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The Baltics: An Introduction to Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania with Dr. Nina Wieda

The Baltics: An Introduction to Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania with Dr. Nina Wieda


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On the shores of the Baltic sea in Northern Europe, there is a cluster of three post-Soviet states that are the best-kept secrets of Northern Europe. Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania have distinct histories, languages, and cultures.  Lithuania used to be a province within the Polish Kingdom; the Polish national epic features a line, “Lithuania, my motherland.”
The language spoken in Estonia is not only different from Latvian and Lithuanian, but it does not even belong to the Indo-European family of languages. The three nations are among the latest in Europe to adopt Christianity; traditional beliefs and rituals are still widespread in society. Latvia’s traditional Song and Dance Festival is one of the largest amateur choral and dancing events in the world.  UNESCO recognizes it as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity.
Led by an expert on the post-Soviet world, Nina Wieda, this interactive seminar will introduce you to the fascinating world of the Baltics. Designed to inform curiosity as well as future travels, participants will come away with increased knowledge about Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and their distinct history.
This conversation is part of a multi-part series on Eurasian Culture with Nina Wieda. Each session is designed as a stand-alone seminar as well as part of an extended series. 

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.

This conversation is suitable for all ages.

90 minutes, including a 30 minute Q&A.

Customer Reviews

Based on 9 reviews
67%
(6)
0%
(0)
33%
(3)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
N
Nancy Bray (Salt Lake City, US)
EXCELLENT History of the Baltic’s. For upcoming travels

Very smart and insightful. I’m planning a trip to the Baltics… with the luck in the next year. Nina Weida’s lecture was a terrific overview of their different histories and cultures. And sites to see while visiting. TY Dr. Wieda!

L
Laurie (Saint Paul, US)
Excellent presentation

We plan to visit the Baltic States next year and this was a perfect introduction and overview.

O
Olivia Fisher (Jackson, US)
Baltic States Introduction

Dr. Wieda did a wonderful job giving us a history, cultural background and suggested sites to see.

P
Paul Rivard (Québec, CA)
A tour de force

Get to know 3 countries in a single session with a touch a sensitive culture!

S
Sue (Minneapolis, US)
Excellent Program

Enticing photos of beautiful old cities and countryside as well as the song festivals of each country.

Customer Reviews

Based on 9 reviews
67%
(6)
0%
(0)
33%
(3)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
N
Nancy Bray (Salt Lake City, US)
EXCELLENT History of the Baltic’s. For upcoming travels

Very smart and insightful. I’m planning a trip to the Baltics… with the luck in the next year. Nina Weida’s lecture was a terrific overview of their different histories and cultures. And sites to see while visiting. TY Dr. Wieda!

L
Laurie (Saint Paul, US)
Excellent presentation

We plan to visit the Baltic States next year and this was a perfect introduction and overview.

O
Olivia Fisher (Jackson, US)
Baltic States Introduction

Dr. Wieda did a wonderful job giving us a history, cultural background and suggested sites to see.

P
Paul Rivard (Québec, CA)
A tour de force

Get to know 3 countries in a single session with a touch a sensitive culture!

S
Sue (Minneapolis, US)
Excellent Program

Enticing photos of beautiful old cities and countryside as well as the song festivals of each country.