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.
The lecture will be conducted online. Student will receive weekly videos with course materials (YouTube, Moodle).
Office hours: Mondays 10.30-12.00 (live or GoogleMeet, please make a prior request by email).
Course coordinators
Type of course
Learning outcomes
Knowledge
Students will be able to:
- K_W01 - Identify the place and specificity of English Studies against the background of other academic disciplines within the humanities
- K_W02 - understand key terminology, well established methods and theories of culture studies within English studies
- K_W09 - identify on an advanced level the multiplicity of cultures and their complexity, cultural codes, as well as structural and institutional background of culture, with special focus on English-speaking countries
Abilities
Students will be able to:
- K_U01 - employ the terminology and methodological tools from culture studies, especially concerning cultural anthropology
- K_U03 - analyze cultural phenomena and draw generalizations on their basis with respect to the social, historical and economic context
Social competences
Students will be ready to:
- K_K06 - value cultural heritage and cultural diversity
Education at language level B2+.
Assessment criteria
- access to lecture materials (recordings, literature)
- self-assessment tests
- personal example (social competences)
Bibliography
Ember, Carol R. Melvin Ember, Cultural Anthropology.
Haviland, William A., Cultural Anthropology.