The course offers a comparative exploration of the historical experiences of smaller European states and their place within European history. Focusing on four case studies—Ireland, Estonia, Belgium, and Slovakia—, scholars specialising in history and anthropology will guide students in examining a range of political, social, and cultural influences that have shaped the development of small nations. No prior knowledge of the history of these countries is required.

Content

The course thematically builds on its previous editions hosted by universtities in Galway (2024) and Tartu (2025), continuing to expand students’ knowledge of various aspects of the history of modern “small nations” represented in the programme (primarily Slovakia, Estonia, Belgium, and Ireland, with possible inclusion of others).

The course will address the following themes:

• Definition and characteristics of a small nation
• Paths of small nations to statehood
• Socio-economic legacies and transformations in small nations
• The role of small nations in global imperialism before and after independence
• The drawing of borders of small states and policies toward ethnic minorities
• Immigrants and diasporas

Given the expertise of the hosting teaching staff, this edition of the course will also focus on the ‘bottom-up’ creation of small nations and proliferation of nation-states into everyday life.

Learning outcomes

After the course, students will be able to:

• Describe and analyse the peculiarities of small nations;
• Describe and analyse the main historical events and processes in the four nations in the modern period;
• Describe and appreciate the similarities and differences between the four nations under consideration;
• Collaborate effectively within a diverse team on research about an aspect of small nations and communicate the results to peers.

Programme

Online: two meetings, first group assignment, preliminary readings (dates TBC: initial suggested 14 September 2026 & 28 September 2026)

On-site week: will include 6-7 thematic sessions led by lecturers, students’ presentation session, and trips to cultural/historical venues (5 - 9 October 2026)

Online: additional reading, group feedback session, and reflective essay (dates TBC: initial suggested 19 October 2026)

Final essay submission: 27 October 2026 (TBC)

Assessment

Grading system: according to standard ECTS system scale (“A” – “E” grades = passing the course, “Fx” = failing the course)

Assessment will consist of 3 parts:

• Preparation, first (group) assignment (virtual part): 20% of the grade
• Participation, group work and final presentation (on-site week): 30% of the grade

Final essay / Structured reflection on a question assigned by the course instructors (approx. 2000 words): 50% of the grade (deadline: TBC, tentatively by the 27 October, 2026)

Lecturers

• Prof. Juraj Buzalka, Comenius University Bratislava
• Prof. Juraj Podoba, Comenius University Bratislava
• Dr Matej Butko, Comenius University Bratislava
• Dr. Gearóid Barry, University of Galway
• Róisín Healy, University of Galway
• Dr. Janet Laidla, University of Tartu
• Prof. Olaf Mertelsmann, University of Tartu
• Prof. Antoon Vrints, Ghent University
• Prof. Christophe Verbruggen, Ghent University

Course dates

On-site week: 5 - 9 October 2026 in Bratislava

Online: In total, three online meetings will be held:

• Course introduction, preliminary readings: first half of September 2026 – 14 September 2026, 10:00 (CEST)
• First (group) assignment: second half of September 2026 – 28 September 2026, 10:00 (CEST)
• Course wrap-up: additional readings, group feedback session and reflective essay – 19 October 2026, 10:00 (CEST)

Students interested in the course need to apply via their home university. Applications are only possible if the course can fit in their curriculum to ensure academic recognition of the credits obtained.

The home university will select the permitted number of students, inform the students as soon as possible, and then send these names to the host institution. Unsuccessful students will be placed on a waiting list and may get a place, if other universities do not use all their allocated places.

For this course: the host university will contribute to the cost of meals and the mid-week excursion. Students are responsible for paying for their own accommodation, but can receive an Erasmus+ BIP grant from their home university. Transcript of Records will be provided at a date to be confirmed by Comenius University.

Please select your home university below and contact your ENLIGHT coordinator for further information on the application process or consult the linked information.

• University of the Basque Country: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
• University of Bern: Application instructions for students at the University of Bern
• University of Bordeaux: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
• Comenius University Bratislava: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
• University of Galway: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
• Ghent University:  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (see information about BIP's)
• University of Groningen: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
• University of Göttingen:  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (for BIP’s) or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (other courses)
• University of Tartu: Application instructions for students at the University of Tartu
• Uppsala University: Application instructions for students at Uppsala University.

Dr Matej Butko, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Prof. Juraj Buzalka, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.