Introduction to Cultural Studies of Central and Eastern Europe 3224-D1WBKR
During the course, key theoretical categories
and methodological approaches drawn from the history of ideas
and cultural history will be presented, which form the foundation of knowledge for specialists
dealing with cultural issues in the region.
The programme includes an analysis of reflections on Central and Eastern Europe as a cultural area, along with a discussion of
the criteria for its distinction. Selected scientific concepts concerning such phenomena as, among others,
nation, nationalism, and forms and aspects of social life — including
the state, civil society, religion and religious relations,
the state, civil society, religion and religious relations,
the role of the intelligentsia in the social structure, national and local culture,
cultural identity, borders, multiculturalism, social resistance,
counterculture, contestation and the institutionalisation of culture.
The analysis of these issues will be set in the context of
the most important trends and contemporary theoretical concepts in cultural history research.
Proposed topics for the course blocks:
1) Introduction to the cultural history of Central and Eastern Europe
(key theoretical categories, chronological and geographical framework of the region)
2) Visions of Europe and the region's place in Europe (concepts of Central and Eastern Europe
in the humanities, stereotypes from a European perspective)
3) Borders and cultural space (geographical, political and symbolic borders, the region as a space of contact and tension)
4) Cultural and national identity (differences and similarities, the concept of nation and nationalism, identity in selected countries of the region)
5) State, society and institutions (selected examples in the context of countries in the region)
6) Religiosity and religious relations (religion as an element of culture and identification, the influence of religion on social life)
7) National and local culture (traditions, folklore, literature, theatre, film and music in a local and national context)
8) Multiculturalism and migration (migration and society)
9) The role of the intelligentsia and cultural elites (intellectual, literary and ideological movements in Central and Eastern Europe – examples)
10) Social resistance (counterculture and contestation, forms of opposition to authority and social norms)
11) Rituals and symbols in Central and Eastern Europe (the role of holidays,
ceremonies and practices in shaping identity, analysis of symbolism in everyday life and art)
12) Analysis of artistic and media works (film, theatre, literature
as a source of knowledge about the culture of the region, based on selected examples)
13) History of ideas and theories of culture (selected schools and theoretical concepts
in the context of the region – examples)
14) Institutionalisation of culture (festivals, museums and the importance of
institutions in regional studies – selection)
Student workload:
Classroom participation – 30 hours (1 ECTS)
Class preparation – 30 hours (1 ECTS)
Final assignment preparation – 60 hours (2 ECTS)
The course is conducted within the “Integrated Teaching & Learning Development Programme – ZIP 2.0”, which is co-financed by the European Social Fund – the European Funds for Social Development Programme 2021–2027 (FERS) (contract no.: FERS.01.05-IP.08-0365/23-00).
Type of course
Mode
Course coordinators
Learning outcomes
Knowledge: the student knows and understands:
- has a basic knowledge of cultural studies terminology, including the specifics of its development in Central and Eastern Europe.
Is familiar with the main research directions,
the most important texts and key representatives of this
field in the region. They also understand the basic concepts and terms of related disciplines (such as sociology,
cultural anthropology, and the history of ideas), which are necessary for
the analysis and interpretation of cultural phenomena in the countries of Central and Eastern Europe
(K_W02)
- in a basic sense, various models of culture presented from an anthropological perspective, such as traditional,
noble, bourgeois and mass culture. Understands the general characteristics of these
models, their transformations throughout history and how they have influenced each other.
Is able to recognise how these forms of
culture manifest themselves in symbols, signs and images present
in the cultural space – in the art, literature and history of Central and Eastern European countries
Central and Eastern Europe (K_W03)
- at a basic level, issues related to the formation of
national, religious, socio-political and economic relations in the region of Central and Eastern Europe (K_W06)
- a basic understanding of the broadly understood intercultural context
; has knowledge about humans as entities
constructing social structures and cultural artefacts, is
aware of the principles of their functioning and the resulting differences in the perception of social life by representatives of different
nationalities, ideological and religious groups, and variously
understood minorities in the culture of the region (K_W07)
- has a basic understanding of the principles of the activities of cultural and national heritage institutions and is familiar with contemporary cultural life
and its involvement in the political and social discourses of the Central and Eastern European region (K_W10)
Skills: the student is able to:
- search for, select, analyse and use the necessary
information from various sources needed to prepare
assigned tasks and readings in the field of cultural research in the region
of Central and Eastern Europe (K_U01)
- develop their research skills, independently acquire
knowledge with the support of a supervisor; skilfully
formulate thoughts, present research results in the form of oral
or written statements (of various types) on the culture of the region
(K_U03)
- conduct a critical analysis of cultural products specific to
a given era in the development of two selected countries of Central and
Eastern Europe; recognise different types of cultural products of countries
Central and Eastern Europe, analyse them,
distinguish between different perspectives on cultural development, being
aware of the existence of cultural identity differences and context
(K_U05)
- independently prepare a written and oral presentation, in Polish
and a foreign language, on selected topics related to the issues of countries
in the region in the light of research on the culture of the region, and present
the results of their work to the group (K_U08)
Social competences: the student is ready to:
- set priorities for the implementation of tasks set by
themselves and others in the field of social commitments
(K_K03)
Assessment criteria
The course is conducted in the form of a seminar.
The course ends with a graded assessment. In accordance with the study programme, in addition to ongoing preparation for classes (reading assigned texts and studies), a short written assignment on a topic set by the lecturer is also required.
In order to pass the course, students are required to attend classes in accordance with the Detailed Rules of Study at the Faculty of Applied Linguistics (Resolution No. 114 of the Faculty Council of 19 December 2017).
The assessment will include verification of knowledge of the material discussed in class during the semester.
The final grade for the course consists of:
- substantive answers to questions asked during class based on the material, preparation of current reading material (50%)
- written assignment (50%).
Grading scale:
0%-49% - 2
50%-60% - 3
61%-70% - 3+
71%-80% - 4
81%-90% - 4+
91%-100% - 5
Additional knowledge - 5+
During classes, the lecturer monitors activity, and due to the conversational nature of the classes, students are encouraged to participate as actively as possible. A short unannounced test may also be conducted during classes,
concerning the preparation of the assigned reading.
The use of artificial intelligence tools in written work and final presentations is governed by the provisions of § 3 and 4 of Resolution No. 98 of the University Council for Education of 8 December 2023. Due to the fact that one of the basic skills acquired in this field of study is the efficient use of written Polish, and in particular scientific style, the use of artificial intelligence systems for the preparation, correction and editing of texts is prohibited. Students may use AI tools only in situations
where the lecturer allows their use.
Bibliography
A detailed bibliography for each topic will be provided during the classes.
Additional information
Additional information (registration calendar, class conductors, localization and schedules of classes), might be available in the USOSweb system: