Central Europe: A Masterclass in History, Culture & Geopolitics
4 Weeks. 4 Sessions. A Deep Dive into a Fascinating Region.
Date
Thursdays
November 6, 13, 20 & Wednesday, November 26 (moved from Thursday due to U.S. Thanksgiving)
Time
2:00 PM (PST) / 5:00 PM (EST) / 11:00 PM (CET)
Instructor
Vladimír Štrama, - PhD Candidate, Oxford-educated historian
Unlock the secrets of Central Europe in this 4-part LIVE masterclass led by Oxford-educated historian Vladimír Štrama. Originally delivered live, this immersive journey explores the region’s history, nationalism, and democracy—offering powerful insights for travelers, heritage seekers, and curious minds alike.
Unravel the History, Culture & Geopolitics of Central Europe
A 4-part LIVEmasterclass exploring one of Europe’s most complex and captivating regions.
Discover how Central Europe has shaped global events — and continues to influence the world today.
What you get:
4 Expert-Guided Sessions
Rich LIVE lectures led by historian Vladimír Štrama
Deep Historical & Geopolitical Insights
Trace the region’s shifting borders, empires, and identities
Watch Anytime, Anywhere
Stream the full course at your own pace — on your schedule
Program Schedule
Week 1
What is Central Europe?
Beyond Borders & Definitions
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How did Central Europe influence European history?
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Why does it remain a distinct cultural and political space?
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What role does it play in the 21st century?
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Can Central Europe serve as a bridge between East and West?
Q&A Discussion
How did Central Europe influence European history?
Week 2
Vienna & Austria
Ghosts of Empire
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Vienna as the capital of a once-mighty empire—traces of Austria-Hungary today
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Is Austria part of Central Europe, or has it fully embraced Western identity?
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Austria’s uneasy relationship with its former empire: Shared past vs. diverging futures
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How does Austria see itself in today’s European landscape?
Q&A Discussion
Where does Austria fit in the modern European order?
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Week 3
Prague & Bratislav
Siblings or Strangers?
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The Czechoslovak experiment: Unity or convenience?
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Comparing Prague & Bratislava: Two capitals, two paths
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Can Czechs and Slovaks act as a bridge between East and West?
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Will Bratislava always be in Prague’s shadow, or can it carve out its own global identity
Q&A Discussion
Do Czechs and Slovaks still feel connected today?
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Week 4
Budapest & Hungary
A Nation Apart?
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Hungary’s historical trauma: Trianon, lost territories, and nationalism
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Budapest: A cultural powerhouse between East and West
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Hungary’s relationship with its neighbors: Cooperation or confrontation?
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The future of Hungary in Central Europe: Outlier or key player?
Q&A Discussion
Can Hungary redefine its role in the region?
Why This Masterclass is a Must-Enroll?
Expert-Guided Learning
Led by historian Vladimír Štrama, gain a rich and nuanced understanding of Central Europe’s past and present.
Unique Insights
Go beyond textbooks with deep historical, cultural, and geopolitical context you won’t find anywhere else
Flexible & Self-Paced
Learn on your own time — rewatch sessions anytime, anywhere.
Connect to Global Heritage
Join hundreds of learners around the world who’ve taken this journey to rediscover their roots and expand their worldview.
Meet Your Instructor
My name is Vladimír Štrama
Bio Highlights:
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BA Philosophy & History (University of Exeter, UK)
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MSt Modern European History (University of Oxford, UK)
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Former Researcher at Institute H21, Prague
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Expert in: Central European history, nationalism, and democracy
Who This Is For
Slovak and Central European descendants
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Travelers, expats, and curious minds
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Students of history, geopolitics, and culture
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Anyone seeking deeper understanding of Europe’s heartland
Therese
"This was the education I never got in school"
Paul
"I finally understand where my family fits into the story of Europe."
John
"A must-watch for anyone of Central European descent"
