Central and Eastern European Studies: Central Europe since the Fall of the Berlin Wall

In this course, you explore how Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Hungary have changed since the fall of communism. You get a clear overview of the political and cultural developments that have shaped Central Europe after the end of the Iron Curtain, and you see how these changes continue to influence the region today.

You also delve into topics such as national and ethnic identities, democratisation, and the transition to a market economy. The course examines Central Europe’s role as a possible bridge between East and West – and between North and South. A dedicated part focuses on how these countries became members of the EU and how they have developed within the union.

By comparing the countries and studying shared trends, you gain a deeper understanding of both the similarities and differences in their development. The course gives you tools to analyse and discuss political and societal change in Central Europe, both historically and in the present day.

Course literature

The course literature listed may be updated up to eight weeks before the course begins.

The teaching consists of lectures and compulsory seminars. The course is assessed through a written take-home exam.

When you study East and Central European Studies, you gain knowledge about a region that plays an important role in Europe’s political, cultural, and social development. You learn about historical events, current conflicts, and cultural expressions, and you get tools to understand and analyse topics like identity, ethnicity, and social change.

East and Central European Studies is for you who are curious about the world and want to work with international issues. You might find a future in government agencies, aid organizations, the cultural sector, media, or research. You also develop valuable skills like critical thinking, understanding different perspectives, and working in multicultural environments. You learn to look beyond simplified ideas of “East” and “West” and gain a broad understanding of how history, politics, and culture are connected.

Prerequisites

General requirement and studies equivalent of the courses History 1b or 1a1 and 1a2 and Social Studies 1b or 1a1 and 1a2 from Swedish Upper Secondary School.

Selection criteria

Seats are allocated according to the following: The general average (GPA) of your higher secondary school leaving certificate: 34 %, The Swedish national university aptitude test: 34 %, number of previous ECTS at application deadline (up to 165): 32 %. If students have equal credentials, seats are allocated based on their results on The Swedish National University Aptitude Test. If this too is equal, seats are allocated based on a draw.

Tuition fees for non-EU/EEA citizens

Citizens of countries outside:

• The European Union (EU)
• The European Economic Area (EEA) and
• Switzerland

are required to pay tuition fees. You pay an instalment of the tuition fee in advance of each
semester.

Tuition fees, payments and exemptions

Full programme/course tuition fee: SEK 14,375
First payment: SEK 14,375

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Note that you may also need to pay an application fee, or provide proof of exemption.

Application fee

No tuition fees for citizens of the EU, EEA and Switzerland

There are no tuition fees for citizens of the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland.