About us

Our Institute was founded in the academic year 1930/31, but its roots can be found earlier. In 1913, even before the restoration of the University of Warsaw (1915), the Office of the Warsaw Historical Society was created, concentrating the Warsaw historical community.The first School of History was established three years later. The School was housed in the old school building (currently the Law and Administration Faculty building), and had only six rooms at its disposal. In view of the birth of new history departments, it became apparent that a single school would not be enough. In order to maintain the common policy of the individual sections, the IH came into being in the academic year 1930/31, being a federation of all the schools.

Today, after 75 years, the Institute employs over 100 academic staff. Students have the opportunity to choose from the rich offer of lectures and MA seminars run by our faculty members. Each year, the Institute of History organizes over 50 MA seminars and over 70 one-semester lectures.

We offer a five-year MA program (day, evening or part-time) as well as a one-year post-graduate program. The core of the MA program is made up of workshop activities connected to the five great historical eras (Antiquity, The Middle Ages, Modernity, 19th Century, Recent History). The courses include workshop activities in relation to each era, specialized classes developing a historian's workshop, a group of activities (lectures and conversatoria) from related subjects (political science, sociology, philosophy, history of art or archeology) as well as activities from within the framework of a chosen professional specialization or a field of study. Each student is required to choose at least one professional specialization or one field of study.


Socrates-Erasmus lectures 2007/2008, winter semester

The courses in English/German/French for the foreign students at the Institute of History 2007/2008 are as following

1. A time of difficult choices. Politics and society in 20th century Poland (1918-1989), Monday 13:15 - 14:45, IH, room 125

It is said Poland used to be a country which now and then appeared on the political map of Europe, but never in the same place twice. This ironic aphorism describes the central issues of Polish politics in the 20th century: the acquisition of statehood, shaping its internal order and defending its sovereignty. The course will consist of three parts. First, major dilemmas of Polish politics before WWII will be discussed: a) the struggle of the Polish national movement for an independent state and shaping the borders of Poland during and after WWI; b) problems concerning political, social and economic unification of the state, parts of which formerly belonged to different imperial orders; c) tensions between institutions of the Polish national state and aspirations of numerous national minorities; d) the shift from an unstable democratic regime in the 1920?s to an authoritarian order in the 1930?s and e) constraints of Polish foreign policy determined by its geopolitical location between Germany and USSR. The second part will be devoted to the painful experience of WWII (1939-1945): occupation policies of both great powers, various attitudes of Polish society towards invaders and the struggle for regaining sovereignty. The last series of lectures will be dedicated to the internal changes in Poland from communist take-over in 1944, through cyclical crises of the regime in 1956, 1968 and 1970-71, leading to the birth of the Solidarity movement of 1980-81 and collapse of dictatorship in 1989.

A time of difficult choices. Politics and society in 20th century Poland (1918-1989) - lecture for Erasmus students
Mondays, 13.15-14.45, Room 125
ECTS Points 4 (+2)

Short description
It is said Poland used to be a country which now and then appeared on the political map of Europe, but never in the same place twice. This ironic aphorism describes the central issues of Polish politics in the 20th century: the acquisition of statehood, shaping its internal order and defending its sovereignty.

Requirements for obtaining ECTS credits: 4 ECTS for regular attendance and 2 ECTS for passing multiple choice test or essay.

Description
It is said Poland used to be a country which now and then appeared on the political map of Europe, but never in the same place twice. This ironic aphorism describes the central issues of Polish politics in the 20th century: the acquisition of statehood, shaping its internal order and defending its sovereignty.

The course will consist of three parts. First, major dilemmas of Polish politics before WWII will be discussed: a) the struggle of the Polish national movement for an independent state and shaping the borders of Poland during and after WWI; b) problems concerning political, social and economic unification of the state, parts of which formerly belonged to different imperial orders; c) tensions between institutions of the Polish national state and aspirations of numerous national minorities; d) the shift from an unstable democratic regime in the 1920?s to an authoritarian order in the 1930?s and e) constraints of Polish foreign policy determined by its geopolitical location between Germany and USSR. The second part will be devoted to the painful experience of WWII (1939-1945): occupation policies of both great powers, various attitudes of Polish society towards invaders and the struggle for regaining sovereignty. The last series of lectures will be dedicated to the internal changes in Poland from communist take-over in 1944, through cyclical crises of the regime in 1956, 1968 and 1970-71, leading to the birth of the Solidarity movement of 1980-81 and collapse of dictatorship in 1989.

2. Polen im 20. Jahrhundert: eine Einfuhrung - prof. dr hab. W³odzimierz Borodziej, Tuesday 13:15 - 14:45, IH, room 125

Polen im 20. Jahrhundert: eine Einführung. Die Varlesung fur die Erasmus-Studenten
Tuesdays, 13.15-14.45, Room 125
ECTS Points 4 (+2)

Short description
The lecture will offer an survey of Poland's history from 1900 to 1989. Major topics include the "partioned lands" prior to 1914, the rebirth of the republic 1918, social & political developments of the interwar period, World War II, communism in Poland (establishment, Stalinism, "national communism", opposition and "Solidarity", the decay of the system) and the "refolution" of 1989.

4 credit points (to get extra 2 points students can prepare a seminar paper)

Description
The lecture will offer an survey of Poland's history from 1900 to 1989. Major topics include the "partioned lands" prior to 1914, the rebirth of the republic 1918, social & political developments of the interwar period, World War II, communism in Poland (establishment, Stalinism, "national communism", opposition and "Solidarity", the decay of the system) and the "refolution" of 1989.


Bibliography
Norman Davies, God's Playground, 2nd vol., Oxford 1982; Joerg K. Hoensch, Geschichte Polens, Stuttgart: Ulmer, 1998; Rudolf Jaworski, Christian Lübke, Michael G. Müller, Eine kleine Geschichte Polens, Frankfurt M.: Suhrkamp, 2000; Hans Roos, Geschichte der polnischen Nation 1918 bis 1985, Stuttgart: Kohlhammer 1986

3. Jewish-Christian dialogue an illusion or reality? - dr hab. Stanis³aw Obirek, Tuesday 13:15 - 14:45, IH, room B

Jewish-Christian dialogue - an illusion or reality?: The aim of the course is to present main processes and events in the history of these two religions till the Holocaust (1933-1945) and the turn that was made after: Second Vatican Council (Nostra etatae 1962-1965) and Dabru Emet (Jewish reaction to Nostra etatae 2000). The focal point will be Jewish and Christian thinkers who contributed to clarify the doctrinal and spiritual identities of the "mother religion" (Judaism) and "her daughter" (Christianity).

4. Histoire de la France au XIX siecle : les voies de la démocratisation politique (1815-1914)
Mercredis, 15.00-16.30, salle 125

Description:
L'objet de ce cours est de présenter les différents régimes politiques de la France du XIX°siecle, au fil des révolutions, pour comprendre l'évolution vers la démocratie qui s'amorce durant la période. L'accent sera mis sur les nouveaux champs de l'histoire politique, en liaison notamment avec l'histoire culturelle (histoire du livre, construction des identités, genre, classes et nations). L'étude de sources et de chapitres d'ouvrages fondamentaux sera la base essentielle du cours.
Les documents proposés pour l'étude seront disponibles a la bibliotheque du CCF, ainsi que les chapitres d'ouvrages qui ne seraient pas dans les bibliotheques polonaises (BUW, IH, CCF, IR).
Exigences pour le cours : présence et participation active, bonne connaissance du français.

Littérature:
Barjot, Dominique, Histoire économique de la France au XIXe siecle, Paris : Nathan, 1995 (CCF)

Bertier de Sauvigny, Guillaume de (1912- ), La restauration, Paris, 1935.

Charle, Christophe, Histoire sociale de la France au XIXe siecle, Paris : Seuil, 1991 (CCF)

Francis Démier, La France du XIXe siecle : 1814-1914. Paris : Éditions du Seuil, 2000 (IR)

Mayeur, Jean-Marie, Les débuts de la Troisieme République : 1871-1898, Paris : Seuil, 1973 (CCF)

Rosanvallon, Pierre, La démocratie inachevée : histoire de la souveraineté du peuple en France, Paris : Gallimard, 2000 (CCF)

Rosanvallon, Pierre, L'État en France : de 1789 a nos jours, Paris : Seuil, 1990 (CCF)

Rosanvallon, Pierre, Le peuple introuvable : histoire de la représentation démocratique en France, Paris : Gallimard, 1998 (CCF)


5. Yiddish culture - dr Jakub Weitzner, Wednesday 16:45 - 18:15, IH, room G


6. Poland's History, 10th-18th c., Thursday 15:00 - 16:30, IH, room 21

Poland's History, 10th -18th century- lecture for Erasmus students
Thursdays, 15.00-16.30, room 21
General description

ECTS Points 4 (+2)
The lecture will be a survey of Poland's history from the medieval period till the second half of the 18th century. Major topics include the origins of the Polish statehood, development of its political and parliamentary system and its relations with neighbour countries; special stress would be put on formation and functioning of Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. In addition to political issues it will examine a vast range of themes in economic, cultural and artistic, religious and social history, such as Polish economy and its place in European system, Renaissance and Baroque culture, religious conflicts and co-operation between various religions and confessions existing in the Commonwealth. Prerequisites: basic knowledge of European history.

Short description
The lecture will be a survey of Poland's history from the medieval period till the second half of the 18th century. Major topics include the origins of the Polish statehood, development of its political and parliamentary system and its relations with neighbour countries; special stress would be put on formation and functioning of Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth.

In addition to political issues it will examine a vast range of themes in economic, cultural and artistic, religious and social history, such as Polish economy and its place in European system, Renaissance and Baroque culture, religious conflicts and co-operation between various religions and confessions existing in the Commonwealth.

Prerequisites: basic knowledge of European history

Assessment: test exam (multiple choice format)

4 credit points (to get extra 2 points students can also prepare a seminar paper under supervision of a chosen lecturer)

Description
The lecture will be a survey of Poland's history from the medieval period till the second half of the 18th century. Major topics include the origins of the Polish statehood, development of its political and parliamentary system and its relations with neighbour countries; special stress would be put on formation and functioning of Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth.

In addition to political issues it will examine a vast range of themes in economic, cultural and artistic, religious and social history, such as Polish economy and its place in European system, Renaissance and Baroque culture, religious conflicts and co-operation between various religions and confessions existing in the Commonwealth.

Poland's History, 10th-18th century (Thursday, 3 pm., Institute of History, room 21)

Oct. 4th Dr. Grzegorz My¶liwski

Medieval Poland, part 1: Political transformation and cultural consequences

Oct. 11th Dr. Grzegorz My¶liwski

Medieval Poland, part 2: General trends in socioeconomic evolution

Oct. 18th Dr. Jolanta Choiñska-Mika

The Polish political system and its evolution (16th-18th century)

Oct. 25th Prof. Dariusz Ko³odziejczyk

Foreign policy and diplomacy of Poland-Lithuania (16th century)

Nov. 8th Dr. Jolanta Choiñska-Mika

The 17th-century crisis in Poland-Lithuania

Nov. 15th Dr. Jolanta Choiñska-Mika

The political culture of Polish nobility

Nov. 22nd Dr. Igor K±kolewski

Struggle for domination over the Baltic Sea (16th-17th century)

Nov 29th Dr. Igor K±kolewski

Ducal Prussia and the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth (16th-17th century)

Dec. 6th Prof. Dariusz Ko³odziejczyk

Poland-Lithuania and its south-eastern neighbors in the 17th century

Dec. 13th Dr. Barbara Arciszewska

Visual Culture in early modern Poland - tradition and change

Jan. 10th Prof. Tadeusz Cegielski

The Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth and 'Respublica literaria"

Jan. 17th Prof. Tadeusz Cegielski

Eighteenth-century Warsaw - between Italy and England

Jan. 24th Final test (multiple choice format)

Bibliography
Norman Davies , God's Playground. A History of Poland, vol, 1 : The origins to 1795, New York 1982


If you have further questions, you can contact (French is also warmly welcome) the Erasmus Contact Person in the Institute of History, Dr Jerzy PYSIAK, Ph. D.:
every Tuesday, from 4.45 p.m. to 6 p.m., room 103 (1st floor)
or
galeran@wp.eu

news

The courses in English/German/French for the foreign students at the Institute of History 2007/2008 are as following 1. A time of difficult choices. Politics and society in 20th century Poland (1918-1989), Monday 13:15 - 14:45, IH, room 125 It is said Poland used to be a country which now and then appeared on the political map of Europe, but never in the same place twice. This ironic aphorism describes the central issues of Polish politics in the 20th century: the acquisition of statehood, shaping its internal order and defending its sovereignty. The course will consist of three parts. First, major dilemmas of Polish politics before WWII will be discussed: a) the struggle of the Polish national movement for an independent state and shaping the borders of Poland during and after WWI; b) problems concerning political, social and economic unification of the state, parts of which formerly belonged to different imperial orders; c) tensions between institutions of the Polish national state and aspirations of numerous national minorities; d) the shift from an unstable democratic regime in the 1920?s to an authoritarian order in the 1930?s and e) constraints of Polish foreign policy determined by its geopolitical location between Germany and USSR. The second part will be devoted to the painful experience of WWII (1939-1945): occupation policies of both great powers, various attitudes of Polish society towards invaders and the struggle for regaining sovereignty. The last series of lectures will be dedicated to the internal changes in Poland from communist take-over in 1944, through cyclical crises of the regime in 1956, 1968 and 1970-71, leading to the birth of the Solidarity movement of 1980-81 and collapse of dictatorship in 1989. A time of difficult choices. Politics and society in 20th century Poland (1918-1989) - lecture for Erasmus students Mondays, 13.15-14.45, Room 125 ECTS Points 4 (+2) Short description It is said Poland used to be a country which now and then appeared on the political map of Europe, but never in the same place twice. This ironic aphorism describes the central issues of Polish politics in the 20th century: the acquisition of statehood, shaping its internal order and defending its sovereignty. Requirements for obtaining ECTS credits: 4 ECTS for regular attendance and 2 ECTS for passing multiple choice test or essay. Description It is said Poland used to be a country which now and then appeared on the political map of Europe, but never in the same place twice. This ironic aphorism describes the central issues of Polish politics in the 20th century: the acquisition of statehood, shaping its internal order and defending its sovereignty. The course will consist of three parts. First, major dilemmas of Polish politics before WWII will be discussed: a) the struggle of the Polish national movement for an independent state and shaping the borders of Poland during and after WWI; b) problems concerning political, social and economic unification of the state, parts of which formerly belonged to different imperial orders; c) tensions between institutions of the Polish national state and aspirations of numerous national minorities; d) the shift from an unstable democratic regime in the 1920?s to an authoritarian order in the 1930?s and e) constraints of Polish foreign policy determined by its geopolitical location between Germany and USSR. The second part will be devoted to the painful experience of WWII (1939-1945): occupation policies of both great powers, various attitudes of Polish society towards invaders and the struggle for regaining sovereignty. The last series of lectures will be dedicated to the internal changes in Poland from communist take-over in 1944, through cyclical crises of the regime in 1956, 1968 and 1970-71, leading to the birth of the Solidarity movement of 1980-81 and collapse of dictatorship in 1989. 2. Polen im 20. Jahrhundert: eine Einfuhrung - prof. dr hab. W³odzimierz Borodziej, Tuesday 13:15 - 14:45, IH, room 125 Polen im 20. Jahrhundert: eine Einführung. Die Varlesung fur die Erasmus-Studenten Tuesdays, 13.15-14.45, Room 125 ECTS Points 4 (+2) Short description The lecture will offer an survey of Poland's history from 1900 to 1989. Major topics include the "partioned lands" prior to 1914, the rebirth of the republic 1918, social & political developments of the interwar period, World War II, communism in Poland (establishment, Stalinism, "national communism", opposition and "Solidarity", the decay of the system) and the "refolution" of 1989. 4 credit points (to get extra 2 points students can prepare a seminar paper) Description The lecture will offer an survey of Poland's history from 1900 to 1989. Major topics include the "partioned lands" prior to 1914, the rebirth of the republic 1918, social & political developments of the interwar period, World War II, communism in Poland (establishment, Stalinism, "national communism", opposition and "Solidarity", the decay of the system) and the "refolution" of 1989. Bibliography Norman Davies, God's Playground, 2nd vol., Oxford 1982; Joerg K. Hoensch, Geschichte Polens, Stuttgart: Ulmer, 1998; Rudolf Jaworski, Christian Lübke, Michael G. Müller, Eine kleine Geschichte Polens, Frankfurt M.: Suhrkamp, 2000; Hans Roos, Geschichte der polnischen Nation 1918 bis 1985, Stuttgart: Kohlhammer 1986 3. Jewish-Christian dialogue an illusion or reality? - dr hab. Stanis³aw Obirek, Tuesday 13:15 - 14:45, IH, room B Jewish-Christian dialogue - an illusion or reality?: The aim of the course is to present main processes and events in the history of these two religions till the Holocaust (1933-1945) and the turn that was made after: Second Vatican Council (Nostra etatae 1962-1965) and Dabru Emet (Jewish reaction to Nostra etatae 2000). The focal point will be Jewish and Christian thinkers who contributed to clarify the doctrinal and spiritual identities of the "mother religion" (Judaism) and "her daughter" (Christianity). 4. Histoire de la France au XIX siecle : les voies de la démocratisation politique (1815-1914) Mercredis, 15.00-16.30, salle 125 Description: L'objet de ce cours est de présenter les différents régimes politiques de la France du XIX°siecle, au fil des révolutions, pour comprendre l'évolution vers la démocratie qui s'amorce durant la période. L'accent sera mis sur les nouveaux champs de l'histoire politique, en liaison notamment avec l'histoire culturelle (histoire du livre, construction des identités, genre, classes et nations). L'étude de sources et de chapitres d'ouvrages fondamentaux sera la base essentielle du cours. Les documents proposés pour l'étude seront disponibles a la bibliotheque du CCF, ainsi que les chapitres d'ouvrages qui ne seraient pas dans les bibliotheques polonaises (BUW, IH, CCF, IR). Exigences pour le cours : présence et participation active, bonne connaissance du français. Littérature: Barjot, Dominique, Histoire économique de la France au XIXe siecle, Paris : Nathan, 1995 (CCF) Bertier de Sauvigny, Guillaume de (1912- ), La restauration, Paris, 1935. Charle, Christophe, Histoire sociale de la France au XIXe siecle, Paris : Seuil, 1991 (CCF) Francis Démier, La France du XIXe siecle : 1814-1914. Paris : Éditions du Seuil, 2000 (IR) Mayeur, Jean-Marie, Les débuts de la Troisieme République : 1871-1898, Paris : Seuil, 1973 (CCF) Rosanvallon, Pierre, La démocratie inachevée : histoire de la souveraineté du peuple en France, Paris : Gallimard, 2000 (CCF) Rosanvallon, Pierre, L'État en France : de 1789 a nos jours, Paris : Seuil, 1990 (CCF) Rosanvallon, Pierre, Le peuple introuvable : histoire de la représentation démocratique en France, Paris : Gallimard, 1998 (CCF) 5. Yiddish culture - dr Jakub Weitzner, Wednesday 16:45 - 18:15, IH, room G 6. Poland's History, 10th-18th c., Thursday 15:00 - 16:30, IH, room 21 Poland's History, 10th -18th century- lecture for Erasmus students Thursdays, 15.00-16.30, room 21 General description ECTS Points 4 (+2) The lecture will be a survey of Poland's history from the medieval period till the second half of the 18th century. Major topics include the origins of the Polish statehood, development of its political and parliamentary system and its relations with neighbour countries; special stress would be put on formation and functioning of Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. In addition to political issues it will examine a vast range of themes in economic, cultural and artistic, religious and social history, such as Polish economy and its place in European system, Renaissance and Baroque culture, religious conflicts and co-operation between various religions and confessions existing in the Commonwealth. Prerequisites: basic knowledge of European history. Short description The lecture will be a survey of Poland's history from the medieval period till the second half of the 18th century. Major topics include the origins of the Polish statehood, development of its political and parliamentary system and its relations with neighbour countries; special stress would be put on formation and functioning of Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. In addition to political issues it will examine a vast range of themes in economic, cultural and artistic, religious and social history, such as Polish economy and its place in European system, Renaissance and Baroque culture, religious conflicts and co-operation between various religions and confessions existing in the Commonwealth. Prerequisites: basic knowledge of European history Assessment: test exam (multiple choice format) 4 credit points (to get extra 2 points students can also prepare a seminar paper under supervision of a chosen lecturer) Description The lecture will be a survey of Poland's history from the medieval period till the second half of the 18th century. Major topics include the origins of the Polish statehood, development of its political and parliamentary system and its relations with neighbour countries; special stress would be put on formation and functioning of Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. In addition to political issues it will examine a vast range of themes in economic, cultural and artistic, religious and social history, such as Polish economy and its place in European system, Renaissance and Baroque culture, religious conflicts and co-operation between various religions and confessions existing in the Commonwealth. Poland's History, 10th-18th century (Thursday, 3 pm., Institute of History, room 21) Oct. 4th Dr. Grzegorz My¶liwski Medieval Poland, part 1: Political transformation and cultural consequences Oct. 11th Dr. Grzegorz My¶liwski Medieval Poland, part 2: General trends in socioeconomic evolution Oct. 18th Dr. Jolanta Choiñska-Mika The Polish political system and its evolution (16th-18th century) Oct. 25th Prof. Dariusz Ko³odziejczyk Foreign policy and diplomacy of Poland-Lithuania (16th century) Nov. 8th Dr. Jolanta Choiñska-Mika The 17th-century crisis in Poland-Lithuania Nov. 15th Dr. Jolanta Choiñska-Mika The political culture of Polish nobility Nov. 22nd Dr. Igor K±kolewski Struggle for domination over the Baltic Sea (16th-17th century) Nov 29th Dr. Igor K±kolewski Ducal Prussia and the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth (16th-17th century) Dec. 6th Prof. Dariusz Ko³odziejczyk Poland-Lithuania and its south-eastern neighbors in the 17th century Dec. 13th Dr. Barbara Arciszewska Visual Culture in early modern Poland - tradition and change Jan. 10th Prof. Tadeusz Cegielski The Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth and 'Respublica literaria" Jan. 17th Prof. Tadeusz Cegielski Eighteenth-century Warsaw - between Italy and England Jan. 24th Final test (multiple choice format) Bibliography Norman Davies , God's Playground. A History of Poland, vol, 1 : The origins to 1795, New York 1982 If you have further questions, you can contact (French is also warmly welcome) the Erasmus Contact Person in the Institute of History, Dr Jerzy PYSIAK, Ph. D.: every Tuesday, from 4.45 p.m. to 6 p.m., room 103 (1st floor) or galeran@wp.eu

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© 2006 Institute of History, University of Warsaw, Poland