Institute of History
Topic
The role of Zväzarm in the education of the so-called socialist youth
PhD. program
Slovak History
Year of admission
2025
Name of the supervisor
PhDr. Miroslav Sabol, PhD.
Contact:
Receiving school
Faculty of Arts, Comenius University Bratislava
Annotation
The dissertation will aim to research one of the most massive organisations in the history of Czechoslovakia after 1948, Zväzarm (Association for Cooperation with the Army). Zväzarm touched almost every citizen of the republic with its versatility and scope. The organisation's main task was to prepare the youth for the defence of the homeland. Zväzarm brought together 16 interest organisations; it covered conscription sports and technical interest activities. It was one of the organisations that mobilised the population and created the conditions for the application of leisure activities for the benefit of individuals and collectives, as well as the state and its ruling regime. At the same time, Zväzarm contributed to forming so-called socialist patriotism.
PhD candidates are expected to conduct research focused on the role of Zväzarm, namely the training of conscripts and reservists for the Czechoslovak People's Army in the specific subjects needed by the army, especially aviation, motoring, radio amateurism, diving, etc. The inclusion of Zväzarm in the framework of regime organisations and the analysis of its working methods will also be the subject of research. Future PhD candidates must submit their research project focused on a selected area, a more narrowly specified sphere of the organisation in question and the mechanisms of its functioning. Preference is also given to a comparative framework of similar organisations in the socialist bloc. Applicants are expected to have a more profound interest in recent social history, history of technology and social anthropology. A preliminary orientation in military topics is also welcome. Prerequisites are proficiency in English (min. B2), Slovak/Czech and passive knowledge of another European language.
PhD candidates are expected to conduct research focused on the role of Zväzarm, namely the training of conscripts and reservists for the Czechoslovak People's Army in the specific subjects needed by the army, especially aviation, motoring, radio amateurism, diving, etc. The inclusion of Zväzarm in the framework of regime organisations and the analysis of its working methods will also be the subject of research. Future PhD candidates must submit their research project focused on a selected area, a more narrowly specified sphere of the organisation in question and the mechanisms of its functioning. Preference is also given to a comparative framework of similar organisations in the socialist bloc. Applicants are expected to have a more profound interest in recent social history, history of technology and social anthropology. A preliminary orientation in military topics is also welcome. Prerequisites are proficiency in English (min. B2), Slovak/Czech and passive knowledge of another European language.