The Inocenc Arnošt Bláha Scholarship is awarded annually for outstanding bachelor’s theses, nominated by the heads of departments for each degree program. Inocenc Arnošt Bláha was a Czech sociologist, educator, and humanities scholar. In 1931, he became the Dean of the Faculty of Arts at Masaryk University. This year’s award ceremony took place on April 22nd as part of Faculty Day. So who are this year’s award recipients?
The Position of Poland’s Law and Justice Party (PiS) on Media Freedom
Program: Security and Strategic Studies
Thesis Supervisor: Mgr. et Mgr. Petra Mlejnková, Ph.D.
The bachelor’s thesis examines the stance of the Polish political party Law and Justice (PiS) on media freedom. Based on a qualitative analysis of statements by party representatives, it identifies and describes the main narratives the party used to legitimize its actions aimed at restricting media freedom.
Traces of the Wolf in Human Culture: A Large Predator and the Human Shepherd in a Shared Landscape
Program: Environmental Studies
Thesis Supervisor: Mgr. et Mgr. Ľuboš Slovák, Ph.D.
The bachelor’s thesis analyzes the relationship between shepherds and grey wolves in a shared cultural landscape. Drawing on a literature-based analysis of historical, cultural, psychological, socio-economic, and other factors, it explores how people’s attitudes toward wolves are shaped and why these attitudes are so difficult to change.
European Women in the Fight Against Fascism: The Case of the Slovak National Uprising
Program: European Studies
Thesis Supervisor: PhDr. Vladimír Černý, Ph.D.
The bachelor’s thesis, written as a historical study, examines the international dimension of women’s participation in the Slovak anti-Ľudák movement and the Slovak National Uprising (SNP), with a particular focus on women from across Europe.
Violations of the Ideal of Motherhood Through the Lens of Tabloids: A Discourse Analysis of Cases of Maternal Violence and Neglect on the Slovak Website Topky.sk
Program: Media Studies and Journalism
Thesis Supervisor: Mgr. et Mgr. Kateřina Kirkosová, Ph.D.
The thesis focuses on the media representation of mothers who have committed violence or have been charged with neglecting their children in tabloid coverage on the Slovak online portal Topky.sk. It examines how the media construct guilt, maternal identity, and deviation from the norm, and how they contribute to maintaining ideological notions of motherhood.
The Future of Nuclear Deterrence in German Security Policy after Zeitenwende
Program: International Relations
Thesis Supervisor: Mgr. Jana Urbanovská, Ph.D.
The thesis examines Germany’s stance on nuclear deterrence in the context of European security following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, which accelerated a fundamental shift in Germany’s approach to defense, referred to as Zeitenwende, despite its long-standing tradition as a civilian power.
From Apathy to Engagement: Exploring Key Drivers of Electoral Participation Among Young and First-Time Voters
Program: Political Science
Thesis Supervisor: Mgr. Otto Eibl, Ph.D.
The thesis examines political participation among young people, focusing on differences between students at grammar schools and vocational secondary schools. Using qualitative research in the form of focus groups, it explores how students perceive politics, elections, and their own civic engagement. The findings show that the type of school plays a significant role in political socialization.
The Effect of Generalized Interpersonal Trust on the Relationship Between Perceived Motivation of the Helper and the Recipient’s Gratitude
Program: Psychology
Thesis Supervisor: Mgr. Jana Fikrlová
The study aimed to examine how generalized interpersonal trust moderates the relationship between the perceived motivation of the helper and the recipient’s state gratitude. The findings showed that generalized interpersonal trust moderates the relationship between perceived motivation to help and the recipient’s state gratitude.
I Don’t Drink: What Do You Think about That?
Program: Social Anthropology
Thesis Supervisor: Irena Kašparová, M.A., Ph.D.
The bachelor’s thesis examines the phenomenon of abstinence in the Czech context, analyzing it through an ethnographic study conducted in a student venue. Drawing on Pierre Bourdieu’s theory, it explores how refusing alcohol disrupts cultural norms, shapes social interactions, and affects interpersonal relationships.
Coping Strategies in Caring for a Child with an Intellectual Disability
Program: Social Work
Thesis Supervisor: Mgr. Daniela Jaklová Střihavková, Ph.D.
The bachelor’s thesis examines coping strategies used by parents of children with intellectual disabilities in the context of everyday care. The theoretical part defines key concepts essential for addressing the main research question: What coping strategies do parents use when caring for a child with an intellectual disability?
“We Are Kometa, You Are Nothing”: The Collective Identity of Ice Hockey Fans
Program: Sociology
Thesis Supervisor: Mgr. Alica Synek Rétiová, Ph.D.
The thesis deals with the formation and maintenance of the collective identity of fans of the Kometa Brno ice hockey club. It is designed as a case study using qualitative content analysis. The theoretical part is structured around the dimensions of the objective and subjective realities of the community and introduces key concepts of collective consciousness and fan agency.
Competencies Required by Employers Compared to the Competencies of University Graduates in Public Administration
Program: Public Policy and Human Resources
Thesis Supervisor: doc. Mgr. Ondřej Hora, Ph.D.
The bachelor’s thesis examines the competencies of university graduates entering employment in the field of public administration, specifically in the context of primary schools. Its aim is to present the issue of competencies required of graduates in this field.
Women’s Protection and Policy Gaps in France: The Challenge of Prostitution
Program: International Relations and European Politics
Thesis Supervisor: Zuzana Ringlerová, Ph.D.
The thesis examines shortcomings in French legislation concerning the protection of sex workers, with a particular focus on the ineffective Prostitution Exit Program (PSP). The research concludes that the most urgent intervention is a comprehensive institutional reform of the PSP.
Patriotism through the Narratives of Czechs Living in the US
Program: Global Challenges: Society, Politics, Environment
Thesis Supervisor: doc. Mgr. et Mgr. Adéla Souralová, Ph.D.
The study explores how Czechs living in the U.S. state of Illinois experience patriotism in relation to both the United States and the Czech Republic. Drawing on interviews and existing literature, it shows that forms of patriotism vary depending on individual experiences and migration generation. The findings suggest that the age at the time of emigration and the historical context of departure play a key role.
Journalistic Norms in Citizen Journalism on Telegram: The Case of the Full-Scale Invasion of Ukraine
Program: Politics, Media and Communication
Thesis Supervisor: doc. Mgr. Alena Kluknavská, Ph.D.
The thesis examines the phenomenon of citizen journalism in the context of wartime Ukraine. It explores how citizen journalists operate on Telegram in terms of how they approach and apply journalistic norms in their reporting. Using content analysis, it identifies how frequently specific kinds of violations of professional journalistic standards occur.
This year’s First Steps with FSS event took place on a Monday for the first time. Despite the hot June weather, the event welcomed the highest number of admitted students in its history on June 22. Guided by their future classmates, participants had the opportunity to learn what they could expect if they studied at the Faculty of Social Studies.
This year’s Dies Academicus took place on a sunny Thursday, May 21st. The traditional academic ceremony, which includes the presentation of Masaryk University Rector’s Awards and Masaryk University Medals, was held in the Karel Engliš Grand Auditorium at the Faculty of Law.
