History of the Institute
The tradition of teaching history at the present Pedagogical University of Cracow dates back to 1949. At that time, history was taught within the Polish language and history section that existed since 1946 at the then Higher Pedagogical School (WSP) in Cracow. The studies lasted three years and were based on lectures. Classes were initially conducted by employees of the Jagiellonian University.
From the 1949/50 academic year, there was already (within the Faculty of the Humanities) an independent study course of history, where the future staff of primary, secondary and vocational schools was educated. Since 1951, the Historian’s Research Group has been operating.
In 1953, the Department of Polish History and the Department of World History were established at the Faculty of Philology and History. A year later, the Higher Pedagogical School in Cracow received the right to award a master’s degree, which means that in 1956 the first masters of history left its walls. Since the main purpose of the university was to educate future teachers, in 1956 the Section of Methodology of History (from 1960 the Department of Methodology of History Teaching) was established at the Department of Polish History.
With the establishment of departments and sections, academic activity developed. Researchers focused on: problems of early humanism in Poland, pedagogy of the Renaissance period, Polish history in the 17th and 18th centuries, Great Emigration, social movements within Poland, history of the press, history of history teaching. The 1950s is a period of dynamic development of history studies, an increase in the number of academic staff, and a growing number of students. An important date was the academic year 1959/60, when the Faculty of Philology and History was granted the right to confer the degree of doctor of the humanities. As part of the reorganization of the university in 1971, the Institute of History was established, initially consisting of three sections: Didactics of History and Civic Education, Ancient and Medieval History, and Modern and Contemporary History. A year later, the Section of Education History was established. Since the late 1960s, research has been intensifying mainly in the history of the Middle Ages, early modernity and the 19th century, as well as the didactics of history. The achievements of the staff of the Institute of History in research on local and regional history were also significant. In 1988, the internal structure of the Institute of History was changed; the following Sections were established: Ancient History and Ancient Culture, Medieval History, 19th Century History, Contemporary History, History Didactics. Two years later, the Laboratory of the Polish Biographical Dictionary was established to be transformed into the Laboratory of Biography in 1995.
In recent years, the structure of the institute has also undergone further transformations. In April 2003, the Department of Ancient History was established, replacing the existing Section of Ancient History and Culture, run for many years by prof. dr hab. Stefan Skowronek, an outstanding expert in the field of archeology, culture and antique numismatics. At that time, the Department of Historical Education was established on the basis of the Section of History Didactics. In 2013, the Department of Archival Studies and Auxiliary sciences of history was established, taking over the tasks and competences of the previously operating Chair of Auxiliary sciences of history, part of the Department of Medieval History. In November 2015, the name of the Institute was also modified, renaming it from the Institute of History to the Institute of History and Archival Studies. A year later, as a result of the merger of two Departments: of Contemporary History of Poland and the Contemporary World History, the Department of Contemporary History was established.
Currently, the Institute of History and Archival Studies is a dynamically developing and highly rated institution in various rankings. At the Institute, numerous grants and projects are implemented, both national and international, concerning, for instance, history of cities, history of the borderland of Lesser Poland and Silesia, cultural border between Poland and Germany, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Ukraine, Belarus and Germany, national and religious minorities within Poland; (mainly Jewish history and culture) history of Cracow and Lesser Poland, history of World War II, Holocaust, regional studies, social security history, history of landed gentry and aristocracy, migration and forced exile and expulsions, and the history of diplomacy, as well as advanced research in the field of archival studies, infobrokering and historical tourism. We are actively cooperating with renowned universities and scientific and research institutions, mainly from Germany, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Ukraine, Hungary, the United Kingdom, the USA, Israel and France.
EDUCATIONAL OFFER IN POLISH
The Institute of History and Archival Studies has a wide educational offer in Polish. These are first- and second-cycle programs both full-time and extramural, as well as post-graduate studies.
Undergraduate, full-time studies (bachelor’s degree)
HISTORY
Graduate’s profile in the field of history, teacher-training specialization in history and social studies:
In the field of the completed courses and specialization, the graduate of the first-cycle teacher-training studies has substantive, psychological, pedagogical and didactic preparation (theoretical and practical) entitling him/her to teach the following subjects: “history”, “history and society”, “social studies” in primary school.
Graduate’s profile in the field of history, specialization in historical anthropology:
In the field of the completed courses and specialization, the graduate is prepared to take up work in houses and cultural centers, museums, open-air museums, nationwide and local media, associations conducting activities for the development of culture and promoting historical knowledge, art galleries, showrooms.
ARCHIVAL STUDIES, DOCUMENTATION MANAGEMENT AND INFOBROKERING
Graduate’s profile:
Professional qualifications to perform the following occupations are obtained: archivist, company archivist, documentation management specialist (manager of the documentation management process, office work organizer), information broker. During the studies, graduates will be prepared to take up the archivist profession in state, church, private and company archives as well as to work in cultural institutions, as officials in state and local government offices at all levels; they can also manage a modern office both in the company and in the office, they will be specialists in the field of management, coordination of office activities and will acquire the skills of electronic document management; they will be prepared for work in brokerage companies or as documentalists – researchers in the media (press, radio, television) and specialist documentation departments of various companies and enterprises, Internet services, companies involved in conducting analyzes, industry magazines, advertising agencies.
HISTORICAL TOURISM AND CULTURAL HERITAGE
Graduate’s profile:
Studies in the field of historical tourism and cultural heritage are aimed at substantive and professional preparation in the field of issues related to historical tourism and cultural heritage. They will allow to acquire knowledge and competences in the field of planning and servicing of tourist traffic, organization of tourist events, promotion and popularization of cultural heritage, touring and regional education. They will provide graduates with the skills of skills of a tour guide and a tour leader, both in domestic and foreign departures, both domestic and foreign ones. They prepare to work in travel agencies, local associations and non-governmental organizations acting for the preservation and development of cultural heritage and popularizing local historical research. They provide the skills necessary to start and run independent business in the tourism industry.
Post-graduate, full time studies (master’s degree)
HISTORY
Graduate’s profile in the field of history, specialization in history and social studies:
A graduate of a post-graduate, teacher-training programme has a substantive, psychological, pedagogical and didactic preparation (theoretical and practical) entitling him/her to teach the following subjects: “history”, “history and society”, “social studies” in a secondary school.
Graduate’s profile in the field of history, specialization in historical anthropology and cultural heritage:
In the field of the completed courses and specialization, the graduate is prepared to take up work in houses and cultural centers, museums, open-air museums, nationwide and self-government media, as well as associations conducting activities for the development of culture and promoting historical knowledge. In addition, he/she can cooperate with art galleries, showrooms and institutions supporting historical research as well as protection and security of cultural heritage.
ARCHIVAL STUDIES, DOCUMENTATION MANAGEMENT AND INFOBROKERING
Graduate’s profile:
Professional qualifications to perform the following occupations are obtained: archivist, company archivist, specialist in document management, coordinator of office activities, information broker.
The graduate will be able to manage contemporary documentation in state and local government institutions, enterprises, non-governmental organizations and other organizational units; will be prepared to work in cultural and scientific institutions, in state and local government organizational units and to work as an archivist in state, church, private and current archives; will acquire skills in the use of electronic document management systems, computer programs for office work as well as will be able to create and manage simple databases; will gain knowledge on how to search, evaluate, select, process and share information in a historical-archival context and in the realities of contemporary office.
GERMAN AND CENTRAL EUROPEAN STUDIES
Graduate’s profile in the field of German and Central European Studies:
Graduates of German and Central European Studies will gain extensive interdisciplinary knowledge, skills and competences in a unique on an international scale Polish-German-Czech configuration. They will be able to successfully work in: state and local government administration, in various companies and corporations, in international cultural and educational institutions, in art galleries and museums as well as in governmental and non-governmental organizations cooperating with the German and Czech linguistic regions.
Undergraduate extramural studies – @t home (6 SEMESTERS)
HISTORY
Graduate’s profile in the field of history, teacher-training specialization:
in the field of the completed courses and specialization, the graduate of the first-cycle teacher-training studies has substantive, psychological, pedagogical and didactic preparation (theoretical and practical) entitling him/her to teach the following subjects: “history”, “history and society”, “social studies” in primary school.
Graduate’s profile in the field of history, specialization in historical anthropology:
in the field of the completed courses and specialization, the graduate is prepared to take up work in houses and cultural centers, museums, open-air museums, nationwide and local media, associations conducting activities for the development of culture and promoting historical knowledge, art galleries, showrooms.
ARCHIVAL STUDIES, DOCUMENTATION MANAGEMENT AND INFOBROKERING
Graduate’s profile:
Professional qualifications to perform the following occupations are obtained: archivist, company archivist, documentation management specialist (manager of the documentation management process, office work organizer), infobroker. During the studies, graduates will be prepared to take up the archivist profession in state, church, private and company archives as well as to work in cultural institutions, as officials in state and local government offices at all levels; they can also manage a modern office both in the company and in the office, they will be specialists in the field of management, coordination of office activities and will acquire the skills of electronic document management; they will be prepared for work in brokerage companies or as documentalists – researchers in the media (press, radio, television) and specialist documentation departments of various companies and enterprises, Internet services, companies involved in conducting analyzes, industry magazines, advertising agencies.
HISTORICAL TOURISM AND CULTURAL HERITAGE
Graduate’s profile in the field of historical tourism and cultural heritage:
Studies in the field of historical tourism and cultural heritage are aimed at substantive and professional preparation in the field of issues related to historical tourism and cultural heritage. They will allow to acquire knowledge and competences in the field of planning and servicing of tourist traffic, organization of tourist events, promotion and popularization of cultural heritage, touring and regional education. They will provide graduates with the skills of guiding city and field trips, both domestic and foreign ones. They prepare to work in travel agencies, local associations and non-governmental organizations acting for the preservation and development of cultural heritage and popularizing local historical research. They provide the skills necessary to start and run independent business in the tourism industry.
Post-graduate extramural studies (master’s degree) – @t home (4 SEMESTERS)
HISTORY
Graduate’s profile in the field of history, teacher-training specialization:
A graduate of teacher-training second-cycle studies has a substantive, psychological, pedagogical and didactic preparation (theoretical and practical) entitling him/her to teach the following subjects: “history”, “history and society”, “social studies” in a secondary school.
Graduate’s profile in the field of history, specialization in historical anthropology and cultural heritage:
In the field of the completed courses and specialization, the graduate is prepared to take up work in houses and cultural centers, museums, open-air museums, nationwide and self-government media, as well as associations conducting activities for the development of culture and promoting historical knowledge. In addition, he/she can cooperate with art galleries, showrooms and institutions supporting historical research as well as protection and security of cultural heritage.
ARCHIVAL STUDIES, DOCUMENTATION MANAGEMENT AND INFOBROKERING
Graduate’s profile:
Professional qualifications to perform the following occupations are obtained: archivist, company archivist, specialist in document management, coordinator of office activities, infobroker.
The graduate will be able to manage contemporary documentation in state and local government institutions, enterprises, non-governmental organizations and other organizational units; will be prepared to work in cultural and scientific institutions, in state and local government organizational units and to work as an archivist in state, church, private and current archives; will acquire skills in the use of electronic document management systems, computer programs for office work as well as will be able to create and manage simple databases; will gain knowledge on how to search, evaluate, select, process and share information in a historical-archival context and in the realities of contemporary office.
Postgraduate studies (postgraduate diploma)
CRACOVIANA – THE CITY AND THE REGION IN TOURISM (2 semesters)
Characteristics of the studies:
Postgraduate studies “Cracoviana – the city and the region in tourism” are focused on the comprehensive development of students. They enable them to gain theoretical knowledge in the field of history and cultural heritage of Cracow and Lesser Poland as well as practical skills necessary to undertake activities related to the organization and operation of tourist traffic.
The attractive curriculum of the studies consists of courses that outline the most important issues in the field of history and the broadly understood spiritual and material culture of Cracow and Lesser Poland, including the phenomenon of Galicia, Kazimierz and Nowa Huta. In addition, the program of studies includes thematic blocks presenting Cracow museums and elements of museum methodology. These courses will be carried out on the basis of a valuable collection of Cracow museum exhibits. An important thematic block concerns business tourism and urban tourism, including its modern forms, organization of tourist events in the city, promotion of tourism products, tourist routes, as well as the methodology of tourist guidance.
Who are the studies for:
The studies are addressed to university graduates with a bachelor’s or master’s degree who have completed any field of studies. In particular, the offer is addressed to teachers implementing the cultural heritage program, lovers of Cracow and local tradition, tourist guides, museum workers, librarians, as well as employees of other cultural institutions, local government officials, representatives of Local Action Groups, members of public interest associations, cultural animators, people running a business based on objects that are part of cultural heritage.
HISTORY AND SOCIAL STUDIES (3 semesters)
Characteristics of the studies:
During theoretical (at the university) and practical (in schools) classes and as part of study visits in museums and places of remembrance, postgraduate students learn about the elements and mechanisms of the teacher’s work in the field of history and social studies. They acquire theoretical assumptions of historical and social education when it comes to goals, content, methods, techniques and strategies of education. They practice the skills of using modern and traditional didactic means as part of a multilateral and multimedia course of educating a teacher of history and social studies. At the same time, they master and improve the rules for observing school classes. They develop the ability to creatively conduct modern school classes, based on the use of the latest education technologies, (E-school) and independently carry out lessons in the field of history and social studies.
Who are the studies for: For those wishing to acquire the right to teach history and social studies in all types of schools, for graduates of MA students.
TOTALITARIANISM – NAZISM – HOLOKAUST (3 semesters)
Place of classes:
The Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum in Oświęcim – Oświęcim
Characteristics of the studies:
The subject matter of studies is focused on issues related to Nazi and Communist totalitarianism presented in an interdisciplinary perspective (history, literature, art). Emphasis was placed on the crimes committed by Nazi Germany and the USSR, with particular reference to the German genocide committed on Jews and Roma. The program also includes issues related to the persecution and extermination of other national and social groups under the rule of the Nazis and the Soviets. The key subject is the issue of the camp discussed mainly on the example of Auschwitz.
Who are the studies for: The studies are intended for teachers, educators, museum workers, employees of cultural and educational institutions, journalists, political scientists, priests, catechists, local government officials, etc.
DOCUMENTATION MANAGEMENT, INFOBROKERING AND ARCHIVAL STUDIES (2 semesters)
Characteristics of the studies:
The studies will equip the graduate with the knowledge and skills necessary to perform the profession of an archivist employed in the current archive and an infobroker, and prepare for work in office positions in public administration offices and in other public and private sector institutions collecting and processing documentation and information. They will allow the graduate to work as a document management specialist (profession officially recognized by the Ministry of Labor in 2016), among others, as a coordinator of office activities (introduced in offices in 2011).
A graduate of post-graduate studies in the field of documentation management, infobrokering and archival studies:
- is prepared to work as an official in state and local government offices at all levels and an archivist employed in a current archive or an institution performing archival functions in the area of a non-state archival resource;
- can manage a modern office both in the company and in the office;
- is prepared to work in cultural and local government institutions;
- has the ability to use electronic document management systems;
- possesses knowledge on the traditional and electronic document, principles of collecting and developing contemporary documents, principles and techniques of managing documentation and information in contemporary law offices;
- possesses knowledge on old and contemporary office systems;
- has the skills to organize and select documentation;
- is able to professionally search, evaluate, select, process and share information;
- is prepared to work in brokerage companies or as a documentalist – researcher in the media (press, radio, television) and specialist documentation departments of various companies and enterprises;
- is able to collect general information about the market of specific services or goods;
- possesses knowledge on how to organize access to external Polish and foreign sources of electronic information and how to function on the basis on programs managing one’s own information workshops;
- is prepared to work for websites, companies involved in conducting analyzes, industry magazines, advertising agencies.
INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION
Scientific cooperation:
One of the most important research directions undertaken by the employees are regional and local history. Foreign cooperation with universities is developing rapidly with various English, Austrian, Czech, Lithuanian, German, Russian, Slovak and Ukrainian research institutions. Employees participate in numerous domestic and foreign grants.
The Institute of History and Archival Studies is an institution open to cooperation with academic and scientific centers abroad.
Cooperation in the field of study curriculum:
The Institute of History and Archival Studies together with the Charles University in Prague conducts post-graduate (Master’s) full-time studies in the field of German Studies and Central European Studies.
It is a new and unique field of study. The studies respond to the challenges arising from the constantly growing importance of the Federal Republic of Germany in Europe and the world, and the fact that Poland is connected with Germany and other countries of the German language area (Austria, Liechtenstein, Switzerland) by a large and constantly growing number of partnerships at the level of regions, provinces, cities and communes, as well as schools and universities, not to mention numerous and strong economic ties. As a result, there is a demand on the labor market for people who not only know German but also know the political and legal system of this area, its tradition and culture, the specificity of past and present relations with Poland, who are able to diagnose, plan and implement tasks related to German contacts in various fields.
Classes are conducted by: the Institute of History and Archival Studies, the Institute of Political Science, the Institute of Modern Languages, the Institute of Philosophy and Sociology.
Characteristics of the studies:
Graduates receive a double diploma from both universities, which will ensure high recognition of their studies. The lecturers are in Polish, Czech and German academic teachers. Classes will be held in Cracow and Prague, where Polish students will go for one semester as part of the Erasmus+ program.
The studies are conducted in three languages (Polish, Czech and German), which is why their program will put a lot of emphasis on learning these languages.
INTERNATIONAL EDUCATIONAL PROJECTS:
At the Department of Historical Education, an international educational grant entitled Online learning tools for combating anti-Semitism and other forms of discriminations, is being financed by the European Union from the “Erasmus+” program (No.: 2015-1-NL01-KA201-008826). As part of the grant, a multimedia online platform called StoriesthatMove was created. Tools to counteract discrimination (www.storiesthatmove.org) supporting education to counteract various forms of discrimination with the help of modern IT tools. The project involves 8 European countries: the Netherlands, Germany, Austria, Poland, Slovakia, Hungary and Ukraine. The platform is available in 7 language versions. The international coordinator of the project is the Anne Frank House in Amsterdam.
Educational offer in English
At the Institute of History and Archival Studies, there are also classes in English for students undertaking education as part of the Erasmus+ program.
The module deals with subjects related to memory studies. Students learn the basics of the research workshop of the researcher working in the field of the Holocaust experience, including oral history, representation of the Holocaust in art and museum space. They will become familiar with the Polish experience in conducting educational projects in this thematic area. As part of the classes, numerous study classes are planned in Cracow’s museums and art galleries.
