Study the democratic transformation of Central Europe. Examine the role of citizens and political institutions - parliaments, presidents, the courts, and bureaucracies - in two of Central Europe's most pivotal cities: Prague in the Czech Republic, and Bratislava in Slovakia. Explore salient political issues. Meet with experts, scholars, political activists and public officials, and develop your understanding of the field.

This course will allow students to study important issues in the democratization of Central Europe. Issues to be examined include the role of political institutions such as parliaments, presidents, the courts and bureaucracies; citizens' political roles, including their activities in political parties and voluntary organizations; and particularly salient political issues in each country. The program will include meetings with scholars, political activists, and public officials, as well as seminars. For graduate students; open to advanced undergraduate students

This program is held in coordination with Charles University and the Academy of Sciences in Prague, and Comenius University in Bratislava.

Visit the web site of the GW Columbian School of Arts and Sciences to learn more about the Political Science program at GW.

Pre-departure

There will be several class meetings in the U.S. before the program begins.

May 21

Meet in Prague
Students spend approximately 5 days in Prague in seminars and meetings.

May 25

Travel to Bratislava.

May 28

Program concludes.

The cost for the program is estimated at $3,134 for three credits, fees, lodging, and some cultural events. International airfare and meals are not included.

To apply, complete the on-line application, or contact:

Professor Sharon Wolchik
George Washington University
Stuart Hall 401
Washington, DC 20052
wolchik@gwu.edu

Applications are due no later than March 15, 2002. Upon acceptance to the program, a non-refundable deposit is due April 2, 2002.

Inquiries may be addressed to Professor Wolchik at (202) 994-7524, email wolchik@gwu.edu, or to the GW Office of Special Academic Programs at (202) 994-6360, email sumprogs@gwu.edu.

Sharon Wolchik (Ph.D., University of Michigan, 1978) is Professor of Political Science and International Affairs at the Elliott School of international Affairs at the George Washington University. She is the author of Czechoslovakia in Transition: Politics, Economics, and Society and co-editor of Women and Democracy in Latin American and Central/Eastern Europe; The Social Legacy of Communism; Domestic and Foreign Policy in Eastern Europe in the 1980's; and Women, State and Party in Eastern Europe. She is currently doing research on the role of women in the transition to post-communist rule in Central and Eastern Europe, as well as on the development of party systems and other aspects of Politics in the Czech and Slovak Republics.