This interdisciplinary course covers a variety of interconnected fields to present a comprehensive survey of Hungarian culture and history. The course is thematically organised and focuses on Hungarian culture as it is expressed through the arts (fine arts, literature, music). Special emphasis is given to the history of Hungarian thought from early to recent times. The concepts of Hungarian poets, writers, composers, and scientists are considered in their historical and social context. Selected readings and some museum visits are included. The course requirement includes a 10-page essay on a topic related to Hungarian culture. The course is flexible and can be shaped to suit individual interests. (3 credits)

Today we are witnessing a high-tech revolution promising a huge amount of benefits. But this revolution is accompanied by simultaneous pollution and the problematic effects of technological achievements. This course, giving an integrated understanding of the complex relationship between technology and society (based on historical, sociological and philosophical perspectives), tries to give a balanced evaluation of the possible impacts of this high-tech revolution. It analyses the collective hopes and fears, the reflections on this revolution, then it moves to ethical and policy considerations. Previous science or technology studies are not needed. (3 credits)

The course offers: 1) a general introduction into major literary forms; 2) a textual analysis of great works in contemporary literature (Central European and North American); 3) exercises in creative writing. The course will be held as a workshop, based on active and creative participation of the students. Theoretical introduction and analyses is focused on the understanding of artistic creation and on the permanent breaking of the rules by literary dogmas. The content of the course is determined by the needs and interests of students. The major literary forms discussed are as follows: novel, short story, and drama. However, other forms may also be included (i.e. film scripts, essays, docu-dramas, etc.). (3 credits)

Since the fall of the Berlin Wall impressive advances towards a market economy have been made in the countries of Central and Eastern Europe. Key tasks, as privatization, price and trade liberization have been undertaken relatively quickly, but more lengthy and complex processes are now being addressed. This course gives an overview of the transition and modernization processes in the region. Key-notions: role of the state in the economy - macroeconomic stabilization; microeconomic liberization - enlarging the scope of economic freedom; technology transfer, rapid innovation - role of foreign direct investment; reorientation of economic relations - joining the European Union; The modernization strategy spans all the spheres of economy and society and can be promoted only on the grounds of massive investments and long-term growth. (2 credits)

The course summarises the achievements of mainstream economics, comparing them with developments in other traditions. Emphasis will be given to the changes in Marxist theory with special attention to the content and emergence of Stalinist-type thinking in economicsand its erosion by Hungarian economists. The course will deal with the mutual effects of politics and economics. Topics: basic principles of mainstream economics (methodology, changes in general political implications and consequences); basic ideas of selected non-mainstream thinkers in economics (Marx, Veblen and Schumpeter, Leninist ideas and the Stalinist reality, the Stalinist political economy (how politics dominated economic thinking), roots of Stalinism, non-Marxist forerunners); Stalinist political economy in Hungary (effects of political changes after the revolution of 1956, typology of Hungarian economics 1955-1989); selected authors (A. Mátyás, J. Kornai, L. Lengyel); contemporary economic issues in Hungary. A meeting with one of the leading figures of economic theory in Hungary will be arranged. Some basic knowledge of mainstream economics is preferred. (3 credits)

Topics: General Features of CEE countries: Overall Pictures of Economy, Geography, Natural Endowments; An Overwiev of the Hungarian Economy: 1990-1999; Transition to Market Economy: Policies of Stabilization: Shock Therapy or Gradualism?; Transition to Market Economy: Social Aspect of Transition; Globalization and Integration in Economy: Dilemmas of Eastern Enlargement; State of Hungarian Natural and Built Environment; Introduction to Environmental, Ecological, Economics; Economic Growth and Sustainable Development; Analysis of European Fifth Environmental Program; Comparative Analysis of European Fifth Environmental Program: Hungarian Environmental Policy; How to Apply Environmental Instruments in CEE Contries; The Green Way of Hungary to the European Union. (2 credits)

Environmental conditions in the East-Central European countries. Structural disharmonies and the transition period. State of the environment and environmental policy in Hungary. A possible structural interpretation of sustainable development. Ways and means of environmental regulation. The environmental impact of foreign trade and capital investment. (2 credits)

The course deals with the problems and questions concerning the scope and depth of human cognitive abilities and possibilities. Some of the most important epistemological problems, those of perception, concept formation and experimentation will be discussed. These topics are utterly relevant to all who are interested in the methodology of scientific and technological research work. (2 credits)

Three historical patterns, three 'regions' have developed in Europe. Outlining the main periods of Central European history, this series of seminars reveals its distinctiveness from both Eastern and from West-European patterns. After summarising the landmarks, from the formation of the feudal states until Modern Times, attention is turned to the main events of the 20th century. By the outbreak of the First World War and the collapse of the Austro-Hungarian Monarchy, East-Central-Europe had become a region of a number of small states. Have they been destined to become the satellites of the Great Powers? How did the region become the hotbed of such ideologies and dictatorships as fascism or bolshevism? What options will be open to the nations of the region and especially to Hungarian society? These and other issues are highlighted through the examination of the main conflicts of the century. (3 credits)

This course follows science from medieval times through the 18th century, and scientific development in the classical period. Individual achievements in the 20th century are also covered. Other topics: science policy in the state-socialist countries of the region; technological development of the region from medieval times; the rise of industrial capitalism and the development of technology; application of the Soviet model; world-level individual achievements (two case studies). Core-periphery type analysis is applied to enhance understanding of the historical material. This course describes and interprets the problems of transition concerning the adjustment of science, technology and industry to the new political and economic situation in the former USSR and the East-Central European socialist countries. (3 credits)

This course presents the pearls of Hungarian folk songs and explains the role and use of musical instruments in folklore. Consideration is given to the influence of gypsy music and gypsy folklore in Hungary. The history of Hungarian music as seen through the lives and works of the greatest Hungarian composers is also covered. (2 credits)

This course provides a definitive outline of 20th century Hungarian literature. Starting from the early decades of the century, the course follows the main trends of 20th century Hungarian literature. It deals with major and minor authors (writers, poets, playwrights) of the period and touches on the most important styles and achievements. It follows up with contemporary authors, putting them into the historical context of our times. (3 credits)

The main objective of the course is to train students to conceptualise, articulate, and integrate literary experience, both native and foreign. It also aims to develop an awareness of similarities and differences in juxtaposed cultural traditions. The curriculum follows the order of the basic literary genres (short fiction, poetry, drama), compares two masterpieces of literature (one American another East-Central European) by subject, motif, style, attitude and technique. The method is suited to the needs and abilities of an interested, but non-professional, audience, offering a combination of lecture and class discussion. (3 credits)

The aim of the course is to present the emergence of technology in literature and art from mythology to sociology (from Homer to Hailey). Key-notions: the 17th century: the paradise of utopias and fictions;  fiction in the 20th century on ways of life that chaff technologies ("wanderers' in the modern age, truck-drivers, and engineers, etc.); reflections on the intercommunication between human and artificial intelligence with special regard to the second part of the 20th century; hopes and fears: utopias, anti-utopias, science fiction; creativity in action: boundary layers between art and technology (architecture, painting, and music); common beliefs and science: the canals of Mars and other fads in the history of science; robots, rockets and monsters in science fiction; the biological theme in science fiction; the coming race: the further evolution of man; brave new worlds in genetic engineering; science fiction in film: a brief filmography from the Metropolis to the Brazi (with film- projections) (3 credits)