Polish Footprint Sofia: creating an interactive map of heritage and Polish-Bulgarian relations 3224-PRZEDF102
Course Description
The course is delivered in a project-based and implementation-oriented format following the living lab approach, in cooperation with the Embassy of the Republic of Poland in Sofia. Its objective is to design and develop an interactive map presenting Polish sites, traces of Polish cultural heritage, and the contemporary presence of Poland in Sofia.
The programme combines a teaching component (workshops and seminars) with team-based project work. During the instructional part of the course, students become familiar with methods of diagnosing socio-spatial challenges, the foundations of digital humanities, digital mapping tools, as well as the principles of user experience (UX) design and visual communication.
The project component covers all stages of the implementation process: analysing the needs of the external partner, conducting field research in Sofia (including site mapping, interviews, and documentation), developing a project concept, creating prototypes, and producing the final digital product.
Course Topics:
The course covers, among others, the following topics:
• digital mapping and visualization of spatial data;
• cultural heritage and place-based memory;
• design of digital services and tools;
• cross-sectoral collaboration (public institution–student cooperation);
• qualitative research methods in urban environments.
Teaching Methods
The course is conducted in a workshop- and project-based format. Students work in project teams and complete tasks using the methodologies of project-based learning (PBL) and design thinking.
Workshop and project activities include:
• methodological and digital tools workshops;
• consultations with the course instructor and the external partner;
• fieldwork conducted in Sofia;
• design, development, and testing of the proposed solution.
A key element of the course is direct cooperation with the Embassy of the Republic of Poland and engagement with local stakeholders, including Polish community organizations and the Polish Institute in Sofia. This enables students to work within the framework of a real-life implementation project and gain hands-on experience in addressing authentic institutional and societal needs.
Student Workload
• Contact hours (classes and workshops): 40 hours – 1.5 ECTS
• Project work: 30 hours – 1 ECTS
• Independent student work: 30 hours – 1.5 ECTS
Total workload: 100 hours – 4 ECTS credits
Student workload includes:
Classroom participation – 40 hours (1,5 ECTS)
Project – 30 hours (1 ECTS)
Students self working hours – 30 (1,5 ECTS)
Course coordinators
Mode
General: Blended learning | Term 2026Z: Classroom and field classes |
Learning outcomes
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge
The student:
• knows the basic methods of diagnosing socio-economic problems in a local context (reference to programme learning outcome: K_W09);
• understands the significance of cultural heritage in urban spaces (reference to programme learning outcome: K_W09);
• knows the tools and stages involved in the implementation of applied (implementation-oriented) projects (reference to programme learning outcome: K_W09);
• possesses knowledge of digital methods for mapping and presenting data (reference to programme learning outcome: K_W09).
Skills
The student:
• is able to identify the needs of an external partner and translate them into a project-based solution (reference to programme learning outcome: K_U06);
• conducts field research, including interviews, observations, and documentation (reference to programme learning outcome: K_U01);
• designs and co-creates an interactive map using digital tools (reference to programme learning outcome: K_U11);
• communicates using various communication channels and techniques, including translation techniques,
in Polish and a foreign language with specialists on cultural, literary, linguistic, and historical topics related to the countries of the region (reference to programme learning outcome: K_U7);
• works effectively in a team on an implementation-oriented project (reference to programme learning outcomes: K_U08, K_U10);
Wiedza (student zna i rozumie):
Wiedza Student/ka:
• zna podstawowe metody diagnozy problemów społeczno-gospodarczych w kontekście lokalnym (odniesienie do efektów kierukowych: K_W09)
• rozumie znaczenie dziedzictwa kulturowego w przestrzeni miejskiej (odniesienie do efektów kierukowych: K_W09)
-zna narzędzia i etapy realizacji projektów wdrożeniowych (odniesienie do efektów kierukowych: K_W09)
• posiada wiedzę o cyfrowych metodach mapowania i prezentacji danych (odniesienie do efektów kierukowych: K_W09)
Umiejętności Student/ka:
• potrafi zidentyfikować potrzeby partnera zewnętrznego i przełożyć je na rozwiązanie projektowe (odniesienie do efektów kierunkowych: K_U06)
• prowadzi badania terenowe (wywiady, obserwacje, dokumentacja) (odniesienie do efektów kierunkowych: K_U01)
• projektuje i współtworzy interaktywną mapę z wykorzystaniem narzędzi cyfrowych (odniesienie do efektów kierunkowych: K_U11)
• porozumiewa się za pomocą różnych kanałów i technik komunikacyjnych, w tym technik translatorskich,
w języku polskim i obcym ze specjalistami na tematy kulturoznawcze, literaturoznawcze, językoznawcze, historyczne dotyczące krajów regionu (odniesienie do efektów kierunkowych: K_U07)
• pracuje zespołowo nad projektem o charakterze wdrożeniowym (odniesienie do efektów kierunkowych: K_U08, K_U10)
• komunikuje wyniki pracy w sposób profesjonalny (prezentacje, raporty, produkt cyfrowy) (odniesienie do efektów kierunkowych: K_U08)
Kompetencje społeczne i społeczno-przedsiębiorcze Student/ka:
• jest gotowy/a do współpracy z instytucjami publicznymi i interesariuszami społecznymi (odniesienie do efektów kierunkowych: K_K02)
• wykazuje inicjatywę i odpowiedzialność za realizację projektu (odniesienie do efektów kierunkowych: K_K02)
• potrafi działać w środowisku międzykulturowym (odniesienie do efektów kierunkowych: K_K02)
• rozumie znaczenie działań na rzecz społeczności lokalnej (odniesienie do efektów kierunkowych: K_K01)
Kompetencje cyfrowe (kluczowe) Student/ka:
• wykorzystuje narzędzia cyfrowe do analizy i prezentacji danych (odniesienie do efektów kierunkowych: K_K01)
• projektuje rozwiązania cyfrowe odpowiadające na realne potrzeby użytkowników (odniesienie do efektów kierunkowych: K_K02)
• krytycznie ocenia jakość i użyteczność narzędzi cyfrowych (odniesienie do efektów kierunkowych: K_K01)
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge
The student:
• knows the basic methods of diagnosing socio-economic problems in a local context (reference to programme learning outcome: K_W09);
• understands the significance of cultural heritage in urban spaces (reference to programme learning outcome: K_W09);
• knows the tools and stages involved in the implementation of applied (implementation-oriented) projects (reference to programme learning outcome: K_W09);
• possesses knowledge of digital methods for mapping and presenting data (reference to programme learning outcome: K_W09).
Skills
The student:
• is able to identify the needs of an external partner and translate them into a project-based solution (reference to programme learning outcome: K_U06);
• conducts field research, including interviews, observations, and documentation (reference to programme learning outcome: K_U01);
• designs and co-creates an interactive map using digital tools (reference to programme learning outcome: K_U11);
• communicates using various communication channels and techniques, including translation techniques,
in Polish and a foreign language with specialists on cultural, literary, linguistic, and historical topics related to the countries of the region (reference to programme learning outcome: K_U7);
• works effectively in a team on an implementation-oriented project (reference to programme learning outcomes: K_U08, K_U10);
• communicates project outcomes professionally through presentations, reports, and digital products (reference to programme learning outcome: K_U08).
Social and Entrepreneurial Competences
The student:
• is prepared to cooperate with public institutions and social stakeholders (reference to programme learning outcome: K_K02);
• demonstrates initiative and responsibility in project implementation (reference to programme learning outcome: K_K02);
• is able to function effectively in an intercultural environment (reference to programme learning outcome: K_K02);
• understands the importance of activities undertaken for the benefit of local communities (reference to programme learning outcome: K_K01).
Digital Competences (Key Competences)
The student:
• uses digital tools for data analysis and presentation (reference to programme learning outcome: K_K01);
• designs digital solutions that respond to real user needs (reference to programme learning outcome: K_K02);
• critically evaluates the quality and usefulness of digital tools (reference to programme learning outcome: K_K01).
Assessment criteria
I. The organization of classes:
1) Attendance at all classes, covered by the plan, shall be compulsory.
2) It is not possible to have a resit if the reason of failing the credit was noncompliance with the requirement to participate in them. In such a case a student can be conditionally registered in an successive stage of study and can repeat the failed course.
3) In case of 30 hours in semester, 2 absences without justifying are acceptable. Missed classes must be made up in accordance with the requirements of the lecturer. The requirements are provided by the lecturer during the first class.
Assessment Criteria
Course assessment is project-based and relies on both teamwork and the individual engagement of each student.
Assessment Methods
• evaluation of the final project (interactive map);
• evaluation of the project development process, including research activities and documentation;
• final presentation of the project to the external partner;
• assessment of teamwork and individual contribution.
Assessment Criteria
• relevance of the proposed solution to the needs of the external partner – 40%;
• quality and functionality of the digital product – 20%;
• innovation and practical usefulness of the project – 20%;
• quality of teamwork and communication – 20%.
Components of the Final Grade
The final grade is based on:
• participation in classes: 40 hours (1.5 ECTS);
• preparation for classes, including project work, research activities, and independent study: 60 hours (2.5 ECTS).
Total workload: 100 hours (4 ECTS credits).
In order to obtain a positive grade for the semester, students must prepare one presentation on a selected topic and demonstrate active participation during classes.
Grading system:
99 – 100% - 5 (excellent)
93 - 98% - 5 (very good)
87 - 92% - 4,5 (fairly good)
77 - 86% - 4 (good)
71 - 76% - 3,5 (satisfactory plus)
60 - 70% - 3 (satisfactory)
Bibliography
The literature discussed will be verified on an ongoing basis by the lecturer.