Cultural Theory: Module 1 - Material Culture (elective) Field of study: English Philology
Programme code: W1-S1FA19.2021

Module name: Cultural Theory: Module 1 - Material Culture (elective)
Module code: W1-FA-SW-S1-TK1-KM-3
Programme code: W1-S1FA19.2021
Semester:
  • winter semester 2025/2026
  • winter semester 2024/2025
  • winter semester 2023/2024
  • winter semester 2022/2023
Language of instruction: English
Form of verification: course work
ECTS credits: 3
Description:
The module introduces students to the main fields of interest and basic terminology of material culture studies. Using specific examples, the module discusses the role of objects in representation of time, space, the body, cultural values and mediality, etc. Depending on the instructor's preference, the course also discusses the question of identity and memory - both collective and individual, in the context of the material. In its focus on particular cultural phenomena involving objects thus, the main objective of the course is to apply theoretical concepts to interpretative analyses of specific instances of the complex life of objects in culture. Students select a specific course from a choice presented to them before the course commences.
Prerequisites:
Successful completion of the first year of studies.
Key reading:
Specified in the syllabus.
Learning outcome of the module Codes of the learning outcomes of the programme to which the learning outcome of the module is related [level of competence: scale 1-5]
recognizes how objects affect the social and cultural identity of individuals and groups; recognizes the symbolic role of objects in communication [SW-S1-TK1-KM_K_1]
 FA1_K05 [2/5]
interprets the products of material culture from the perspective of their social "life," use, and the cultural processes in which they participate [SW-S1-TK1-KM_U_1]
 FA1_U02 [3/5] FA1_U03 [3/5] FA1_U12 [3/5]
recognizes and analyzes cultural processes related to material culture: those, which affect objects, but also abstract phenomena or concepts [SW-S1-TK1-KM_U_2]
 FA1_U02 [3/5] FA1_U03 [3/5] FA1_U12 [3/5]
interprets issues related to cultural phenomena and identity using the perspective of material culture studies, applying proper terminology [SW-S1-TK1-KM_U_3]
 FA1_U02 [3/5] FA1_U03 [3/5] FA1_U12 [3/5]
recalls the basic terminology used in the study of material culture [SW-S1-TK1-KM_W_1]
 FA1_W06 [3/5] FA1_W07 [3/5] FA1_W13 [3/5] FA1_W15 [3/5]
recognizes the basic forms of cultural, social and aesthetic "life" and use of objects and understands their cultural influence on shaping the perception of such phenomena as representation, mediality etc. [SW-S1-TK1-KM_W_2]
 FA1_W06 [3/5]
recognizes the processes involved in the cultural functioning of key categories of material culture studies ("object" and "thing," "technology," etc.) such as commodification, objectification, objectification, or dematerialization [SW-S1-TK1-KM_W_3]
 FA1_W06 [3/5] FA1_W07 [3/5] FA1_W13 [3/5] FA1_W15 [3/5]
Type Description Codes of the learning outcomes of the module to which assessment is related
Test or tests [SW-S1-TK1-KM_w_1]
assessment of students' knowledge based on test or tests, quizzes, or similar forms
 SW-S1-TK1-KM_U_1 SW-S1-TK1-KM_U_2 SW-S1-TK1-KM_U_3 SW-S1-TK1-KM_W_1 SW-S1-TK1-KM_W_2 SW-S1-TK1-KM_W_3
Essay, essays, or other written assignments, or student presentations [SW-S1-TK1-KM_w_2]
assessment of students analytical skills in the field of material culture, based on individual written assignments, such as essays or similar forms or student presentations
 SW-S1-TK1-KM_K_1 SW-S1-TK1-KM_U_1 SW-S1-TK1-KM_U_2 SW-S1-TK1-KM_U_3
Control interview (optional) [SW-S1-TK1-KM_w_3]
assessment of students’ preparation for classes, conducted on an ongoing basis or carried out at specific course stages specified in the syllabus; the evaluation may include students’ participation during the classes and their knowledge of the issues that have been previously discussed in class;
 SW-S1-TK1-KM_K_1 SW-S1-TK1-KM_U_1 SW-S1-TK1-KM_U_2 SW-S1-TK1-KM_U_3 SW-S1-TK1-KM_W_1 SW-S1-TK1-KM_W_2 SW-S1-TK1-KM_W_3
Form of teaching Student's own work Assessment of the learning outcomes
Type Description (including teaching methods) Number of hours Description Number of hours
lecture [SW-S1-TK1-KM_fs_1]
multimedia-rich lectures introducing the topics outlined in the course syllabus
 15
reading assignments; own research in preparation to test or tests
 15 Test or tests [SW-S1-TK1-KM_w_1]
practical classes [SW-S1-TK1-KM_fs_2]
class-based discussions and analyses of selected texts and issues outlined in the course syllabus; formal instruction and presentation of selected theoretical issues
 30
reading assignments, own research in preparation for the in-class discussions and tests, written assignments
 30 Test or tests [SW-S1-TK1-KM_w_1] Essay, essays, or other written assignments, or student presentations [SW-S1-TK1-KM_w_2] Control interview (optional) [SW-S1-TK1-KM_w_3]
Attachments
Module description (PDF)
Information concerning module syllabuses might be changed during studies.
Syllabuses (USOSweb)
Semester Module Language of instruction
(no information given)