Lecture (LEC)

• COLL (CASE) Global Civ & Cultr
• IUB GenEd World Culture credit
• IUB GenEd A&H credit
• COLL (CASE) A&H Breadth of Inq

• Above class open to undergraduates only
• IUB GenEd World Culture credit
• IUB GenEd A&H credit
• COLL (CASE) A&H Breadth of Inquiry credit
• COLL (CASE) Global Civ & Culture credit

Introduction to Polish culture This introductory course aims to give students broad and diverse knowledge about major cultural traditions, historical processes, myths, and figures that have shaped and redefined Polish culture from the Middle Ages to the present moment. We will investigate distinct features of Polish culture, sifting through how it has been perceived and stereotyped in the ¿West¿ and how it has represented (as well as stereotyped) itself. We will study Poland¿s place on the cultural map of Europe and examine the most formative cultural paradigms for the shaping of Polish identity through works of literature, history, political science, film, and the performing arts as well as popular culture. This is a student-centered course in which active participation is crucial for a productive classroom atmosphere. You will be expected to critically engage with the material and share your ideas with the rest of the class through class discussions, presentations, and collaborative projects. The course is designed to encourage you to explore the material from your own perspective and to engage in your own learning. You will have an opportunity to be creative, to ask provocative questions, and to play with ideas. No prerequisites. All readings are in English. No textbooks. Materials will be provided. Keywords: introduction, Poland, Polish, Eastern Europe, Central Europe, history culture folklore myths legends identity Polish literature cuisine music stereotypes Polish jokes popular culture West East Polish language film readings English