Socio-Cultural Problems of the Baltic Countries 3020-1A2PSK

The aims of the course are:
a) to systemize the knowledge corresponding to credit requirements;
b) to acquaint the student with the basic facts about contemporary Lithuania and Latvia, the origins of their present-day situation (and problems), the role of Lithuania and Latvia in the mechanisms of regional cooperation (with Poland), modes and possibilities of co-functioning in the region.

The introductory part will consist of a recapitulation of basic facts about the countries of the region. Next, in connection with the recent history of the Baltic countries, the main developmental tendencies in their sociocultural life as well as the character of their economic and political systems will be outlined. Special emphasis will be given to the impact of the communist period and the period of reforms (renewal of independence and accession to EU and NATO) on the present-day reality of the Baltic countries. In this context the dependence of the Baltic countries on infrastructure and economic ties inherited from the Soviet era and the consequences of this situation will be discussed. Another topic is the cooperation of the Baltic countries in the framework of international organizations, with particular emphasis on cooperation in the Baltic Sea Region and the prospects for cooperation with Poland.

Type of course

obligatory courses

Mode

Classroom

Requirements

History of the Baltic Countries
Knowledge about the Baltic Countries

Prerequisites

Sources of the Lithuanian Tradition

Prerequisites (description)

The student should have a basic knowledge about the Baltic countries (situation, geography, population, basic facts about Baltic cultures), and should know how to use sources (library collections) and electronic resources (Internet pages of Baltic interest). A beneficial side-effect of the learning process will be an increased proficiency in Lithuanian and Latvian.

Learning outcomes

On completion of the course the student:
(KNOWLEDGE)
- is able to name the most important historical and cultural processes underlying the present socio-cultural and political- economical situation of the Baltic countries;
- is able to view ongoing processes in the contemporary Baltic countries as the continuation of processes in the past;
- is able to name the institutions of international cooperation relevant to the functioning of Lithuania and Latvia as well as to characterize the possibilities for regional cooperation, with particular emphasis on cooperation with Poland;
(SKILLS)
- is able to explain the origins and social context of specific current events in the Baltic countries;
- is able to analyse ongoing events in the region and in Europe in the context of the Baltic countries and their international ties;
- is able to identify problems in Poland’s cooperation with the Baltic countries and to propose solutions;
(AWARENESS)
- the student views the present-day situation of the Baltic countries as the outcome of historical and economical processes, and is able to critically assess problems arising in the Baltic countries and their perception in the media;
- the student perceives the Baltic countries through the prism of development of cooperation in the region of the Baltic Sea and the European Union, with special regard to cooperation with Poland.

Assessment criteria

Written credit test at the close of the term (50%), comprising two parts: a) multiple-choice test; b) descriptive questions. Admission requirements: checking of attendance and activity, unassisted preparation of a class paper or oral presentation.

Bibliography

1. A. Maryański: Litwa, Łotwa, Estonia. Warszawa 1993.
2. Litwa. Zarys wiedzy o kraju. Wilno 2005.
3. G. Błaszczyk: Litwa współczesna. Warszawa 1992.
4. P. Eberhardt: Przemiany narodowościowe na Litwie. Warszawa 1997.
5. P. Eberhardt: Między Rosją a Niemcami. Przemiany narodowościowe w Europie środkowo-wschodniej w XX wieku.
6. P. Eberhardt: Problematyka narodowościowa Łotwy.
7. P. Łossowski: Litwa. Warszawa 2001.
8. P. Łossowski: Kraje bałtyckie w latach przełomu 1934-1944. Warszawa 2005.
9. The History of Latvia. 20th century. Ryga 2005.
10. A. Plakans. The Latvians. A short history. California 1995.
11. E. Jekabsons: Polacy na Łotwie. Ryga 1996.
12. Łotwa wczoraj, dziś, jutro. Poznań 2003.
13. M. Laar: Estoński cud. Warszawa 2006.
14. J. Lewandowski: Historia Estonii. Warszawa 2001.
15. Baltic Sea Region and Enlargement of European Union. Ryga 2006.
16. A. Kukliński (red.): Baltic Europe in the perspective of global change. Warszawa 1995.
17. A. Lieven: The Balic Revolution. New Haven, London 1993.
18. R. J. Misiunas Romuald J.: Taagapera Rein: The Baltic States. Years of dependence. Berkeley, Los Angeles 1983.
19. A. Pabriks, A. Purs: Latvia the challenges of change. London, New York 2001.
20. Latvia: Human Development report. Human capability In the Regions. Report of the UNDP 2004/2005, Łotwa.
21. K. Gerner, S. Hellund:The Baltic States and the end of the Soviet Empire. London, New York 1997.
22. P. Zvidrins (red.): Demographic situation: Present and future. Ryga 2006.
23. Z. Ozolina (red.): Latvia’s view of the future of the European Union. Ryga 2007.
24. A. Spruds, T. Rostoks: Pulling the Baltic Sea Region together or apart? Ryga 2009.
25. M. Usenko, T. Fiszbach: Powrót do Europy śpiewnymi rewolucjami. Ryga 2005.
26. UKIE Analytical Paper Series. Warsaw 2008.
27. E. Lucas: Nowa zimna wojna. Warszawa 2008.
28. Baltijas Regions: Konflikti un sadarbiba. Ryga 2001.
29. Starptautisko attiecibu problemas. Ryga 2005.
30. Łotwa pod własną flagą. PAP 1990.