by Margaret Stefanski | Sep 6, 2023 | Faculty
The Permanent Chair of Polish Culture at Canisius University co-presents “Wielka Droga/The Great Way” on Sunday, September 10 at 1:00 p.m. in the Downtown Central Library. The event is free and open to the public, and made possible in cooperation with the Polish National Archives – Audiovisual Institute (FINA) as part of its Polish Film Festival 2023.
“Wielka Droga/The Great Way” (1946), directed by Michal Waszynski, was the first Polish post-World War II feature film, recently digitally remastered by the Polish National Archives – Audiovisual Institute (FINA). Put together by the best film artists of pre-war Poland, many of whom served in the Anders Army, “The Great Way” includes significant documentary footage and retelling of the Army’s formation through the epic journey of thousands from USSR to reach Italy and new lives. The film was for many years forgotten and prohibited by the Communist authorities, and is a rediscovered story important to Polish heritage that many are not aware of.
The film, showing in the Downtown Central Library’s main floor Ring of Knowledge, will be followed by a reception hosted by the Permanent Chair of Polish Culture at Canisius University.
A related visiting exhibit put together by FINA which tells the history behind the Anders Army is on view on the Downtown Central Library’s main floor through October 17.
Submitted by: Margaret Stefanski, chair, MLLC
by Margaret Stefanski | Apr 19, 2023 | Faculty
On Thursday, April 20, Dr. Natalia Pamula, a Kosciuszko Foundation Faculty Exchange Scholar (U of Warsaw), will introduce the film “Sonata,” based on true events of a child diagnosed as autistic and unable to communicate. As a teenager, his diagnosis is questioned, which leads to a remarkable series of events where he dreams of being a concert pianist.
Dr. Pamula’s research interests include disability studies and cultural history of disability.
Attendees are invited to a reception at 4:00 p.m. and a pre-screening commentary at 4:30 p.m. in the Library Research Center. The screening of “Sonata” takes place at 4:45 p.m. and will be followed by question and answer session.
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Submitted by: Margaret Stefanski, Chair, Department of Modern Languages, Literatures, and Cultures
by Margaret Stefanski | Nov 16, 2022 | Faculty
In May 2023, members of the the Department of Modern Languages, Literatures and Cultures, its students, alumni and friends are heading to Galicia, in Northern Spain, to walk over 70 miles on the medieval trail known as El Camino, to the symbolic tomb of St. James in Santiago de Compostela. It’s a six-day walk during which the group will also participate in several cultural activities unique to the Galician region.
Galicia is one of the three historic autonomies on the Iberian Peninsula with its own language, medieval architecture, folklore, handicrafts, and one of the richest cuisines in Spain. This is the third time Canisius faculty, students and friends will partake in this transformative experience that culminates with Mass of the Pilgrim at the Cathedral of St. James.
Submitted by: Margaret Stefanski, chair, Department of Modern Languages, Literatures and Cultures
by Margaret Stefanski | Apr 27, 2022 | Faculty
Sigma Delta Pi, the National Collegiate Hispanic Honor Society/La Sociedad Nacional Honoraria Hispánica is the largest collegiate foreign language honor society in the U.S. This year we extend our congratulations to five new members of the Canisius chapter, Chi Tau.
The initiation took place in Old Main 314 on April 20, 2022 where students received the membership insignia. Sigma Delta Pi’s insignia is the royal seal of Fernando and Isabel, representing Castilla, León and Aragón; its colors are red and gold, its flower the red carnation, and its motto the Greek phrase “Spanías Didagéi Proágomen” meaning “Let’s go forth/continue forth under the teaching/guidance of the Spanish language.”
Sigma Delta Pi honors those who excel in the study of the Spanish language and in the study of the literature and culture of the Spanish-speaking world. Its mission is to foster an understanding, appreciation and respect for the peoples, cultures and societies of the Spanish-speaking world, and to honor those who have promoted and reinforced a better understanding of the contributions of the Spanish-speaking world.
Front row (l-r): Leanne Hanlon ‘22, Joanna Fiorella ‘24, Emma Marzec ‘24, Julianna Falsone ’24, and Max Chew ’24
Back row (Advisers): Dr. Richard Reitsma, Margaret Stefanski
Submitted by: Margaret Stefanski, professor, Modern Languages, Literatures and Cultures
