About

About PSC

Founded in 1977, the Polish Studies Center is a widely recognized academic community that explores Polish history, politics, literature, music, and art. For almost five decades, we have been providing intellectual leadership at institutional and national levels, and we have been supporting Polish-related research around the world. Our goal is to offer a platform for exchanging ideas, promoting multi-faceted aspects of Polish studies, and supporting multidisciplinary approaches to exploring what Norman Davies called the “Heart of Europe.” We carry out our mission by hosting lectures, seminars, and workshops, organizing conferences, sponsoring cultural events, and promoting all aspects of Polish studies at Indiana University and beyond.

Working in tandem with the IU departments of Slavic Languages and Literatures, International Studies, Political Science, as well as the Russian and East European Institute (REEI), and the Institute for European Studies (EURO), we offer

• Polish language training through the third-year level during the academic year and a summer intensive language program
• Courses about Poland and Europe in a variety of fields (history, literature, politics, anthropology, among others)
• Faculty and student exchange programs with University of Warsaw and Jagiellonian University in Krakow
• A large collection of Polish materials to support dissertation and other advanced research

In a word, the Polish Studies Center is a creative hub for studying and immersing yourself in all things Polish-related.

About our director

Born in Poland, Justyna Zając is a Professor of Practice in European Security Studies at departments of International Studies and Political Science. She is a full professor in political science at the University of Warsaw (presently on leave), and she specializes in international relations. Professor Zając’s research focuses on politics and security in Europe and its neighboring areas, with a special attention to Poland’s foreign and security policy.