NYC Gazette

NYU Prague students recently participated in a field trip to the forest outside Jáchymov, Czechia, as part of their course "Collective Identity in a Totalitarian Regime," led by Professor Vanda Thorne. The trip aimed to educate students about the history and impact of political imprisonment during the Communist regime when prisoners were forced to work in uranium mines.

The excursion began with a challenging hike up a steep staircase that prisoners once used, leading to a former mine shaft where students handled mining tools. They also visited the remains of prison buildings and concluded their tour at the town's museum. Professor Thorne described the experience as "incredibly transformative" for students, highlighting its role in understanding the country's Communist period from 1948-1989.

Thorne emphasized that this era is often overlooked in Czech history due to its discomforting nature. She stated, “This is a forgotten chapter in Czech history. People don’t want to talk about it.” The field trip is a significant component of her course, which examines totalitarian oppression through various lenses, including personal stories and cultural impacts.

Throughout the semester, Thorne's curriculum explores how Soviet rule shaped collective identity and left lasting effects on social concepts like volunteerism and electoral participation. She noted that many older Czechs remain skeptical about voting due to past experiences under totalitarian rule.

“In many countries like the United States, history is very linear, but in Europe and especially central Europe, it’s all over the place,” said Thorne. Her course delves into these complexities by analyzing public rituals appropriated by communism and their influence on citizens' private lives.

By studying this period's legacy on contemporary society, Thorne aims to provide students with insights into both historical events and ongoing societal challenges in post-Communist Czechia.