This Konstanty Reynert Chair of Polish History was established at the University of Toronto in 1995, and has been held since then by Professor Wróbel, who was appointed by the University after a worldwide search. He holds a doctorate in history from the University of Warsaw, and has taught history and carried out research in that area in several universities in Poland, Germany and the United States. He is also the author of many articles and several books, including “Historical Dictionary of Poland, 1945-1996” (Westport, Connecticut, Greenwood Press, 1988).
Professor Wróbel teaches several courses in the Department of History, including “The Age of Experiments: The History of Poland in the 20th Century”, “The History of Poland from the 10th Century” and “East and Central Europe and the Great Powers in the 19th and 20th Centuries”. In the past academic year about 70 students attended his courses, including several at the post-graduate level.
One of the Master’s theses supervised by Professor Wróbel is on “Winston Churchill and Poland during World War II”. He also has two doctoral candidates. Five of his Ph.D. students have already defended their theses.
Professor Wróbel also participates in conferences and organizes various events related to the history of Poland, such as lectures by visiting professors. Our Council also assists Professor Wróbel in arranging his guest lectures in other Canadian Universities, particularly in cities with a large Polish-Canadian population, and finances those lectures.
In summary, Professor Wróbel’s various activities are exposing many university students, and others, to the history of Poland. Most importantly, by guiding several doctoral students he is creating a cadre of potential future teachers of Polish history in North American universities.
