About
ABOUT
the cosmopolitan review is all about integrating Polish history, thought and culture into the mainstream of the 21st century's globalized reality. It gives voice to different generations of writers of Polish heritage (either living in Poland or of first, second or X-generation emigrés) and to any writer interested in writing about "things Polish".
The idea for CR came at a time of questioning whether the Poland in the Rockies program would continue existing. Organizers and certain alumni alike wondered whether such immense organizational efforts could be sustained without deeper alumni involvement. Spending 11 days in the Canadian Rockies learning about Polish history, culture and politics is great, but what next? How could we keep the spirit of Poland in the Rockies alive between installments of the program?
As I brainstormed ideas with Irene Tomaszewski, program director of Poland in the Rockies, and Judith Browne, a 2008 alumna, we realized that PitR alumni are actually doing a lot. But since we are spread out all over North America and Europe, it can be challenging to keep up with all of this motion. The idea of a newsletter, which then evolved into a review, was thus born.
From Chicago, Montreal, to Toronto, Edmonton, Halifax and even Warsaw, PitR alumni are keeping busy organizing movie screening tours, plays, conferences, as well as radio and television interviews related to things Polish. the cosmopolitan review will not only keep you up-to-date on these events, it will also feature book reviews, news analysis, interviews with academics and commentary from a Polish-American and Polish-Canadian perspective (see the sections description below).
What made PitR so special was not only the high caliber of speakers, but also the quality and diversity of students and young professionals attending the program. They are leaders in their respective professional and academic fields of activities. These individuals are part of a valuable and growing network of dynamic individuals. Such a network is not an option in a globalized world, but a necessity.
So, how are you going to integrate your roots and your history into your mainstream North American and European lives? If you want to contribute, please check our contributor's guidelines. You can also support CR by purchasing advertisement space or donating through our paypal account (please check the bottom left-hand side of this page to express your support).The PitR alumni network is yours. So is the cosmopolitan review. Take advantage of it. Expand it beyond the borders of PitR: contributions won't be limited to its participants.
I believe in education and I believe in the value of programs like Poland in the Rockies. CR is a reflection of that. It was born in times of double crisis: one of identity, one of economics. In face of these crises, let's unite. Let's cultivate our network, and take advantage of it.
Kinia Adamczyk
editor-in-chief
editor [at] cosmopolitanreview.com
About the different sections
Musings is a section of first-person pieces open to columnists and aspiring or beginning writers.
biPOLar is also a first-person section for writers with Polish roots, who grew up outside of Poland. Pieces in this section should be thought-provoking and aim to promote intercultural dialogue and understanding of the richness and complexity of growing up with a hiphenated personality.
History pieces are self-explanatory, don't you think? They must be grounded in solid facts and knowledge gathered from specialists. Ideally, they should be active pieces, in the sense that the facts presented should help to explain present behavior and solutions for resolving current affairs problems related to Poland.
Features are based on thorough reporting and supported by facts.
A few words with ... is a Q & A section with a specialist or prominent personality in "things Polish" (history, art, culture, politics, current affairs...). It is a verbatim account of an interview.
Spotlight on alumni is a section featuring the works, achievements, projects and personalities of Poland in the Rockies alumni.
CR recommends ... features events and cultural products (books, magazines, plays...) the editorial team believes to be fabulous.
Conversations is also a Q & A format with a specialist or prominent personality in "things Polish", but more informal in style.
Books, music and film reviews feature the work of fantastic artists: Polish or doing work related to Poland.
Poetry: self-explanatory.
Travel pieces must be done with a twist. We like something off the beaten path. Innovative. Through the eyes of the locals. Adventurous, spicy, insightful. Absolutely nothing less.
Events focus on hip happenings. Shaken, stirred, and of course, with a zest of "things Polish".
