The Origin and Early Years of the Slavic Institute of the Jagiellonian University Cover Image

Geneza i początki Studium Słowiańskiego UJ
The Origin and Early Years of the Slavic Institute of the Jagiellonian University

Author(s): Mirosław Skarżyński
Subject(s): Language and Literature Studies, Western Slavic Languages, Eastern Slavic Languages, South Slavic Languages, Higher Education , History of Education
Published by: KSIĘGARNIA AKADEMICKA Sp. z o.o.
Keywords: history of Slavic studies in Poland; Jagiellonian University; Slavic Institute

Summary/Abstract: In 1925, the Slavic Institute was opened at the Jagiellonian University with a view to educate experts in Slavic studies. The intention was for the studies to be interdisciplinary, it was planned to create departments not only in literary studies and linguistics, but covering a possibly wide range of disciplines. The idea of the Study was born not in the academic milieu, but among politicians. The intention was to create an institution which, on the one hand, would educate Poles about Slavdom, and on the other, would win Poland sympathizers in other countries by inviting young people from Slavic countries and making it possible for them to study in Cracow. It was also planned that Polish graduates of the Institute would be given scholarships to various Slavic countries. Another goal of the Institute was to prevent Czechoslovakia from dominating Slavdom. Due to the economic situation of Poland in late 1920s and early 1930s, the project was implemented only partially. The contribution of the Institute to the development of Slavic studies in Poland, however, is unqestionable, especially in the field of personnel education. The Institute was closed in 1951, as part of the reform of higher education that was undertaken by the communist government and destroyed the academic milieu in Poland.

  • Issue Year: 14/2019
  • Issue No: 27
  • Page Range: 11-33
  • Page Count: 23
  • Language: Polish