Polish Politics since 1989 2102-ANG-L-D6PP89
Introduction to Polish Politics Since 1989 .
Overview of Poland’s political and historical background. The communist system.
Round Table Negotiations and the First (partially) Free Elections.
The Round Table Agreements of 1989 and their significance.
Economic Transformation and the “Shock Therapy”.
The Balcerowicz Plan and its social impact.
The 1997 Constitution.
Poland’s new constitution and its impact on democracy.
Poland’s Party System.
Evolution of political parties and electoral dynamics.
The Role of the Catholic Church.
The influence of the Church in Polish politics and society.
Poland’s Way to NATO and the European Union.
The path to NATO membership and its implications for security policy.
The 2004 EU accession process and its domestic repercussions.
Civil Society and Social Movements.
The development of civil society and NGOs post-1989.
The Rise of Law and Justice (PiS).
The political strategies of PiS.
Poland’s Judiciary Crisis.
Judicial reforms and controversies under PiS.
Poland’s Role in Central Europe. Relations with Ukraine and Russia.
Poland in the Visegrád Group and its leadership ambitions.
Contemporary issues in Polish - Russian relations. War in Ukraine.
Contemporary Social Issues. Culture wars in Poland.
Debates on LGBTQ+ rights, women’s rights, patriotism and immigration.
Poland after 2023 elections, new developments.
Current issues and controversies in Polish politics. Coming presidential elections.
Poland’s Future in Europe.
Challenges and opportunities in the European Union.
Course coordinators
Type of course
Mode
Learning outcomes
By the end of this course, students will:
1. Understand the historical context and key events that shaped Polish politics since 1989.
2. Analyze the institutional, societal, economic and cultural dimensions of Poland’s transformation.
3. Critically evaluate Poland’s role in regional and global politics.
4. Engage with contemporary debates about democracy, nationalism, and populism in Poland.
Assessment criteria
Assessment:
1. Regular attendance - required. Two absences are allowed without consequences. In case of greater number of absences, some additional reading or an extra assignment paper may be required.
2. Active participation in class discussions, based first of all on assigned reading - recommended.
3. Short mid-term exam (in-class essay, 40 minutes) - required.
4. Short analysis “SWOT for Poland” (written home assignment) – required.
5. Final written examination (in-class essay, 80 minutes) - required.
Important: to complete the course, student needs to meet formal criteria (attendance) and to receive at least a passing grade (“3”) from the final exam.
The final exam will be held at the beginning of the examination session.
Grade distribution (approximately):
Attendance, participation in class discussions: 20%
SWOT analysis: 5%
Mid-term exam: 20%
Final examination: 55%
Practical placement
Not applicable.
Additional information
Additional information (registration calendar, class conductors, localization and schedules of classes), might be available in the USOSweb system: