Political Mythology in Central Europe in the 21st Century

Dr. Piotr Klodkowski, Professor at the Centre for Comparative Studies of Civilizations, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland and Skalny Visiting Professor

Sloan Auditorium, Goergen Hall, University of Rochester River Campus

In the myth-making perspective on historical narratives, political parties and social organizations need to construct political myths in order to legitimize their existence and to provide collective identity for their members and followers. History matters in Poland and other Central European countries: defensive national identities have emerged from historical defeats and failures and from the controversial history of nation-state building. There has always been a clash between the two main narratives: the modernization narrative and the traditional narrative. We should critically examine both of them.

Free and open to the public. Parking in designated University lots is free after 7 p.m.