The School of Education (Victoria) & the Faculty of Arts & Sciences present a public lecture entitled: 

Political myths of the Polish Post-World War II emigrants in the West

by 

Associate Professor Jan Lencznarowicz
Institute for American Studies and Polish Diaspora
Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland 

Abstract
It is estimated that between 500 000 and 600 000 Poles decided not to return to Soviet-dominated Poland after the World War 2war. Drawingon diverse historical sources produced by Polish emigrants in the West in the years 1944-1956, Prof. Lencznarowicz examines the main political myths maintained in Polish emigrant communities, such as the myth of Poland’s betrayal at Yalta; the myth of heroic Polish contributions to the victory over Nazi Germany; and the myth of legalism – that is the continuation of legitimate Polish authorities in exile; as well as themyth of the refugee communities in the West. Special emphasis is placed on their integrating role. Despite organisational, political and ideological divisions, personal animosities and geographical dispersion scattering in many countries, these myths facilitated the ideological and social integration of a considerable part of the Polish Diaspora. 

Bio
Jan Lencznarowicz, Ph.D. is an associate professor at the Institute for American Studies and Polish Diaspora, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, and author of three books: Yalta as the Foundation Myth of the Polish Political Emigration 1944-1956; History of Australia in 20th century; The Polish Press and Polish Community in Australia, 1928-1980. He takes interest in the history of Australia,Australian nationalism and the Polish ethnic group in Australia. 

Date:
Tuesday 21st February, 2012 at 6:00 pm

Venue:
Callinan Board Room
Australian Catholic University
Level 8
250 Victoria Parade
East Melbourne

Drinks and finger food will be served

RSVP:

Madeleine Laming

e: Madeleine.Laming@acu.edu.au

p: 03 9953 3291