After the Pilsudski coup d'etat in 1926, Poland faced an authoritarian system. After 1939, it confronted two totalitarian systems, Nazi Germany and Stalinist Russia. Finally, since the revolution of 1989, Poland has been reconstructing a free market economy and democratic order. The course examines these challenges and the response to them of the people of Poland. The goal is to examine general problems of democracy, authoritarianism, totalitarianism, communism, socialism, free market and centrally planned economies specifically with reference to Poland.
Readings are mostly in English.
This is a seminar for senior undergraduate and graduate students exploring the evolution of Canadian political culture, with a special emphasis on political ideas and leadership. We will discuss such major themes as the rise of the medical profession, the evolution of hospitals and asylums, changing therapies, medical education, and the advent of health insurance. Other topics will be added to the list in accordance with student interests. Readings will be assigned from week to week. For background preparation it would be helpful to read one of the standard general histories of medicine.