Party Success, which examines how mainstream party behavior shapes the electoral trajectories of green, radical right, and ethnoterritorial parties in Western Europe since 1970. Her second project studies the effects of political decentralization on voter participation rates and party fortunes at the subnational level.
POLAND RELATED SCHOLARSHIP:

Stone, Randall W. - Assistant Professor of Political Science @

Ph.D., Harvard, 1993
Phone: 716-273-4761 / E-Mail: stnr@troi.cc.rochester.edu
MAJOR INTERESTS: International political economy, international relations, bargaining between the International Monetary Fund and post-communist countries
POLAND RELATED SCHOLARSHIP: Has taught courses Russia & Eastern Europe: Politics & International Relations; Political Economy of Reform; Is a member of the Committee on Polish and Central European Studies which administers the Certificate Program.

Visiting Professors

Babinski, Grzegorz Vice Director, Polonia Institute, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland

Ph.D.
Phone: 48-12 429-7110; 48-12 429-7115 / Fax: 48-12 429-9351 / email: babinski@apus.filg.uj.edu.pl
IN RESIDENCE: Spring-Fall 1999
MAJOR INTERESTS: Church-state relations.

Sobolewska-Myslik, Katarzyna Assistant Professor, Institute of Political Science, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland

Ph.D.
(48-12) 662-62-12 / Fax: . . . / email: kmyslik@ap.krakow.pl
IN RESIDENCE: Fall 1998 - Spring 1999
MAJOR INTERESTS: The development of political parties in post-communist countries of Central and Eastern Europe since 1989.

Gruszczak, Artur Faculty, Institute of Political Science and International Relations, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland @

Ph.D.
Phone: (48-12) 421-6484 / Fax: . . . / Email: uhgruszc@if.uj.edu.pl
IN RESIDENCE: Fall 2002
COURSES: PSC 292, "Politics and Economics of Post-Communist Transformation"

Lencznarowicz , Jan Faculty, Institute of Polish Diaspora and Ethnic Studies, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland @

Ph.D.
Email: lencznar@apus.filg.uj.edu.pl
IN RESIDENCE: Spring 2003
COURSES: HIS 116, "History of Poland"

Mania, Andrzej Professor at the Institute of Political Science and International Relations (Chair, History of Diplomacy Unit), Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland @

Ph.D. 1975, Political Science, Jagiellonian University
Phone: (48-12) 634 44 84 / Fax: . . . / Email: uhmania@cyf-kr.edu.pl
IN RESIDENCE: Spring 2004
COURSES: PSC 156 "US Policy toward Eastern Europe during the Cold War 1945 - 1989"

Meta-Faculty

Albicki, Alexander - Associate Professor of Electrical @

Ph.D. Institute of Telecommunications, Warsaw, 1973
Phone: 716-275-2923 / E-Mail: lulik@ee.rochester.edu
MAJOR INTERESTS: Logic design, VLSI low-power systems, asynchronous circuits, design for testability, data communications.

Gaj, Krzysztof - Scientist, Department of Electrical Engineering @

Ph.D. Warsaw University of Technology, 1992
Phone: 716-275-3233 / Fax: 716-473-0486 / E-mail: gaj@ee.rochester.edu E-Mail:
MAJOR INTERESTS: Synchronization strategies and new clocking schemes for ultra-high speed digital circuits, computer-network security, computer arithmetic, cryptographic research
POLAND RELATED SCHOLARSHIP: Author of the book Szyfer Enigmy: Metody Zlamania (The Enigma Cipher: Methods of Breaking), K. Gaj, Transport and Communications Press (Wydawnictwa Komunikacji i Lacznosci), Warszawa, 1989 (in Polish), 200 pp. (submitted for publication in English): The book recounts how, during the Second World War, the German Army's Enigma system was broken by Polish cryptologists, the most significant intelligence coup of the allied countries.

Lupack, Alan - Curator, Rossell Hope Robbins Library and the Koller-Collins Graduate Center @

Ph.D. University of Pennsylvania
Phone: 716-275-0110 / E-Mail: alupack@rcl.lib.rochester.edu
MAJOR INTERESTS: The Arthurian legends, and medievalism in literature and the arts. He is fascinated by the variety of forms the legends take, by their continuing popularity, and by the ways in which they form a bridge between high and popular culture.
POLAND RELATED SCHOLARSHIP: Has taught at the University of Wroclaw.

Michael, John - Associate Professor of English @

Ph.D. Johns Hopkins University
Phone: 716-275-4974 / E-Mail: jnml@troi.cc.rochester.edu
MAJOR INTERESTS: Nineteenth-century American literature, critical theory, and cultural studies. His research interests include the problematics of national identity in American literary romances and films, and the complex interrelations between the interpretation of literature and the reading of history.
POLAND RELATED SCHOLARSHIP: Has taught at the University of Warsaw

Sobolewski, Roman - Senior Scientist and Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering @

Ph. D., Institute of Physics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland, 1983
Sc. D., Institute of Physics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland, 1992
Phone: 716-275-1551 / E-Mail: roman@ee.rochester.edu
MAJOR INTERESTS: Solid-state and quantum electronics; development of new, ultrafast devices based on integrated optical and solid-state (superconducting) technologies.

• Jagiellonian University Program

  OVERVIEW: The Jagiellonian University is Poland's oldest and most distinguished. Founded in 1634, it is located in Krakow, the country's former capital, a town of about three quarters of a million inhabitants, a city replete with cultural treasures, and a major tourist destination, registered by UNESCO as one of the world's most precious paradigms of cultural heritage. and a major industrial center which features several cultural and historical points of interest. The University serves over 9,000 students and 1,800 academic staff with faculties in mathematics and sciences, law and administration, and the social sciences.
  THE UNIVERSITY OF ROCHESTER SEMESTER AT THE JAGIELLONIAN UNIVERSITY: The University has a direct institutional exchange agreement with the Jagiellonian University. Under this agreement, sophomore, junior and senior students can participate in the University of Rochester Spring semester at the Jagiellonian University, an on-location program in Krakow. Courses are taught in English and include Polish Language, history, Judaic studies, literature, political science and sociology. @ All completed courses in this on-location program are also counted as primary courses for the Polish and Eastern European Studies Certificate. The application deadline for the program is October 15, @

• Warsaw School of Economics Program

  Courses at the host institution are taught in English by Polish faculty. The program is offered through the Council on International Educational Exchanges (CIEE). Courses taught include language, culture, economics and history.@

• The Center for Polish and Central European Studies

  The Center offers a rich array of courses for in-depth study of Poland and Central Europe. Classes draw on methods from political science, history, anthropology, religion, film, and literature. Students can study with professors from Poland's Jagiellonian and Warsaw universities, and from other Central European centers of higher education. @
  Specifically, offered through the Center are the following:
  • Certificate of Concentration in Polish and Eastern European Studies: Students interested in developing an interdisciplinary knowledge about Poland and Central Europe can receive this formal recognition by taking 10 courses, three in a Central European language or culture and three in social sciences all from a primary list (the list includes courses at the Jagiellonian University), and four additional courses form either the primary or a secondary list. @
  • Skalny Scholarships: Provides support for University of Rochester students planning to study in Poland.@
  • Skalny Visiting Professor Grants: Awarded competitively to habilitated Jagiellonian University faculty fluent in English who agree to teach a 4 credit hour, semester-long undergraduate core course in Polish and Central European Studies at the University of Rochester. Grant recipients are expected to also give a public lecture to the university community and the local Polish-American community in the Skalny Lecture and Artist Series.
  • Skalny Lecture and Artists Series: Throughout the year, concerts, performances, film festivals, art exhibits and lectures showcasing the spirited artistic and intellectual life of Poland and Central Europe are offered to students and the public, usually with free admission. The Series is hosted by the Center for Polish and Central European Studies.@
  • Skalny Film Festival: Once every year the center hosts a festival of Polish films . The festival is sponsored by a generous grant from the Louis Skalny Foundation. The festival showcases outstanding recent Polish films that have not been distributed in the United States @

• Exchange Agreement with the Jagiellonian University

  The agreement covers a variety of exchange opportunities for the faculty and students of the two institutions.@ Specifically:
  • University of Rochester undergraduate students can take courses at the Jagiellonian University School of Central and Eastern European Studies for University of Rochester credit. Moreover, these courses also count towards a Certificate of Concentration in Polish and Eastern European Studies offered to qualified students by the University of Rochester's Center for Polish and Eastern European Studies.
  • Jagiellonian University faculty are eligible to receive Skalny Visiting Professor Grants which make it possible for them to visit the University of Rochester and offer there semester-long core undergraduate courses in Polish and Eastern European Studies.
  • University of Rochester faculty are eligible to teach at the Jagiellonian University on a semestral basis.