Profile

Michal Plzak (b. 1963) studied theology at Charles University in Prague and theology, Jewish studies, and philosophy in Great Britain (Cambridge and London University). Between 1991 and 2002 he was minister of the Protestant Church in East Bohemia and in Prague.

He works as editor-in-chief in a Publishing House in Prague since 2002. In 1997 he submitted the study 'Antijudaism as a Challenge to the Present-day Theology.' He is a co-writer of several books. In 2013 he co-wrote a book on "Forgotten Transports" from the Protectorate of Bohemia and Moravia. As a co-author he published Pro smrt uděláno (Made for Death) in 2021 – in this book, he discusses understanding death in modern times. The book was nominated for the annual book award Magnesia Litera in 2022.

He writes reviews for the website aktualne.cz:
https://www.aktualne.cz/autori/michal-plzak/l~eb692d960ea211e982ca0cc47ab5f122/

He has been teaching at UPCES since 2008. His main research interests are the decision-making processes in the Holocaust and the sociological and moral reflections of the Shoah today. What he enjoys most in his classes is an open discussion that turns into a process of thinking. Apart from history, he loves literature, music, and writing for his own enjoyment.                                                                                                 

 Courses

•  Comprehending the Holocaust

Get to Know Your Professor

1. How did you become interested in your subject and why did you want to teach it?
   • Oh... Long story that began - who really understands beginnings of these beginnings - some 35 years ago while studying in England. I had to start studying the Holocaust in the country that had nor experienced it... I teach it since it is fascinating subject that covers tons more than just a tragic period of modern history. It is an existential quest.
2. I'm thinking about pursuing a career in your field. What advice can you give me?
   • Be prepared that your days might get darkened with a cloud that dissolves illusions about yourself and your society. But your nights might as well be pierced by a trust that you do not belong to yourself and your despair only.
3. If you were not an academic, what career would you want to pursue?
   • Being a musician of a sort.
4. What is your favorite café/restaurant in Prague?
   • For cofffe and sweets Kumbal café in Holesovice, for beer Na Hradcanske in Dejvice, for beer and chatting with friends U Kruhu right in the centre.
5. What fictional character would you like to meet?
   • 1/ Tintin and Captain Haddock.
     2/ Johanna (from Visions of Johanna by Bob Dylan)
     3/ Molly (from James Joyce´s The Ulysses)