Sources of the Latvian Tradition

obligatory courses

Familiarity with the basic facts about Lithuania (at the level of final secondary school examination.

Classroom

The aim of the course is to present the contexts of the Baltic cultures in a broad sense, including the methodology of research into Classical.

The programme of the course assumes insight into the basic facts from the domains of cultural history, philosophy, linguistics, ethnology and politics that have influenced (both in the past and in the present) the rise of a sui generis Baltic culture and mentality.

The aim of the classes is:

-to elaborate on prior knowledge concerning the cultures of Latvia gained from the course „Knowledge about the Baltic Countries”, and to deepen their knowledge on the roots of Latvian culture.

First, participants acquire a thorough insight into the Classical l sources of the European cultural tradition; then they are introduced to the sources of Baltic history and culture, as well as to subsequent historical and cultural facts that have shaped the mentality of the inhabitants of Latvia. They are acquainted with the basic manifestations of culture (literature, music, painting, sculpture; also original works of folk literature), as well as with studies by critics, men of letters and historians of culture who have worked on the traditional and present-day culture of the Latvian peoples.

During the classes devoted to the Baltic tradition recent events illustrating the dissemination of Latvia in Poland will be discussed.

1. Kursīte J., Latviešu folklora mītu spogulī. Rīga: Zinātne, 1996.

2. Kursīte J., Mītiskais literatūrā, folklorā un mākslā". Rīga: Zinātne, 1999.

3. Kursīte J., “Zīmju valoda: latviešu žesti”, Rīga, 2017,

4. Latvian National Costumes, Bremze L. Rīga 1995.

5. Latvijas kultūras vēsture, red Avotiņa A. Rīga, 2004.

6. Latvijas vēsture 20. gadsimts. red. Bleiere D., Rīga, 2005.

7. Lībieši. Vēsture, valoda un kultūra, pod red. R. Blumberga, T. Mekeleinens un K. Pajusalu, Rīga 2013.

7. Sarma I. Latvijas kultūras vēsture. Rīga, 2003.

8. Greimas A.. J.: O bogach i ludziach, Kęty 2007.

9. Zubiński T.: Ciche kraje. Rzeszów, 2006.

10. Zubiński T.: Etniczne dziedzictwo Bałtów: wierzenia, obrzędy, zwyczaje. Warszawa, 2007.

11. Zubiński T.: Herder w Rydze i inne szkice bałtyckie, Toruń, 2007.

13. Zubiński T.: Mitologia Bałtyjska. Sandomierz, 2009.

14. Kultura polska na Łotwie. Ryga, 1994.

16. Zajas K. Nieobecna kultura. Przypadek Inflant polskich. Kraków 2008.

On completion of the course the student:

KNOWLEDGE

- points out the basic facts testifying to the multiculturalism of the Baltic countries;

SKILLS

- analyzes the modes of reception of Classical literature- decodes cultural motives in the literature and arts of the Baltic countries;

AWARENESS

- shows an interest in independently expanding his / her knowledge about the cultures of ther Baltic countries.

- Systematically participates in cultural events devoted to the popularization of Latvian culture, is interested in current cultural events in the country and in the world.

Conditions for receiving the graded course credit:

a) checking of attendance (two absences per term are allowed);

b) passiing the final test.

c) active participation in classes.