Invisible Groups in a New Poland (SASS 375C/575)
This program is now being offered Virtually.
February 20, March 6, March 20 and April 3, 2021
Faculty leaders: Dr. Kathleen Farkas (kjf@case.edu) and Dr. Richard Romaniuk (jrr3@case.edu)
Course description: This 3-credit course introduces students to Polish culture and Polish social policies and practices concerning disenfranchised, stigmatized and disempowered social groups. The course will encourage students to understand how Poland's recent political and economic transformations affect society in general, and some groups in particular. The course will focus on how Polish society addresses problems of poverty, homelessness, aging, domestic violence and mental health disorders. In cooperation with the Institute of Sociology at the University of Poznan, students and faculty will use frameworks such as multiculturalism, social integration, feminism and determinants of social exclusion to understand Polish policy responses to various social phenomena. Students will have opportunities to engage government officials, practicing social workers, and some of Poland's most prominent scholars in conversation. In addition to lectures and workshops, the trip includes guided tours of neighborhoods and social institutions. Cultural events and outings will provide additional insights into Polish society and the Polish people. This course was designed with cooperation from the Institute of Sociology at the University of Poznan. Check out past photos and current events happening in Poland
here.
Tentative schedule (subject to change):
- Poznan City Hall: Meet with members of Parliament, city officials, and Poznan’s Vice Mayor to learn about development and growth in their fast changing city
- Wierzenica: Visit the Catholic Center of Education and Dependency Treatment and learn about the treatment provided to children and adolescents who are addicted to drugs and other psychoactive substances
- Adam Mickiewicz University (AMU): Attend lectures, presentations, and workshops in the Department of Sociology at one of Poland’s major universities and interact with students and faculty
- Monar: Tour a center dedicated to the treatment, therapy, and rehabilitation of those suffering from addiction
- Cafe Dobra: Enjoy a meal of pierogies and borscht while learning about how Cafe Dobra employs those living with developmental and physical disabilities
- Dom Pomocy Społecznej: Visit this institution run by nuns from the Congregation of the Seraphitic Sisters where comprehensive therapy and care is given to physically and intellectually disabled children and adolescents under the supervision of specialists
When booking airfare, please note that mandatory course activities take place from Saturday at 12:00pm (May 30) until Sunday evening at 5:00pm (June 5). Accommodations in Poznan are covered during program dates.
Program Fee: TBA [last year, the program fee was $2,095 billed to student account minus deposit] included accommodations, in-country transportation, all group meals, workshops, agency visits, guest lectures, cultural events, and emergency medical insurance abroad.
Out of Pocket Expenses: flight, snacks, personal spending money, vaccinations, visa fees, and passport fees (if applicable). Program fees are separate from tuition charges.
Visit msass.case.edu/studyabroad and contact Dr. David B. Miller (dbm5@case.edu), Director of International Education Programs, Mandel School for more information on this or other Mandel School study abroad programs. Contact Nancy Issa (nxi@case.edu) for financial aid eligibility.

, feminism and determinants of social exclusion to understand Polish
policy responses to various social phenomena. Students will have opportunities to engage government