CEU is launching free university courses in Hungary!

The Central European University (CEU) opened its newest campus in Vienna just two years ago. However, the institution would like to keep its presence in Hungary as well. They aim to achieve this through the so-called Bibó István Free University (Szabad Egyetem), founded by the lecturers of the university.

As recently announced, the school will be launching three new courses, all of which will be in Hungarian. They have one thing in common – all will revolve around the topic of public life, Telex reports.

Democratic Innovations: Communal Opportunities and Tools for Better Governance

This course focuses on the democratic involvement of societies in everyday politics. Some of the most important topics include the democratisation of parties and the direct involvement of citizens in political decision-making. Throughout the lessons the students will try to answer these questions, as well look at democratic innovations and tools of participatory policy making. The lecturers include several high-profile experts from different universities, but Gergely Karácsony, the Mayor of Budapest will also make an appearance. The best-performing students will even receive an opportunity to participate in a traineeship program as well. The course takes place at the Budapest building of CEU at 15 Nádor Street, in room 105, but joining online is also possible. Unfortunately, this course has launched already on the 27 of March, but you can still register for future lessons on the official page.

Empty Words and Concepts – Seven Journeys in the Forest of the History of Political Ideas

This course includes 7 seminars, throughout which the students will familiarise themselves with the evolution and development of modern political ideas, ideologies and concepts, from ancient times to modernity. Some highlights include such questions as when the modern understanding of democracy and rule of law came to materialise, why the separation of branches of power is necessary, or what the difference between liberals and conservatives is. Throughout the lessons, such themes will be discussed by 2-3 experts, with the possibility of questions from the audience. The moderator of the discussions is historian Rudolf Paksa. The course starts on 20 April and will be held at the Budapest building of CEU, in room 104. Online participation is available. For more information and registration, check out the website of the seminar.

Handicapped People in Our Society: Systemic Disadvantages and Supporting Factors

Throughout the course, experts, researchers and handicapped participants will talk about and focus on the social and historical aspects of living with a disability. They will introduce the main concepts and their domestic and international backgrounds to the students and then initiate a discussion with the audience. The course is open to anyone, as the learning material was gathered to guarantee proper participation for anyone interested in any of the topics mentioned. Reading material is also provided to the students. The first seminar will take place on 27 April, at the Budapest building of CEU, in room 105. Just like in the case of the two other courses, the opportunity for online involvement is also available. If interested, you can register for the course at the following link.