5 November 2025 with Piotr Maciej Majewski (University of Warsaw)
on ZOOM
The mechanisms of collaboration
This paper focuses on collaboration as a political and social phenomenon. It mainly concerns the Second World War, but it also attempts to answer the question why collaboration with the enemy (collaborationism and other forms) was only recognised and condemned at that time. Through the analysis of various cases of collaboration in Eastern and Western Europe and Asia, I attempt to show the mechanisms that occurred in the relations between the occupiers and the occupied communities. I demonstrate that this phenomenon was perceived and judged in very different ways, and that the assessment could vary depending on the time, place and circumstances.
Piotr Maciej Majewski is Professor of History at the University of Warsaw. His main academic interests are history of Czechoslovakia and Czech lands and the Czech-German relations in 19th and 20th centuries. He has published extensively on the Munich Crisis, prewar Czechoslovakia, and the Protectorate of Bohemia and Moravia. From 2009 to 2017, Professor Majewski was deputy director of the Museum of the Second World War in Gdańsk, responsible for development of the permanent exhibition. His latest monograph, Brzydkie słowo na k”. Rzecz o kolaboracji [The Ugly K-Word. An Essay on Collaboration] (Warsaw 2024), explores the phenomenon of collaboration.
Lynchland revisited: Duality as a source of “the uncanny” in films directed by David Lynch.
6pm, Friday 26th September, PUNO Lecture Room, POSK
Step into Lynchland – the world where duality and the uncanny intertwine to create an unforgettable cinematic experience. “Lynchland revisited: Duality as a source of “the uncanny” in films directed by David Lynch” offers an in-depth exploration of these themes, drawing on Sigmund Freud’s theory of “the uncanny” to shed light on the psychological depth of Lynch’s work.
Each chapter considers a different aspect of duality in Lynch’s films – ranging from fear induced by distorted realities, through the concept of the doppelgänger and the dual nature of humanity, to the blurred boundaries between dreams and waking life. The book explores how Lynch’s visions paint the atmosphere of unease, revealing hidden fears lurking in the depths of the human psyche and examines how the motif of the double reflects the complexity of identity and the way that various forms of rebellion – from childhood defiance to existential self-searching – are portrayed in his cinematic universe.
Dr Zegarlińska reveals that duality in Lynch’s work is more than just a source of fear – it is a compelling journey into the subconscious itself, as Lynch draws his viewers into a dark, hypnotic world, where reality bends and inner (often ugly!) truths come to light, making duality a powerful force at the heart of his storytelling.
Dr. Magdalena Wanda Zegarlińska (Unit of Contemporary British Culture, PUNO) specializes in British literature, American film, and cross-continent cultural studies. Her work focuses especially on C.S. Lewis and filmmaker David Lynch. During her PhD studies, she published several articles on Lynch, including analyses of time, alienation, dream symbolism and sexuality in his films. Dr. Zegarlińska has presented her research at international conferences and led academic projects exploring themes such as eschatology, memory and identity. She has taught at the University of Gdańsk, PUNO, and WSB University in Gdańsk and has also contributed to adult education and curriculum development in specialized English courses. Her academic work has been supported by grants and recognized with scholarships and awards. In recent years, alongside her academic work, she has transitioned to the corporate world, where she serves as a coach, tutor and team manager.
to a special meeting dedicated to a recently published, original and exceptionally engaging book entitled:
ROMANTYZM w dyskursachpedagogiki kultury.
(publisher: Difin)
The authors of this publication are renowned professors from Polish universities, including the University of Warsaw, the Maria Grzegorzewska University, and the Polish University Abroad (PUNO) in London, as well as Polish-British journalists, students, and teachers.
The book encourages reflection on how the great tradition of Romantic culture is understood today and explores various contemporary ways of engaging with it. During the meeting, we would like to present the fascinating diversity of topics addressed in the volume and invite you to join a discussion inspired by the publication.
We invite you
on Monday, April 14 at 4:00 PM
Lecture Hall, Polish University Abroad (PUNO), POSK, Londyn
Delegation of Researchers from Palacký University in Olomouc to PUNO – Polish University Abroad in London
Project GUARDIAN – Growing online: how to protect our children in the digital world? 📅 March 10 – April 6, 2025 📍 London, United Kingdom
🧭 Overview
Between March 10 and April 6, 2025, the Polish University Abroad (PUNO) in London hosted a research delegation from Palacký University in Olomouc (UP), Czech Republic, within the framework of the MSCA Horizon Europe-funded GUARDIAN project.
This visit was part of the staff exchange programme designed to support collaborative research and knowledge transfer on the subject of sharenting – the digital exposure of children by their parents. The visit focused on the intercultural dimension of children’s rights, privacy, and digital safety, especially in migrant communities.
🏛️ PUNO as Host Institution
PUNO played a crucial role in coordinating, supporting, and facilitating the research activities throughout the visit. The institution provided:
Meeting spaces at Ellipse House and PUNO headquarters,
Access to cultural and educational institutions in London,
Support from experts in pedagogy, psychology, and intercultural studies,
Public engagement opportunities with the Polish diaspora and youth organizations.
PUNO’s infrastructure and commitment ensured the success of this cross-sectoral and interdisciplinary collaboration.
✨ Key Outcomes
Draft version of an intercultural questionnaire on children’s digital safety completed.
Initial data collected from educators, parents, and students in Polish migrant contexts.
Strengthened cooperation between Czech and British partners within the GUARDIAN consortium.
Development of dissemination strategies, including school outreach and academic publications.
Enhanced visibility of PUNO as a center for intercultural and diaspora-oriented research
🤝 Partners Involved
Palacký University in Olomouc – Department of Technical Education and Information Technology
Polish University Abroad (PUNO) – Faculty of Humanities Sciences
POSK – Polish Social and Cultural Association
Polish School at the Embassy of the Republic of Poland in London
🔗 Project Information
GUARDIAN Project Acronym: 101182798 Funding Scheme: MSCA Staff Exchanges (HORIZON-MSCA-2023-SE-01) Coordinator: University of Silesia in Katowice Partners: Czech Republic, Poland, Kenya, United Kingdom
🌐 Read more about the project 📩 Contact: Dr. Agnieszka Szajner – Vice-Dean of PUNO, agnieszka.szajner@puno.ac.uk
Symposium “Old and New Jazz Education – Listening, Teaching, Learning, and Creating”
The Department of Culture and Music Education at the Polish University Abroad (PUNO) successfully organized the first in a series of symposia dedicated to jazz education, held on October 20, 2024, under the theme “Old and New Jazz Education – Listening, Teaching, Learning, and Creating.” The symposium brought together scholars and music practitioners from Poland and abroad, creating a space for interdisciplinary knowledge exchange and discussion on contemporary challenges in jazz pedagogy.
Purpose and Themes
The aim of this event was to create a platform for discussing the evolution of jazz education, which – as noted during the presentations – requires special attention in times of dynamic technological and cultural changes. The symposium laid a solid foundation for future meetings, focusing on contemporary trends and the future of jazz teaching. The first edition concentrated on the history of jazz and jazz pedagogy, giving participants the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the origins of this musical form and the educational methods associated with it.
As the symposium organizer, Mr. Leszek Kulaszewicz (PUNO), emphasized, “Understanding the past of jazz education is crucial to effectively facing the challenges of the present and future.”
Speakers and Presentations
Among the speakers were renowned specialists from various academic centers who shared their research and experiences. They included:
Dr. Agnieszka Szajner (PUNO):“The Pulse of Jazz: The Role of Music Education in the Intellectual and Creative Development of a Child,” discussing the specific impact of jazz education on children’s development.
Prof. Monika Zytke (Pomeranian University in Słupsk):“The Roots of Jazz,” presenting the historical and cultural roots of jazz.
Dr. Agata Kubiak-Kenworthy (University of West London):“When Chord Charts Fail,” addressing the theoretical challenges in teaching jazz.
Mr. Aneta Witosz (PUNO):“The Role of Ear Training in Jazz Education. History, Present, and Future,” discussing the development of ear training methods and content.
Dr. Marta Radwan (Brunel University London):“The Role of Harmonic Singing in Teaching the Jazz Idiom,” detailing the evolution of jazz choirs and vocal ensembles in the context of harmonic awareness among vocalists and arrangers.
Dr. Joanna Gorczyca (Independent Researcher):“Jazz Vocalism in a Historical Perspective – Education and Aesthetics,” outlining the development of jazz vocal aesthetics.
Discussion and Conclusions
The symposium concluded with a summary presentation by Mr. Leszek Kulaszewicz (PUNO) on “Jazz Education from the So-Called Street to the So-Called Academy,” and a moderated discussion led by the distinguished jazz history specialist Dr. Grzegorz Piotrowski (University of Gdańsk). His opening and closing remarks intriguingly presented the dynamic process of professionalizing jazz education and raised many important questions about its future.
As noted in the discussion, jazz education is constantly evolving, adapting to cultural and technological changes, but it also requires a responsible and conscious approach that balances students’ creativity with a solid theoretical foundation. This symposium was an important step towards modern reflection on jazz pedagogy, with further stages to be developed in subsequent meetings planned by PUNO.
Scientific Council:
Dr. Grzegorz Piotrowski (University of Gdańsk) – Chairman
Dr. Agata Kubiak-Kenworthy (University of West London)
Dr. Marta Radwan (Brunel University London)
Dr. Joanna Gorczyca
Organizing Committee:
Mr. Leszek Kulaszewicz (PUNO) – Chairman
Dr. Agnieszka Szajner (PUNO)
The symposium “Old and New Jazz Education” marks the beginning of a series of debates and meetings aimed not only at deepening knowledge about jazz pedagogy but also at supporting contemporary educational practices in this dynamic field and developing useful recommendations for the future
