Beginning Polish and Czech to be offered Fall 2016

For the first time in almost three decades, beginning Polish language will be offered at University Park this Fall. POL197 (M 4:40-5:30, TR 4:35-5:50, class #31403) will be taught by Dr. Anita Starosta, who grew up with the language and who specializes in the cultures and literatures of Eastern Europe in the 20th century.

Poland plays a strategic role in American political and economic futures as a military ally and a key force in the European Union. In recent history, it has been the site of major world events, from the start of World War Two to the Solidarity strikes that helped end  the Cold War. In culture, Poland’s renowned traditions in film, literature, classical music, theater, and poster art make for a lively culture in cosmopolitan cities such as Kraków (see image at right), Warszawa, or Gdańsk, with countless festivals, concerts, museums, bookstores, street performances, and discussion circles.

Beginning Czech will also be offered under the rubric Slavic 296 (class #13173, by appointment) through distant learning technology. The instructor will be Dr. Craig Cravens, Senior Lecturer in Slavic at Indiana University.

The Czech and Slovak Republics joined the European Union in 2004 and are the fastest growing markets in the Union. Western European nations are moving their factories eastward to burgeoning markets with fewer governmental restrictions and a population more eager to work. In 2005 Peugeots, Citroëns, and Toyotas started rolling off the line of a new factory at Kolin in the Czech Republic. Perhaps coincidentally, the word “robot” was coined by a Czech author.