ECN250: World Economic Systems, 3 credits
This course examines the major economic systems of the world, in both theory and practice. The focus will be on encouraging a general understanding of how economic systems work, and how economic theory interacts with government policy, history, and culture to explain economic performance. Market capitalism, socialism, and their variants will be explored; focusing especially on comparisons of institutions and outcomes. The Czech Republic, as an economy that transitioned from market capitalism to Soviet-sponsored state socialism and now back to market capitalism, provides a particularly exciting venue to explore the workings of different economic systems, the differing incentives and outcomes such systems generate.
Guest speakers, lecturers, and field trips to unique venues such as the Czech National Bank, The Institute for the Study of Totalitarian Regimes, and The Museum of Communism will enhance students' ability to integrate the new understanding they gain from this experience. Prerequisites: None
ENH254: Literature and Film - 3 credits
This course presents works of literature and their film versions and analyzes distinguishing techniques of each medium. Since we will be in Prague, we will focus on Czech literature and film, especially samizdat or underground literature and related films during 1948-1989 under communism and post-1989 as a democratic society. Students will benefit from presentations from guest lecturers who were witnesses and/or participants in both samizdat and post-samizdat literature and film.
Prerequisite: Eng 101 or Eng 107, or equivalent. Designations: HU and L
MHL153: Rock Music and Culture, 3 credits
Through class lecture/discussion, excursions, documentary media, and music recordings this course will explore the history of rock music and how cultural, social, political, and economic conditions have shaped its evolution. An exploration into the relationships between Western Pop Music and the Czech Commercial Music scene in the decades spanning the 60s-80s will help to illustrate the importance of the underground music movement's influence on politics leading up to the Velvet Revolution in 1989. Prerequisites: None
POS201: Political Ideologies, 3 credits
The Czech Republic will offer students an ideal venue to study the political ideologies and movements of the 20th century and learn how these ideologies have shaped the contemporary political landscape. Studying about fascism/Nazism, communism, and democracy in a country that has experienced these ideological movements and governments provides an excellent learning environment. In this class you will have the opportunity to hear from former Czech dissidents who contributed towards the liberation of their country from oppressive regimes. Learn about the Prague Spring of 1968 and about the Velvet Revolution of 1989 from Czechs who took part in these historic events.
There will be ample time to explore the beautiful city of Prague and to take in its many cultural and historic offerings.
Prerequisites: None
