Introduction to Cultural Studies 3301-L1ICSW1

Aims:
1. Instruct students about culture using the perspective of cultural anthropology
2. Allow students better knowledge of English-speaking cultures
3. Encourage conscious participation in culture

Topics:
1. Definitions of culture. Culture and nature.
2. Changes of culture - acculturation, diffusion.
3. Culture and biology - the body in culture.
4. Material culture - the role of artefacts.
5. Material culture - food and clothing as elements of culture.
6. Sexuality, marriage and family.
7. Magic and religion.
8. Power and politics. The concept of modernity.
9. New trends in culture studies: post-colonial studies, eco-criticism etc.

Office hours: Mondays 11.45-13.15 (live or GoogleMeet, please make a prior request by email).

Course coordinators

Term 2026Z:

Dorota Babilas

Term 2024Z:

Dorota Babilas
Paweł Rutkowski

Term 2025Z:

Dorota Babilas
Paweł Rutkowski

Type of course

obligatory courses

Mode

Classroom

Prerequisites (description)

A lecture course for first cycle (BA) students. The use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools in the classroom is governed by the rules set forth in Resolution No. 16 of the Teaching Council for the programs English Studies, English Studies – Linguistics, and English Studies – Literature and Culture of 9 December 2025 (chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https:/drive.usercontent.google.com/download?id=1wKaGcMrfFe5GaziQgxXkHS1e6t9TvQcB&authuser=0&acrobatPromotionSource=gdrive_chrome-list). Any and all use of AI must be reported. It is not permitted to use AI for graded assignments or final projects.

Learning outcomes

Knowledge
The graduate has familiarity with:
K_W01 advanced terminology, theory and research methods corresponding to the state of the art in the disciplines of culture and religion studies within the domain of English Studies
K_W06 complexity and pluralism of cultures, as well as the historical and institutional conditions of culture, especially in relation to English speaking countries, at an advanced level

Abilities
The graduate is able to:
K_U01 apply advanced terminology, theory and research methods corresponding to the state of the art in the disciplines of culture and religion studies within the domain of English Studies
K_U06 recognize and describe at an advanced level the complexity and pluralism of cultures, as well as the historical and institutional conditions of culture, especially in relation to English speaking countries

Social competences
The graduate is ready to:
K_K01 critically appraise their knowledge and content obtained from various sources

Education at language level B2+.

Assessment criteria

- self-assessment tests during the semester
- final written exam (verification W, U)

Bibliography

Ember, Carol R. Melvin Ember, Cultural Anthropology.
Haviland, William A., Cultural Anthropology.
Dominic Strinati, An Introduction to the Theories of Popular Culture.
Kate Fox, Watching the English.