Cultural Security in Central and Eastern Europe 4035-H-CS-OG

1. Theories of social conflict (Part I) – introduces
classical theories of social conflict, their key
assumptions, and main authors, with a focus on how
conflict shapes social structures and change.
2. Theories of social conflict (Part II) – deepens the
analysis of social conflict theories by comparing
contemporary perspectives, applications to current
social problems, and critical debates about power,
inequality, and resistance.
3. Intercultural competencies for security —
intercultural communication –
develops intercultural communication
skills essential for security professionals,
emphasising cultural awareness, empathy, and
strategies for managing misunderstandings in
multicultural environments.
4. Small social structures and local identities –
examines how small social groups (families,
neighbourhoods, local communities) construct and
maintain local identities, and how these identities
influence cohesion, conflict, and security at the
micro level.
5. The nation in anthropological perspective –
explores the nation as a cultural and symbolic
community, drawing on anthropological theories of
myth, ritual, and everyday practices that sustain
national belonging.
6. The nation in political perspective – analyses the
nation as a political construct, focusing on
nationbuilding, sovereignty, citizenship, and the role
of political institutions and elites in defining
national identity.
7. From the idea of the nation to nationalism – traces
the historical evolution from early ideas of the
nation to modern nationalism, highlighting its
ideological foundations, types, and implications for
conflict and cooperation.
8. In the sphere of ideology, identity, and cultural
narratives – investigates how ideologies, collective
identities, and cultural narratives shape perceptions
of “us” and “them”, legitimise power structures, and
influence policies of security and exclusion.
9. The formation of statehood — an introduction – provides an overview of the processes of state
formation, including territorial consolidation,
institutional development, and the emergence of
modern state sovereignty.
10. The state and the citizen — social cohesion and
legitimacy – discusses the relationship
between state and citizen, analysing mechanisms
of social cohesion, political participation, and
sources of legitimacy in contemporary states.
11. National and ethnic minorities in the policies of
Central and Eastern European states — an
introduction – introduces key issues
concerning national and ethnic minorities in Central
and Eastern Europe, focusing on legal frameworks,
integration policies, and conflict potentials.
12. Social security in the context of cultural stability –
examines social security as a component of human
and cultural security, highlighting how welfare
policies, inclusion, and social rights support cultural
continuity and societal stability.
13. Cultural security — concepts, dimensions, and
frameworks – This class systematises concepts and
dimensions of cultural security, presenting
theoretical frameworks that link cultural identity,
value systems, and symbolic resources with state
and human security.
14. Real threats to cultural security in the 21st century
— selected case studies – analyses concrete threats
to cultural security such as globalisation, migration,
hybrid warfare, and cultural homogenisation, using
selected regional and international case studies.
15. Evaluation and students’ presentations – In this
session, students’ knowledge and skills are assessed
on the basis of presentations, research projects, and
participation in discussions on selected cases.