The Central European Studies Program at Masaryk University is designed for students who want a challenging educational experience in the heart of Europe and who want to develop the global perspective they will need to face the future. Courses include studies of the social, economic, political and cultural transformations that have shaped Central Europe at the end of the 20th century, and the changes facing Europe in a broader perspective in the beginning of the 21st century.
Courses are in English, along with Czech language study. Masaryk University's program also offers a unique opportunity to students to gain experience as interns with Czech and international non-government organizations, businesses, and public institutions.
Masaryk University is named after the founder and first president of Czechoslovakia, Tomas G. Masaryk, who supported the opening of the university because he knew that democracy depended directly on broadening access to higher education.
As the second-largest city in the Czech Republic, Brno combines the vibrancy of a university city with a rich historic legacy. With a population of 400,000 and the capital of Moravia, the city is home to six universities and more than 35,000 students, and is within a few hours' travel of Prague, Budapest, Krakow, Vienna and Berlin.
Course of Study
- Transformation of Central European Economies
A background on the economic history of the Czech Republic and other Central European countries. Special emphasis will be placed on the split in Czechoslovakia and current economic developments. The course will also discuss public sector transformation, presenting basic characteristics of the transformation of the public sector in the Czech Republic compared to public sectors in some other "developed" countries as well as other post-communist countries. The role of public choice and political struggle in shaping the history, magnitude, structure, and development of the public sector will be described.
- Re-modernizing Civic and Political Culture After 1989
The course encompasses a variety of themes concerning problems with adaptation of the
East and Central European populations to the transformed historical conditions after the
political changes in 1989. Topics include:
1) the changing character of inter-ethnic relations and newly emerging conflicts;
2) strategies of coping with the intensified effects of globalization;
3) social and cultural resources for (and limits to) building a viable civil society;
4) reconstruction of political party systems.
Problems of adapting will be discussed in inter-related terms of politics, society, and culture. Examples will be taken from different countries of the region and discussion will emphasize comparative perspectives.
- Central and East European Social Problems
Political, economic, and social changes which the countries of East Central Europe have been witnessing since 1989 have brought many new concepts, phenomena and challenges to the fore: a new role of the state within the lives of individuals, the labor market and unemployment, income inequality and wealth, democratization of education, social exclusion and poverty, decreasing population and new family behavior, the aging of society, and a new role for religion. The course will address these issues and will outline their roots as well as their possible effects on political and social structures. Efforts of social policy to tackle some of these phenomena will also be discussed.
- Czech Cultural Heritage
This course looks at how literature, art and architecture, and music have contributed to the Czech cultural experience. In the case of the visual arts and music, the aim is to show how they have been shaped by both history and the cultural space of Central Europe, while the focus in literary seminars is on the development of a full-fledged Czech literature with writers who have become a vivid part of world literature. Readings will be from selected works in translation, and the course will also include visits to museums, exhibitions and concerts.
- Czech Language
The aim of this course will be to provide participants with basic communicative competency through classes focused on grammar and conversation. In the first week of classes, students study intensive Czech four hours a day. Students are placed according to language ability.
- Internship (optional)
A limited number of internships are available in several different fields, including non-government organizations and private companies, ranging from 10-15 hours per week. If you are interested in an internship in a specific field, specification should be noted on your application form in the space provided.
Enrollment:
Enrollment is open to undergraduates in their third or fourth year of study.
Magister/master's level students following a European model may apply for study during
their third, fourth, or fifth year. For U.S. students, the minimum grade point average
(GPA) requirement is 2.75 overall.
Program Costs:
Depending on a student's home institution, either in North America, Europe, or elsewhere,
costs may vary slightly. Basic tuition is approximately $6,000 USD. Costs include: on-site
orientation, tuition, room and board, medical insurance, and some excursions.
Scholarships:
In order to assist students from Central and Eastern Europe and the Newly Independent
States who wish to study in the Central European Studies Program, for spring 2000 Masaryk
University has a limited number of partial scholarships available.
Scholarships are for $4,500.00 USD and cover most of the cost of tuition for attending the program. Remaining costs, including room and board and program fees, are $1,470.00 USD.
Eligible students are citizens of the following countries who are currently studying at
the post-secondary level:
- Central & Eastern Europe: Albania, Bosnia and Herzogovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech
Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia,
Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia
- Newly Independent States (Former Soviet Union): Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Estonia,
Georgia, Latvia, Kazakstan, Kyrgyzstan, Lithuania, Moldova, Russia, Tajikistan,
Turkmenistan, Ukraine and Uzbekistan
Program Calendar:
Spring semester 2000:
15-week program - February 7, 2000 to May 26, 2000
Housing and Meals:
Housing and meals are included in the program fee. Students live in university dormitories
with other Czech students. They will also have access to university sports facilities,
canteens, laundry, and kitchen.
How to Apply:
Masaryk University
Central European Studies Program
Zerotinovo nam. 9
Brno 601 77
Czech Republic
Fax: +420 (5) 42-128-238
Tel: +420 (5) 42-128-308
e-mail: cesp@rect.muni.cz
http://www.muni.cz/cesp
FOR U.S. STUDENTS:
Office of International Education
State University of New York, Oswego
102 Rich Hall
Oswego, New York 13126
U.S.A.
Fax: +1 (315) 341-2477
Tel: +1 (315) 341-5775
e-mail: intled@oswego.edu
http://www.oswego.edu/~intled/
Deadline to apply: November 15, 1999