|
Lecturer(s)
|
-
Novotný Lukáš, doc. Dr. phil. M.A.
-
Maškarinec Pavel, doc. Mgr. Ph.D.
|
|
Course content
|
Topics 1. Introduction: What Are Left-Behind Places? 2. Theories of Spatial Inequality and Polarisation: core-periphery models, agglomeration effects and urban-rural divides 3. Peripheralization and Regional Decline: economic, social, and political marginalization, case studies in Central Europe 4. Democratic Resilience: Concepts and Indicators: participation, trust, civic infrastructure, measuring resilience in post-industrial communities 5. Border Regions as Political Laboratories: The Czech-German border as a socio-political space, legacies of transition and EU integration 6. Methodologies for Studying Left-Behind Places: qualitative research: interviews, ethnography, quantitative indicators: income, turnout, education 7. EU cohesion policy, local strategies 8. Populism, inequality, and democratic resilience 9. Left-Behind Places: Historical trajectory and current challenges 10. Left-Behind Places: Regional development and policy interventions; Role of NGOs and grassroots democracy 11. Field preparation and team assignments 12. Team presentations and reflection sessions
|
|
Learning activities and teaching methods
|
|
unspecified, unspecified
|
|
Learning outcomes
|
This interdisciplinary course explores the concept of "left-behind places" in the context of rising spatial inequalities and democratic challenges across Europe. Focusing on Czech-German border regions, the course investigates the emergence and persistence of socio-economic disparities and their political consequences. Students will engage with key theories of spatial polarization, peripheralization, and democratic resilience. Through seminars, workshops, and collaborative fieldwork, the course fosters critical analysis of regional inequality and active citizenship. Joint sessions at Jan Evangelista Purkyně University (23.-25.10. 2025) and TU Dresden (6.-8.11. 2025) allow students to work in international teams on practical, place-based projects, culminating in a final group presentation. Participation in two workshops (three days each) in Ústí and Dresden is mandatory. The course is taught in Czech and English.
Understand and critique the concept of ?left-behind places? Apply political sociology theories to real-world case studies Gain interdisciplinary and cross-border research skills Collaborate in multinational teams Experience field-based social research
|
|
Prerequisites
|
None
|
|
Assessment methods and criteria
|
unspecified
Active participation Reading reflections or short essays Preparation of a poster with expert content in Czechia-German teams Final presentation
|
|
Recommended literature
|
-
Fiorentino, S. et al. ?Left behind places?: what are they and why do they matter?. .
-
Pike, A. et al. ?Left behind places?: a geographical etymology. 2023.
-
Wokoun, R., Jeřábek, M. (eds.). Vnitřní a vnější periferie v Česku: od genetické determinace k územní kohezi. Praha. 2023.
|