Introduction to culture studies 3300-WdK-MSF-1-ZIP

The aim of the course Introduction to Cultural Studies is to present the key concepts and theoretical frameworks within the field of contemporary cultural studies, as well as to develop students’ skills in critical analysis of cultural texts and independent research practices. The course serves as a foundation for further, more advanced studies in the field.
The course covers the following theoretical approaches and traditions:
- material culture
- Marxism and the Frankfurt School
- psychoanalysis
- structuralism and semiology
- poststructuralism and deconstruction
- postmodernism
- feminism and queer theory
- postcolonial theory
- ecocriticism and posthumanism
- media and mediatization

Particular attention is devoted to the impact of digital technologies – such as the Internet, social media, and artificial intelligence – on the processes of cultural production, reception, and interpretation. Contemporary cultural practices are analysed in their digital dimension, with an introduction to digital tools and methods used in cultural and media research (e.g. social media content analysis, cultural network mapping, and data visualisation).

Throughout the course, students learn to critically interpret various types of cultural texts – verbal and non-verbal, visual and audiovisual – applying appropriate methodologies and research tools introduced during the lectures and workshops. The course enhances students’ awareness of cultural phenomena and processes while developing their capacity for critical thinking and clear, concise self-expression in both oral and written forms.

Type of course

obligatory courses

Prerequisites (description)

(in Polish) Zajęcia realizowane w ramach projektu „Zintegrowany Program Rozwoju Dydaktyki – ZIP 2.0”, współfinansowanego ze środków Europejskiego Funduszu Społecznego – Program Fundusze Europejskie dla Rozwoju Społecznego 2021–2027 (FERS) (nr umowy: FERS.01.05-IP.08-0365/23-00).

Learning outcomes

K_W01 The student has the knowledge and understanding of the place and the meaning of studies on culture and religion.
K_W04 The student has an advanced knowledge and understanding of the specialist terminology, methodology, subject, and research trends which are characteristic of studies on culture and religion.
K_W06 The student has the knowledge and understanding of multifaceted relations of studies on culture and religion with literary studies.
K_W07 The student has the knowledge and understanding of the methods of analysis and the diversity of interpretation techniques of various texts of culture from the perspective of various approaches within studies on culture and religion.
K_W12 The student has the knowledge and understanding of the significance of multiculturality in building the identity of the individual and the society.
K_U01 The student can apply basic theoretical constructs which are characteristic of the studies of culture and religion.
K_U08 The student can apply selected tools of digital humanities in professional work.
K_U09 The student can communicate with the help of various channels and communicative strategies with specialists of studies on culture and religion.
K_K02 The student is ready to participate in the culture by means of various forms and channels.
K_K03 The student can adopt and promote an attitude of openness towards different cultures in the spirit of tolerance and plurality.
K_K04 The student is ready to show respect and care for preserving cultural heritage.

Assessment criteria

The course employs a range of teaching methods, including:
problem-based discussions
case studies
group projects
elements of the flipped classroom
presentations and practical exercises using digital tools
The course enables students to understand culture in both its traditional and contemporary – particularly digital – dimensions

- average score from two tests
- in- and out-of-class active participation (forum discussions)
- attendance
- regular homework assignments (written and oral)
Evaluation criteria (4): - depth of research; - extent of knowledge; - familiarity with terminology; - active participation and creativity
Retake in an oral mode during consultation hours.
Two absences in a semester allowed.
The form and criteria of passing the course are susceptible to change in accordance with the epidemic situation. Equivalent conditions of passing will be determined on the basis of official regulations established at the University of Warsaw and after approval from Students.

Bibliography

Baldwin E., Longhurst B., McCracken S., Ogborn M., Smith G., Wstęp do kulturoznawstwa, Poznań 2007;
Barker C., Studia kulturowe, przeł. A. Sadza, Kraków 2005;
Dant, T. Kultura materialna w rzeczywistości społecznej, Wyd. UJ, 2003;
Fiedorczuk, J., Cyborg w ogrodzie, Katedra, 2015;
Fiske, J., Zrozumieć kulturę popularną, Kraków 2010;
Harari, Y. N., Sapiens. Od zwierząt do ludzi, Wyd. Literackie, 2015;
Perspektywy badań nad kulturą, red. R. Kluszczyński, A. Zeidler-Janiszewska, Łódź 2008;
Storey, J. Studia kulturowe i badania kultury popularnej, Kraków, 2003;
Strinati, D. Wprowadzenie do kultury popularnej, Poznań 1998;
Szpunar, M., Czym są nowe media - próba konceptualizacji, Studia Medioznawcze 4 (35) 2008.
Świerkocki, M., Postmodernizm. Paradygmat nowej kultury, Wyd. UŁ, 1997;
Tożsamość kulturoznawstwa, red. Pankowicz A., Rokicki J., Plichta P., Kraków 2008.
Young, R.J.C., Postkolonializm. Wprowadzenie, Wyd. UJ, 2012.

Additional information

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

Description of 3300-WdK-MSF-1-ZIP in USOSweb