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The Balkan Peninsula: The Mysterious Edge of Europe with Dr. Nina Wieda

The Balkan Peninsula: The Mysterious Edge of Europe with Dr. Nina Wieda


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While "The Balkans" may primarily conjure up images of Twentieth Century wars, this colorful peninsula is home to nine individual, independent, and distinct countries: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Romania, and Serbia.

This course aims to illuminate the region and its histories, the stories of its places and peoples, in a much different light: that of a fascinating junction of histories and vibrant cultures. In this course, we will discuss the forces that created the culturally rich Balkan world, starting from the Antiquity, to the arrival of the Slavs, the long Ottoman dominance, and the turbulent Twentieth Century. 

We will discuss similarities and differences between the nine countries, their cultural output, and their complex interwoven histories. The Balkans boast a unique musical tradition that brings together Western and Ottoman influences, a cuisine that has been truly fusion in nature even before it became fashionable, and historical monuments that tell the stories of many centuries ago. Led by an expert on the Balkans, Nina Wieda, this interactive seminar will introduce its participants to this unique culture's heritage and current standing in our world. Designed to inform curiosity as well as future travels, participants will come away with an increased appreciation for the region and a desire to see more of it.

Week One
Week one will introduce participants to the world of the Balkan Peninsula and its earliest recorded history. Viewers will study the Ancient Greeks's portrayals of the Balkan Peninsula and its role in antique literature. Your expert will also cover the arrival of the Slavs, which changed the subsequent history of the peninsula forever.

Week Two
During the course's second week, viewers will learn about the Ottoman period of Balkan history. The Ottoman Empire controlled parts of the Balkan Peninsula from the 14th century until early 20th century. The Ottoman influence left a permanent cultural, religious, and political mark, examples of which will be discussed in depth.

Week Three
During the final week of the course, we will discuss the most recent period in the history of the Balkans, often described as "Balkanization," and why it was unavoidable in the light of the Balkan history. We will see how today's Balkan nations came to be and what they have retained from the Peninsula's turbulent history.

Nina Wieda is a native of the Caucasus living in Chicago, USA. She holds a Ph.D. in Slavic from Northwestern University and an MA in Nationalism Studies from Central European University. Nina also has experience in journalism, advertising, and consumer research – her writing has been published in three languages. She wrote her Master's thesis about the Northern Caucasus region. Dr. Wieda currently teaches at Northwestern University near Chicago.

How does it work?
This is a three-part series held weekly and hosted on Zoom. Please check the schedule for the specific dates and times for each lecture. 

When will I receive the Zoom link?
Your link to enter the Zoom room will be the same for all  sessions. It will be sent to the email address used to place your order 30 minutes prior to each lecture's start time.

Is there a reading list in advance?
Though the course is open to participants with no background on this topic, there are suggested readings for further investigation. These will be provided at the course's conclusion.

How long are the lectures?
Each lecture is 60 minutes long with time for Q&A.

How much is the course?
The course is $105 USD for three lectures.

Is a recording available?
Yes. All registered participants will be sent a recording link within 48 hours of each session's conclusion. It will be available to re-watch for 30 days after the course concludes.

This conversation is suitable for all ages.

90 minutes, including a 30 minute Q&A.

Customer Reviews

Based on 5 reviews
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(5)
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T
T.G. (Chicago, US)
Interesting and Excellent Presentation.

Guest did not leave comment

P
Paul Rivard (Québec, CA)
Geopolitics

Nina is the best to explain geopolitics to you!

L
Laurie (Saint Paul, US)
Very comprehensive and interesting

Learned a lot in this webinar which was well presented. Looking forward to the third one.

T
Tara Gurber (Chicago, US)
Excellent Presentation

Professor Wieda gave a very interesting presentation. I knew little about the Balkans and thoroughly enjoyed it. Really looking forward to the next two parts of the program.

L
Laurie (Phoenix, US)
Excellent

Very thorough presentation- looking forward to the next two presentations

Customer Reviews

Based on 5 reviews
100%
(5)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
T
T.G. (Chicago, US)
Interesting and Excellent Presentation.

Guest did not leave comment

P
Paul Rivard (Québec, CA)
Geopolitics

Nina is the best to explain geopolitics to you!

L
Laurie (Saint Paul, US)
Very comprehensive and interesting

Learned a lot in this webinar which was well presented. Looking forward to the third one.

T
Tara Gurber (Chicago, US)
Excellent Presentation

Professor Wieda gave a very interesting presentation. I knew little about the Balkans and thoroughly enjoyed it. Really looking forward to the next two parts of the program.

L
Laurie (Phoenix, US)
Excellent

Very thorough presentation- looking forward to the next two presentations