Debrecen

University/Centre
University of Debrecen
Debrecen, Hungary

History:
Courses with Canadian content have been offered at the University of Debrecen since 1984. Since 1987 there has been a Canadian Studies Centre initiated by Dr. Judit Molnár.

Professors:
Gabriella T. Espak – Canadian history and multiculturalism
Dorottya Mózes – Contemporary Canadian Literature
Rita Nándori – Introduction to Canada
Peter Szaffko – Canadian drama and theatre  
Balázs Venkovits –  Hungarian Immigration to North America

Courses:

Introduction to Canada and Australia (BA program, Regional and Multicultural Studies)
By Gabriella T. Espák, Balázs Venkovits, Péter Szaffkó, and Rita Nándori, this series of lectures focuses on Canada’s geography, history, culture and current issues on the country’s social and political scene in a North American context. The course further discusses the antipodes to expand students’ knowledge of the English-speaking world: a survey of Australian geography, history, culture, and current issues will be presented.

Canadian Multiculturalism in Theory and Practice
(MA in American Studies, Topics in North American Political Culture)
Taught by Dr. Gabriella T. Espak 

Population Management Policies in Canada (PhD-program in Literary and Cultural Studies, North American subprogram)
This course is designed to broaden students’ understanding of cultural diversity in Canada, both in theory and in political practice. After an introduction into Canadian ethnocultural diversity from a descriptive approach, we will discuss why the federal policy of multiculturalism was introduced in 1971. Throughout the period from the 70s to the present, we will see how the policy developed from cultural pluralism (ethnic food and festivals) to a more complex accommodation of diversity (cultural relativism). We will locate possible conflicts with regional and indigenous interests, and critically assess the limits of multiculturalism in managing the ethnocultural diversity of Canada. This is a theory- and policy-oriented course involving controversial issues of minority, indigenous, and human rights. Students are encouraged to voice their understanding of cultural diversity and actively participate in the discussions. PhD-students and MA-students enrolling to this course will need to meet different requirements, to be discussed individually.
Taught by Dr. Gabriella T. Espak 

Variations to Multiculturalism: Canada and Australia (MA in American Studies, Topics in North American Political Culture)
This seminar course is designed to broaden students’ understanding of various kinds of multiculturalisms that exist beside the American model. After an introduction into Canadian and Australian ethno-cultural diversity from a descriptive approach, we will discuss from a historical perspective why these countries introduced official federal multiculturalism policies in 1971 and 1973. Throughout the period from the 70s to the present we will see how the policy developed from cultural pluralism (cf. ethnic food and festivals) to a more complex accommodation of diversity (cf. cultural relativism). We will locate possible conflicts with regional and
Indigenous interests, and critically assess the limits of multiculturalism in managing the ethnocultural diversity of these countries. This is a theory- and policy-oriented course. Students are encouraged to bring their knowledge of cultural diversity and actively participate in the discussions.
Taught by Dr. Gabriella T. Espak 

Discussions of Canadian History (MA in English and American Studies)
This social and political history course aims to understand—from the vantage point of a culture that respects history and traditions—why there is no required and comprehensive national history component in the curricula in Canada. Via this issue, students will gain insight into the history of the country; the theory of history/historiography; and the complexity of Canadian national identity. Main topics are: (1) Native North America; (2) British North America; (3) French North America; (4) Confederation; (5) Canada vs. the US; (6) Immigration and population management policies; (7) Canada in the world; (8) Environmental issues. The course relies heavily on student presentations and individual research.
Taught by Dr. Gabriella T. Espak 

Contemporary Canadian Literature (American Language and Culture)
This course is an introduction to contemporary Canadian Anglophone literature. It examines a body of work bounded by the nation, with its roots in indigenous dispossession and settler colonialism, while at the same time crossing national borders, including First Nation, im/migrant, and diasporic voices.
Taught by Dr. Dorottya Mózes

Strange New Wor(l)ds: Hungarian Immigration to North America (MA in American Studies)
The objective of the course is to familiarize students with migration studies through the example of Hungarian immigration to North America. The course material covers not only US-Hungarian relations in this respect but takes an Inter-American approach and also discusses Hungarian immigration to Mexico and Canada, also making use of micro history.
Taught by Dr. Balázs Venkovits

Other:
Biannual Canadian Studies conferences since 2002. 

Library holdings:
Books:  Around 1500 books: around 900 primary sources and 600 secondary sources
Journals: Canadian Literature, Books in Canada, International Journal for Canadian Studies,  Journal of Canadian Studies, Canadian Theatre Review
Video and DVD library: approx.  30  

Contact details:
University of Debrecen, North American Department
4010 Debrecen
P.Box 73
Hungary

For further information, please contact:
Dr. Balázs Venkovits  venkovits.balazs[at]arts.unideb.hu