In the academic year 2024/2025, the Department of History and Cultural Heritage is hosting Professor Petr Kozak, an eminent medievalist from the Silesian University of Opava in the Czech Republic. Professor Kozak will teach two courses to history students:

• The Czech State in the Middle Ages I - winter semester (30 hours),
• The Czech State in the Middle Ages II - summer semester (30 hours).

Classes will be held both on campus and at a distance, and the form will be adapted to the needs of the students.

These courses include an analysis of the transformation of the structure of the Czech state during the Middle Ages, the relationship of Bohemia with neighbouring kingdoms and its place in Central Europe, as well as ideological changes and the influence of the Church on the formation of state identity. Participants in the course acquire knowledge of the political and social processes that shaped medieval Bohemia and the key historical events influencing the development of Central Europe. In addition, they develop the skills to critically analyse historical sources and scholarly literature, formulate arguments and discuss the specifics of the Czech historical heritage in an international context.

The first meetings have already taken place and were very popular. Professor Kozak presented detailed analyses of key historical events that influenced the development of the Czech state and emphasised the importance of the Czech Republic in the history of Central Europe. The meetings were characterised by lively interaction with the students, who eagerly participated in the discussions while appreciating the high level of content and passion of the lecturer.

Professor Petr Kozak is the author of numerous publications and a respected specialist in the field of the Middle Ages, which is of great value to our academic community.

The professor's supervisor at the Faculty is Dr Marcin Grala, Head of the History Programme.