Europe - Civilisation History 4003-EU-L36-EDC
The course 'Europe - History of Civilisation' is devoted to the analysis of selected themes from the history of European culture, both tangible and intangible, which reflect the nature and transformation of European civilisation. Selected cultural phenomena, selected works of European art and other cultural artefacts from the Middle Ages to the 21st century provide the context for reflection on Europe as a civilisation with its own history and on the contemporary challenges facing Europe as a consequence of this history.
The course offers a problem-based perspective on European civilisation in historical and contemporary terms. The seminar discusses those cultural elements that have historically constituted European cultural codes and the coherence of European civilisation, as well as those that have often developed on its periphery and constituted its diversity. Depending on the dynamics of the course, the course will also address contemporary challenges and phenomena in European culture that have their origins in the history of European civilisation, such as the problem of the decolonisation of European museums and the question of the return of works of art and artefacts from former European colonies to their countries of origin, the phenomenon of new forms of activism and its impact on cultural institutions, the question of the neutrality of artists and cultural institutions in the context of contemporary crises, wars and conflicts in the world.
Type of course
Course coordinators
Learning outcomes
At the end of the seminar, the student will have in terms of knowledge:
- an expanded knowledge of historical phenomena in European material and immaterial culture, artistic movements and works of art and cultural artefacts essential to the comprehension of the phenomenon of Europe as a civilisation and cultural space;
- insight into the historical contexts and conditions of cultural phenomena and their functioning within European civilisation;
- awarness of contemporary debates, tensions and disputes concerning European culture and civilisation.
At the end of the seminar, the student will be able to:
- contextualise the acquired knowledge within the context of the political and social history of Europe and the broaader civisational changes in Europe;
- understand and demonstrate through examples the influence of non-European cultures on European culture and art and on the way Europeans see and understand the world;
- illustrate and discuss, with examples, the phenomenon of cultural diffusion in Europe and the transmission of cultural phenomena from the centre to the periphery;
- outline the historical context of contemporary cultural tensions and relate them to the history of European civilisation.
At the end of the course, in terms of social competences, the student will be able to:
- formulate an independent opinion on the basis of the knowledge gained during the course;
- articulate a position in a discussion on current cultural phenomena;
- engage in discussions while listening to and considering the viewpoints of other participants.
Assessment criteria
Grading requirements: attendance in class (max. 2 absences), current preparation for class, i.e. knowledge of the readings for each class, activity in class, presentation of a speech on one of the topics proposed by the lecturer.
Additional information
Additional information (registration calendar, class conductors, localization and schedules of classes), might be available in the USOSweb system: