Anthropology of Culture

obligatory courses

The course is complementary to the Introduction to Culture Studies. The main objective of the course is to introduce an in-depth reflection on culture from an anthropological perspective, enriched with a sociological perspective and cultural history. The topics discussed include areas of interest in cultural anthropology, such as space, time, body, types of social ties, the concept of a person, and historically shaped models of culture. The classes demonstrate how to use these categories in the anthropological description of the cultures of the regions. The acquired knowledge will allow students to accurately diagnose the cultural aspects of encountered social phenomena and communities.

The course is complementary to the Introduction to Culture Studies. The main objective of the course is to introduce an in-depth reflection on culture from an anthropological perspective, enriched with a sociological perspective and cultural history. The topics discussed include areas of interest in cultural anthropology, such as space, time, body, types of social ties, the concept of a person, and historically shaped models of culture. The classes demonstrate how to use these categories in the anthropological description of the cultures of the regions. The acquired knowledge will allow students to accurately diagnose the cultural aspects of encountered social phenomena and communities.

Classes are based on the "Anthropology of Culture" coursebook supplemented with texts selected by the teacher. Due to the workshop nature of the classes, group work and discussion are essential elements.

Framework plan of issues:

1. Getting to know the culture, anthropological imagination

2. Space, place, trajectories

3. Time, duration, change

4. The body in culture

5. Me, person, personality

6. Family, social group

7. Other, stranger

8. Religion, myth

9. Labor, activity, free time

10. Media: from orality to digitality

11. Mass culture, popular culture, fandom

12. Anthropocene, posthumanism, transhumanism

Selected readings:

Antropologia kultury, oprac. Grzegorz Godlewski, Leszek Kolankiewicz, Andrzej Mencwel, Paweł Rodak, wstęp i red. Andrzej Mencwel, wyd. 4 zmienione, Wyd. UW, Warszawa 2005.

Anna Engelking, „Poleszuk” nieoswojony. Wokół funkcji chłopskości w konstruowaniu polskości, „Teksty Drugie” 2017, 6, s. 68-94

Peter Singer, Wyzwolenie zwierząt, tłum. Anna Alichniewicz Anna Szczęsna, PIW, Warszawa 2004, fragmenty

Anthony Giddens, Nowoczesność i tożsamość. „Ja” i społeczeństwo w epoce późnej nowoczesności, przeł. Alina Szulżycka, Wydawnictwo Naukowe PWN, Warszawa 2001, fragmenty

Henry Jenkins, Kultura konwergencji. Zderzenie starych i nowych mediów,

Wydawnictwa Akademickie i Profesjonalne, Warszawa 2006, fragementy

K_W01 The student has the knowledge and understanding of the place and the meaning of studies on culture and religion, and the multifaceted connections of the studies of literature, language, and culture with other human sciences.

K_W04 The student has knowledge and understanding of the specialist terminology, methodology, subject, and research trends which are characteristic of studies on culture and religion.

K_W12 The student has the knowledge and understanding of the significance of multiculturality in building the identity of the individual and the society.

K_U08 The student can communicate with the help of various channels and communicative strategies with specialists of selected branches of science.

K_K02 The student is ready to participate in the culture by means of various forms and channels.

K_K03 The student can adopt and promote an attitude of openness towards different cultures in the spirit of tolerance and plurality.

K_K05 The student is ready to show respect and care for preserving cultural heritage.

Attendance at classes (2 absences allowed), current preparation for classes, and active participation during discussions - 50 %

Written term paper - 50 %