Conducted in terms: 2025Z, 2026Z

Erasmus code: 14.6

ISCED code: 0312

ECTS credits: 2

Language: Polish

Organized by: Faculty of Political Science and International Studies (for: University of Warsaw)

Related to study programmes:

Civilization and culture of Latin America 2100-MON-CKAL-OG

This course aims to introduce the complex and multifaceted issues related to Latin American culture and civilization. Its goal is to provide an overview of various theories related to Latin American culture and their practical applications in the region.

The course will be divided into three parts. The first will present various theories regarding the perception and analysis of Latin American culture. Many concepts have emerged in the region that seek to challenge Eurocentric and Western perspectives on this issue. The second part will present specific case studies. Finally, the third part will provide students with the opportunity to apply the presented theories and concepts in practice.

1. Organizational Activities
* Introduction to the Issues
* What is Culture and Civilization
* Postcolonial Theory

2. The Process of Colonization and Hybridization of American Societies
* Latin American Cultural Theories
* Representation

3. The Power of Constructing Representations as Exemplified by Polish Travel Films About America

4. Latin American Music

5. Latin American Cuisine

6. Gender in America

7. "Indians," Creoles, and the Other

8. Case Studies - Constructing Stereotypes

9. Case Studies - Cultural Sensitivity

10. Course Completion

Student Activity/ Hourly Load
Contact Hours: Participation in in-class seminars – load: 20 hours
Contact Hours: Participation in exam sessions and consultations (during on-call hours) – load: 5 hours
Independent Work: Studying Literature and Preparing for Current Classes – load: 20 hours h
Independent work: Teamwork, preparing a multimedia presentation - workload: 15 h
Independent work: Independent study and preparation for the test exam - workload: 15 h
TOTAL STUDENT WORKLOAD (h): 75 hours

Course coordinators

Marcin Gawrycki

Type of course

general courses

Mode

Classroom

Prerequisites (description)

A student entering the course should have basic knowledge of social studies and history at the high school level, demonstrate the ability to critically read journalistic and scientific texts, have the ability to synthesize them, and be able to work in a group on a project.

Learning outcomes

KNOWLEDGE
Has basic knowledge of Latin American civilization.
Has knowledge of theories and concepts describing the cultural complexity of Latin America.
SKILLS
Analyzes the history of Latin American civilization in the broader context of world history, identifying factors shaping endemic historical processes and external influences on this region.
Identifies the differences between the Iberian and Anglo-Saxon colonization and civilization projects.
Can competently prepare scholarly material on key issues facing selected American countries.
SOCIAL COMPETENCES
Is prepared to perform professional tasks requiring knowledge of Latin American culture.
Is prepared to continue their education at a post-graduate level.
Can prepare a competent social project relating to the American continent, while maintaining sensitivity to cultural differences.

Assessment criteria

Formal requirements for passing (requirements and achievements necessary to pass the course)
• In accordance with the study regulations, classes are mandatory. Absences can be excused by presenting a medical certificate.
• Obtaining a minimum of 51/100 points, including passing the written final exam with a minimum score of 51% (26 points).
• Mandatory preparation and presentation of a group project.

Method of verifying the subject learning outcomes;

1. Final Exam (Written final test – closed and semi-open questions)
- Assigned weight and point value: 50% of the final grade (Maximum 50 points)
2. Group Project (max. 2 people) (Multimedia presentation and public speaking)
- Assigned weight and point value: 30% of the final grade (Maximum 30 points)
3. Assessment of Ongoing Activity (Participation in discussions, workshop tasks based on the readings, alternatively a discussion during the teaching office hours or preparation of additional written assignments)
- Assigned weight and point value: 20% of the final grade (Maximum 20 points)
TOTAL: All of the above outcomes: 100% / Maximum 100 points

Grading Scale:
• 0 – 50 points: Grade 2.0 (unsatisfactory) – failure to achieve the minimum learning outcomes for the course. • 51–58 points: Score 3.0 (sufficient) – minimal, reproducible fulfillment of the criteria. • 59–65 points: Score 3.5 (sufficient plus) – correct definition of most terms. • 66–74 points: Score 4.0 (good) – independent analysis of political structures and processes. • 75–86 points: Score 4.5 (good plus) – high activity, fluent use of literature. • 87–100 points: Score 5.0 (very good) – outstanding knowledge and originality of the project.

8. Teaching Methods
The following teaching methods are used during the course, which implement the assigned learning outcomes. Method
1. Conversational lecture
2. Moderated discussion
3. Project method (two-person teams)
4. Case study analysis

Bibliography

E. S. Urbański, Hispanoameryka i jej cywilizacje. Hispanoamerykanie i Angloamerykanie, Warszawa 1981;

L. Zea, Filozofia dziejów Ameryki, Warszawa 1999.

I. Curyło-Gonzalez, Człowiek i świat wartości w Mezoameryce. Toltekowie, Majowie, Aztekowie, Warszawa 2003.

M. Rostworowska, Historia państw Inków, Warszawa 2004.

J. P. Magidowicz, Historia poznania Ameryki Środkowej i Południowej, Warszawa 1979.

H. Miller, A. P. Nasatir, Dzieje Ameryki Łacińskiej, Warszawa 1969.

A. Tarczyński, Wartości i postawy w obliczu zderzenia systemów kulturowych. Hiszpańscy zdobywcy XVI w. wobec Nowego Świata, Bydgoszcz 2001.

T. Łepkowski, (red.), Dzieje Ameryki Łacińskiej, Warszawa 1977.

W. Dobrzycki, Historia stosunków międzynarodowych 1815–1945, Warszawa 2005.

M. Kula, Historia Brazylii, Wrocław 1987.

M.F. Gawrycki (red), Dzieje kultury latynoamerykańskiej, Warszawa 2009.

M.F. Gawrycki, Uwikłane obrazy. Hollywoodzki film a stosunki międzynarodowe, Warszawa 2011.

M.F. Gawrycki, W pogoni za wyobrażeniami. Próba analizy polskiej literatury podróżniczej poświęconej Ameryce Łacińskiej, Warszawa 2010.

M.F. Gawrycki, Podglądając Innego. Trawelebryci w Ameryce Łacińskiej, Warszawa 2011.

M.F. Gawrycki (red.), Strategia mimikry. Ameryka Łacińska (i nie tylko) w ujęciu postkolonialnym, Warszawa 2012.

Gandhi L., Teoria postkolonialna, Poznań 2008.

Loomba A., Kolonializm/Postkolonializm, Poznań 2011.

Chakrabarty D., Prowincjonalizacja Europy, Poznań 2011.

Gawrycki M.F, Szeptycki A., Podporządkowanie–niedorozwój–wyobcowanie. Postkolonializm a stosunki międzynarodowe, Warszawa 2011.

Mitchell T., Egipt na wystawie świata, Warszawa 2001.

Wolf E., Ludy bez historii, Kraków 2009.

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: