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"Vítání občánků": Social Analysis of a Czech Baby-Welcoming Ceremony
Švábová, Kristina ; Testa, Alessandro (advisor) ; Wirthová, Jitka (referee)
Vítání občánků which translates to "Welcoming of Little Citizens" is a rite of passage celebrated by Czech parents with newborns at their local town or city council. It was invented during the Communist era with the aim of replacing baptism. A reason for its continued popularity even after the shift to democracy is its function as a rite of passage at a difficult life situation but also its successful re-invention. Transition to parenthood is difficult in contemporary society due to high societal expectations of parents as well as contradictory ideals. Rite of passage helps ease the transition for the parents, but it also involves the broader community and the newborn. In addition, it puts one's life journey into a bigger perspective and provides a platform for a family gathering and for using symbolic language. Both its invention and re-invention were done by inducing a sense of continuity via elements invoking past traditions and universal values. Thanks to that, the desired new meanings and values have been accepted by the public. A crucial role in the (re)inventing process has been played by a so-called institutional entrepreneur, an actor who has the skills, resources and motivation to achieve it. Originally, it was the Communist Party who played the part, while in the re-inventing process it...
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Institutionalized Free Schooling in the Czech Education System
Švábová, Kristina ; Mouralová, Magdalena (advisor) ; Černý, Jakub (referee)
The aim of this bachelor's thesis is to contribute to the understanding of the phenomenon of the so-called "free schools" in the Czech Republic. These schools practice the principles of free schooling which has a long tradition abroad in schools, such as Summerhill School or Sudbury Valley School. However, in the Czech Republic these schools have only now begun to emerge and as such have not been thoroughly studied, yet. This thesis is a case study of two Czech free schools. It describes how the schools' values manifest in the school documentation and, using the theory of accountability, it explores how the values are harmonized with the expectations of other actors, chiefly the Czech School Inspectorate. It is found that the Czech education system is open to many of these values. Nevertheless, in some areas disputes arise. The full realization of the values is hindered especially due to compulsory school attendance, statutory requirements in the curriculum and evaluation. In the thesis, the actors' attitudes towards the Czech education system are explored, as well. It is discovered that each school has developed its own approach. One of them takes a 'pessimistic' stand as the school employees do not believe a consensus with the state is possible, whereas the other one is more 'optimistic' and...
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The Life and the Work of Milan Zelenka
Švábová, Kristina ; ZELENKA, Milan (advisor) ; RAK, Štěpán (referee)
The content of my bachelor thesis consists of interviews with prof. Milan Zelenka. My work included listening to modern compositions not just by Milan Zelenka but other composers and my interpretation Milan Zelenka´s Sonáta Omaggio a Jan Truhlář.
It introduces the reades to the complete biography and compositions of Mialn Zelenka, from his youth, throuth his first successes with concers, competitions, working with many significant artists, interprets and composers. Milan Zelenka was the first person to introdukce the classical guitar on concert stages in the Czech Republic. It continues through his educational work, recording for the radio, and introducing the classical Czech guitar school at worldwide festivals, competitions and performing at concerts.
I put a bigger emphasis on his composition Sonáta Pulsante Omaggio a Jan Truhlář. At the end of my bachelor thesis I presented this Sonata and did a theoretical analysis on it.
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