From spoon and canoe to smartphone and chips: axiosemiotic and functional-structural analysis of material things 3402-10OŁSS

https://badamykulture.pl

Class Topics:
1. Explaining the workshop principles. Gathering workshop participants' knowledge of material culture. Creating a catalog of topics derived from the reference material for further use.
Homework: Searching for additional literature.

2. Introduction - necessary concepts: thing, object, materiality, function, value, utility, need, types of objects, biography and history of objects.
Homework: Selecting inventories for further work.

3. Discussing inventories - the difficulties and advantages of preparing them. Projects for typologies of objects. Homework: Valuing one's own inventory.

4. Economic value of items collected in inventories. Simulation of an auction of objects with theoretical commentary. Homework: Valuing partners' inventories.

5. Discussing the results of the previous exercise. History of objects. Material culture as a Kroeberian mixture. Exercise on a selected example. Homework: Preparing a history of objects from one's own or a partner's inventory.
6. The parable of the ghost Woof. Exercise: The cognitive function of things – what things say about themselves and what about their owner. Homework: A description of the cognitive function of one's partner's inventory.

7. Discussion of the results of the previous exercise. The conative function (appeal) – how things compel us to act. References to theory. Homework: A description of one's own inventory.

8. Discussion of the results of the previous exercise. The phatic function – signaling social identity (me), position, roles, and affiliation. Homework: A description of one's partner's inventory.

9. Discussion of the results of the previous exercise. The magical function: talismans, mascots, bad omens; granted power versus inherent power; commercialization of magic. Homework: Collect and describe examples of the categories discussed during the workshop.

10. Discussion of the results of the previous exercise. The aesthetic function: beautiful versus ugly things; the issue of garbage and waste; a matter of taste. Homework: Select and describe objects from both main categories.
11. Discuss the results of the previous exercise. Connecting aesthetics with emotions. The complexities of aesthetic judgments - generational differences. Homework: Select and describe items that serve a masking function - what is being masked and why; items that send false messages.

12. Discuss the results of the previous exercise. Utility and consumerism. Bricolage exercise: what can you live without? The substitute function of items. Homework: Reduce your partner's inventory to essentials (with justification).

13. Discuss the results of the previous exercise. Identity function (I): what expresses me, him/her, their (social group), societies, and nations; one thing versus factual syntagms. Syntagmatics of things. Homework: Explore the connections in your partner's inventories.

14. Discuss the results of the previous exercise. Structures and interconnections of functions - what do they depend on (intentions, needs, goals); metaphorical-metonymic transformations. Homework: Describe changes in the functional nexus of a selected object.

15. Biography of Things: How to Research It - Summary; Guidelines for the Term Paper (Report).

Type of course

elective courses
general courses
obligatory courses

Mode

Classroom
Blended learning

Prerequisites (description)

The Material Culture Analysis Workshop aims to develop tools that will aid in the study of material objects. We believe it's worthwhile to attempt to create an original methodology for studying things, adapted to the contemporary ways in which they exist and function culturally and socially. Initially, we distinguish, for example, between the history and biography of things. At the same time, the workshop combines the application of existing and the development of new theoretical concepts with the testing of new methodological ideas. Its starting points are, on the one hand, the theory of living culture in the anthropology of contemporary times by Professor Barbara Fatyga and her colleagues; on the other, interdisciplinary knowledge in the humanities, including history, art theory, semiotics, sociology, psychology, philosophy, and anthropology. We also don't underestimate bricolage and common knowledge. During each class, we strive to draw on the findings contained in the works of Polish and international authors of the so-called "turn to things." Importantly, the method involves collaboratively examining inventories of items selected by participants (including the instructors). Students work in teams or in pairs. Materials and findings are stored on a shared drive.

Course coordinators

Barbara Fatyga
Aleksandra Zalewska-Królak

Learning outcomes

We hope that after completing these classes, participants will:
- realize the value of thinking and exploring new ideas and methods independently (studies are not school);
- appreciate the joys of teamwork;
- practice ethical principles of research (close collaboration with a partner and other class participants teaches tact and discretion);
- master the basic skills of using multidisciplinary knowledge to construct their own research tools;
- acquire skills in analyzing and interpreting the material environment of contemporary people.

Assessment criteria

Participants' work on homework assignments is assessed on an ongoing basis during discussions during subsequent workshops and becomes a component of the final grade. Furthermore, participants prepare a report on the history and biography of selected subjects for assessment. A detailed description of the research methodology is a mandatory part of the report. Your own methodological suggestions are welcome. This assignment can be completed in pairs (with a partner with whom you worked throughout the semester) or individually.

Practical placement

Internships are not planned due to the nature of the classes.

Bibliography

NOTE: the readings are examples, many texts on specific topics are placed on a shared drive.

Additional information

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

Description of 3402-10OŁSS in USOSweb