Introduction to research on the culture of the region 3224-D1WBKR

Learning Outcomes
Knowledge: upon completing the course, the student knows and understands:

-at an advanced level, the student is familiar with the terminology of cultural studies, taking into account the research perspective of Central and Eastern Europe (directions, texts, researchers in the field of cultural studies) and the specifics of the development of these disciplines in the countries of the region; the student also has the knowledge of the terminology of related disciplines, necessary for understanding cultural phenomena in the countries of the region (K_W02)

-at an advanced level, the student understands the specifics of various models of culture from an anthropological perspective (traditional, noble, bourgeois, mass), their processes of transformation, mutual relationships, and their manifestations in the symbolic and semiotic spheres, i.e., in the realms of culture and art, literature, and the history of Central and Eastern European countries (K_W03)

-at an advanced level, the student understands issues related to the formation of national and religious relations, as well as social, political, and economic relations, including the creation and development of various forms of individual entrepreneurship in the Central and Eastern European region (K_W06)

-at an advanced level, the student has a broad understanding of the intercultural context; possesses knowledge of humans as agents constructing social structures and cultural products; is aware of the principles governing them and the resulting differences in social perception among representatives of different nationalities, ideological and religious groups, and variously defined minorities (K_W07)

-at an advanced level, the student understands the principles of operation of cultural and national heritage institutions and is familiar with contemporary cultural life and its entanglements in political and social discourses in at least two selected countries of Central and Eastern Europe (K_W10).

Skills: upon completing the course, the student is able to:

- search for, select, analyze, and use the information needed from various sources to prepare assigned tasks and readings in the field of cultural studies of the Central and Eastern European region (K_U01)

- develop research skills, independently acquire knowledge while utilizing the guidance of a supervisor; to formulate thoughts skillfully and present research results in oral or written form (of various types) on topics related to the culture of the region (K_U03)

- conduct a critical analysis of cultural products characteristic of a given era in the development of two selected Central and Eastern European countries; to identify different types of cultural products from the countries of Central and Eastern Europe, analyze them, and distinguish various perspectives on cultural development, being aware of differences in cultural identities and contexts (K_U05)

- independently prepare written and oral presentations, in Polish and a foreign language, on selected topics concerning the issues of the countries of the region in the context of regional cultural studies, and to present the results of their work to the group (K_U08).

Social competences: upon completing the course, the student is prepared:

- to set priorities that support the implementation of tasks arising from their own and shared social responsibilities, and is able to consciously organize actions to effectively contribute to achieving team and social goals (K_K03).

The course is conducted in the form of a seminar (conversation-based class).The course concludes with a graded assessment. According to the study programme, in addition to regular preparation for classes (reading assigned texts and studies), a short written assignment on a topic assigned by the instructor is also required.
A prerequisite for being admitted to the final assessment is mandatory attendance. The assessment will verify knowledge of the material covered during the semester. The final grade consists of:
- substantive responses to ongoing questions during classes based on the assigned material and regular preparation of readings (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 the classes, the instructor monitors student activity, and due to the seminar format, students are encouraged to participate as actively as possible. Short unannounced quizzes on the assigned readings may also be conducted.
The use of artificial intelligence tools in written assignments and presentations is regulated by §3 and §4 of Resolution No. 98 of the University Teaching Council dated 8 December 2023.
Since one of the fundamental skills developed in the programme is proficiency in written Polish, particularly in academic style, the use of AI systems for preparing, correcting, or editing texts is prohibited. Students may use AI tools only in situations explicitly permitted by the instructor.

Milan Kundera, Zachód porwany albo tragedia Europy Środkowej, W.A.B., 2023
Josef Kroutvor, Europa Środkowa. Anegdota i historia, Świat Literacki, 1998.
Ernest Gellner, Narody i nacjonalizm, Warszawa 2009
Granice i ograniczenia. O doświadczeniu granic i ich przekraczaniu, pod red. Marka Szulakiewicza, Toruń 2010.

A detailed bibliography for each topic will be provided during the classes.

Additional information (registration calendar, class conductors, localization and schedules of classes), might be available in the USOSweb system:

• Description of 3224-D1WBKR in USOSweb