Erik's School Year Begins

Erik's school year finally started on Tuesday. On Monday, he received a call around 5 p.m. that he should report to the university at 1:30 p.m. the next day ready to teach. He has been anticipating this call and a short turn-around time to prepare because this is simply how things work around here. This approach is contrary to Erik's general practices and nature, but he has adapted reasonably well. In fact, he is far more laid back about things in L'viv than back home in Kansas, taking everything as it comes.

Erik spent some time in the evening preparing for the class, outlining the topics to address and making a short handout. This class is similar to a graduate seminar that he teaches at KU about political institutions. Of course, he is adapting the class to local conditions. The students seem to be very well prepared, with a sound background in the literature that serves as a foundation for the issues he will address in the class, and many display excellent English language skills (a few abandoned the class after they realized it would be in English). The classroom is a very nicely adorned lecture room, but low-tech (with only a chalkboard available). So, no power points or overheads! He will teach this class every Tuesday afternoon for the duration of his stay.