UNIVERSITY OF DEBRECEN
DEBRECEN SUMMER SCHOOL
The Unknown Transylvania:
Legends and Facts (History, Culture, Literature)
2–15 August 2015
60 classes, 6 ECTS credits
Course Description:
In 2013, Debrecen Summer School will launch an exciting new course in English for international students who wish to learn about the colorful history and the complex culture of Transylvania. We recommend this program to those who find this subject matter attractive but whose knowledge of Hungarian is not sufficient to acquire the relevant information in the vernacular. The main goal of the course is to discuss Transylvania objectively and not with undue sentimentalism and rejection. Our instructors will lay special emphasis on the vivid cultural landscape in Transylvania, including the special situation of the present-day Hungarian minority. We will try to contextualize the title of the course and explain why Transylvania is unknown in several respects even for the Hungarians themselves. In order to give as comprehensive an overview as possible, we will offer additional cultural programs and take a two-day trip to one of the most beautiful villages in Transylvania.
A History of Transylvania (30 classes):
A history of Transylvania from the early times to the Romanian and Hungarian accession to the European Union.The stormy history of the Hungarians and the Hungarian minority in Romania, highlighting the reasons for their migration and the biographies and achievements of their outstanding representatives.
Transylvanian Culture Past and Present (30 classes):
The essential characteristics of Transylvanian culture, including the “Transylvanian Spirit”, the interaction of three nations (Romanians, Hungarians, and Saxons), the main ethnographic regions and the corresponding traditions in music, dance, folk-wear, customs, literature, religion, and handicraft. Nature and tourism. The delicate issue of autonomy: possibilities and an international comparison. Some interesting aspects of “Erdély.”The devotion of Prince Charles, Transylvania in the western media, legends and facts (impacts of the Dracula story), Transylvania in popular culture. Contemporary movements, festivals, films, web pages, etc.
Program Director:
AndrásCsíki, President of the Association of Trekkers of Transylvania (EJKE)
Course Lecturers:
Dr. Attila Bárány, Professor of History (University of Debrecen)
Dr. RóbertBarta, Professor of History (University of Debrecen)
MónikaKirs, Teacher, Member of the Association of Trekkers of Transylvania (EJKE)
Structure of the Course:
– 3 blocks of classes (3 x 90 min) a day
– examination offered at the end of the course (ECTS credits)
Cultural Activities:
– Hungarian folk nights and gastronomy
– filmscreening
– guided tour of Debrecen
– weekend excursion (2 days)
Dates & Reminders:
– registration: 2August (Sunday), 14.00–18.00
– course starts:3 August (Monday)
– excursion: 8August (Saturday)
– check-out time: 15 August (Saturday), before 10.00
Accommodation and Meals:
– on-campus accommodation
– uponrequest, we will send you a list of other accommodation facilities in Debrecen
– fullboard (breakfast, lunch and dinner)
– otherdining options: lunch and dinner at nearby restaurants
Course Fees*:
2 weeksRegistration fee (non-refundable) / 60 EUR
Tuition (incl. opening reception and farewell party) / 450 EUR
On-campus accommodation:
3-bedded room / 140 EUR
double room / 220 EUR
single room / 330 EUR
Full board / 220 EUR
* All bank charges must be paid by the remitter. (Our banks charges are 10,00 EUR if you pay in Euro).
Application Deadline: 31May 2015
To apply, please send us a completed application form together with two passport photos and proof of payment of the 60 EUR registration fee.
*Please note that launching thematic courses will require the registration of at least 6 participants.
Contact: Debreceni Nyári EgyetemRegistrationNumber: E-000132/2014
H-4010 Debrecen, Pf. 35.
Telephone: +36 52 532 594, Fax: +36 52 532595
E-mail: , Web: