| Seminar Introduction |
 The fall of the Berlin Wall in November 1989 was a powerful and prominent symbol of the changes rippling through socialist Eastern Europe. In turning away from Communism, the satellites of the former Soviet Union faced a twofold challenge: to create a political system with democratic processes and an economic system that incorporated capitalistic structures and principles such as private property. Examining Hungary's political and economic transition in the 1980s and early 1990s illuminates the struggles of all of the Soviet satellite countries at the time. In this seminar, Columbia University professor of sociology David Stark examines Hungary's political and economic structures before and after the fall of Communism. He provides a case study of communist-sanctioned entrepreneurial factory practices that helped smooth the eventual transition to a market economy, and looks at the use of media and metaphor in the new publicly held elections in Hungary in 1989-90.
|
| Learning Objectives |
Explain how Hungary's socialist economy co-existed with a fledgling "second economy" throughout the 1980s. Identify the major beneficiaries in post-socialist Hungary of the change to a new economy. Identify which communist government practices eased the transition to a market economy in Hungary. Differentiate between different Hungarian political parties active during the 1990 elections. Understand the metaphors used to communicate the ideologies of various political parties active in Hungary during the 1990 elections. Identify some criteria necessary for a country to be considered "democratic." Recognize the distinctions and intersections between the two transitions (economic and political) faced by Eastern European nations in the late 1980s and early 1990s. - List the differences between Eastern European and Russian transitions in the late 1980s and early 1990s.
|
| Sessions |
|
| Credits |
This seminar was derived from interviews conducted by Fathom with David Stark at Columbia University on May 4, 2000. Copyright 2000, 2001 by The Trustees of Columbia University in the City of New York
|
| Technical Requirements |
To appreciate this seminar experience, it is critical that you have the appropriate software, plug-ins, and network connections. Please take the time to download the latest versions of the plug-ins mentioned below if you do not already have them.
Browser: Netscape versions 4.x up to 4.76, or Internet Explorer versions 4.x or later. Your browser must have JavaScript enabled and must be set to accept cookies.
Network Connection: The recommended minimum connection is 56K modem with throughput of 34Kbps or more. A faster connection is encouraged to take better advantage of the media elements in the seminar. Plug-ins: If you do not have RealPlayer and Flash Player already installed, please download them from the following sites:
|
