Introduction to regional studies 4018-KONW24
The seminar covers issues serving as an introduction to regional studies encompassing the Mediterranean region.
The classes are divided into the following topic groups:
1. The Mediterranean. Definition, general characteristics, overview of studies. Cultural phenomenon over the centuries.
2. Geography of the Mediterranean.
3. Regional studies. Elements of methodology.
4. The importance of the Mediterranean in the history of Europe.
With regard to item 4, the following issues were the focus in 2009: the Middle Eastern conflict; Spain in the 19th and 20th centuries; Portugal - Mediterranean or Atlantic country?; the Mediterranean dimension of geographical discoveries; Poland and the Mediterranean.
Students will analyse the most important elements of studies on the Mediterranean region in both a geographical and a cultural, historical and political approach. The seminar will also make use of materials related to the ongoing discussion on the role of the Mediterranean in the contemporary world.
Every year, the seminar is prepared on the basis of my research and the latest literature, especially as regards items 3 and 4. This means that a large part of the literature and sources used in class is subject to change. Whereas the core material offered for analysis, covering the fundamental knowledge the students need to acquire, especially as regards items 1 and 2, remains largely the same, I introduce new topics and sources on the basis of ongoing research.
Type of course
Learning outcomes
Students will:
- have organized knowledge on the culture and language of a selected Mediterranean region;
- have basic knowledge on contemporary cultural life in Poland and in a selected Mediterranean country;
- be able to interpret a work of visual art, also in the context of other sources from a given period;
- be aware of the importance of the ancient heritage in European culture;
- understand the importance of preserving the wealth, integrity and awareness of the cultural heritage of Europe, including individual Mediterranean traditions.
Assessment criteria
Credits will be awarded based on attendance and active participation in classes; allowable absences - 2 per semester.
Bibliography
Podstawowa literatura:
Morze Śródziemne: przestrzeń i historia, ludzie i dziedzictwo, Warszawa 1994;
Zygmunt Kubiak, Zwierciadło Śródziemnomorza: rozmowy z Zygmuntem Kubiakiem, Warszawa 2002;
Władysław Pająk, Państwa Basenu Morza Śródziemnego a nowa architektura bezpieczeństwa europejskiego, Warszawa-Toruń 1996;
The Mediterranean in History, Los Angeles 2003;
Historia świata śródziemnomorskiego, Wrocław 2003;
Z. Bukowski, K. Dąbrowski, Świat kultury europejskiej, Warszawa 1971
oraz liczne fragmenty opracowań, źródeł, a także artykuły.
Zaprezentowane zostaną także filmy związane z tematyką Morza Śródziemnego, które następnie będą analizowane podczas zajęć.
Additional information
Information on level of this course, year of study and semester when the course unit is delivered, types and amount of class hours - can be found in course structure diagrams of apropriate study programmes. This course is related to the following study programmes:
Additional information (registration calendar, class conductors, localization and schedules of classes), might be available in the USOSweb system: