Courses and Workshops

Understanding the Balkans: Politics, Culture and Society

Darren Zook
Tuesday, Sep. 19, 2023, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM (PT)
Repeats every Tuesday until Tuesday, Oct. 10, 2023
Price: $155.00
34 slots available
Enrollment Closed

The Balkans have always been at the crossroads of European history, existing simultaneously on the eastern edge of Europe and the western edge of Eurasia and the Middle East. It is a region that is in one moment on the fringes of world history, and at another directly at the center. This course will explore and explain the endlessly fascinating region known as the Balkans on its own terms, and will cover Greece, Albania, and the collapse of Yugoslavia in the 1990s and the states that emerged in its aftermath.

Faculty Bio

Darren Zook teaches in political science and global studies at UC Berkeley. His areas of interest include comparative politics, human rights and international law. He has received numerous teaching awards for his creativity in the classroom, and was recently named one of the “Top Ten Most Inspiring Professors at UC Berkeley” by College Magazine. He lectures all around the world, and has published six books. He is currently at work on a research project involving the politics of ice in the era of climate change.

This is an In-Person, Livestreamed + Recorded Course

  • Classes will be held in person at Freight & Salvage at 2020 Addison St., Berkeley
  • Classes will also stream live simultaneously, and be video recorded
  • Fee assistance is available if cost is a barrier. Learn more.

Schedule Highlights

  • Course starts on Tuesday, Sept. 19 and ends on Tuesday, Oct. 10
  • Classes meet for four weeks, two hours per session (10–noon)
  • Videos will post on Fridays in Member Dashboards
  • All course materials, including videos, will be available to view and enjoy through Dec. 31

Member Praise for Professor Zook

Dr. Zook is one of the best teachers I've ever had and I'm 80!

Darren Zook is an amazing teacher. He's a well-organized, extremely knowledgeable, and always engaging.

I have taken several classes with Darren Zook and will take several more. His scope and depth of knowledge is extraordinary. And he is able to communicate it effectively and effortlessly. 

Faculty Q&A