Ethnology and Cultural Anthropology Programme code: W6-S2AK19.2025

Full-time second-cycle studies in ethnology and cultural anthropology are a deepening and broadening of ethnological and anthropological knowledge. The issues include theoretical considerations concerning anthropological aspects of culture (including: Semiotics of culture, Sociology of culture, Theory and philosophy of culture, Critical theories, Cognitive science), as well as knowledge concerning practical possibilities of using ethnology and cultural anthropology in pursuing a career in education, journalism, business, creative sector, among others (Applied anthropology 1-4). The content of education includes both the problems of ethnological interpretation of socio-cultural phenomena and anthropology of contemporary culture, as well as issues in the field of cultural ecology and applied anthropology. The student gains in-depth knowledge of the main methodological positions of contemporary cultural anthropology and its practical application in planning one's own professional career path. As part of the studies, emphasis is placed on students getting to know the most important issues and problems concerning human involvement in cultural patterns, social interactions and natural conditions. The assumption is to develop in students the ability to consider the above aspects using a wide range of scientific and research traditions and the most important methodological proposals. In the theoretical dimension, the studies allow for familiarization with model explanations and interpretations of the meaning of culture. Theoretical knowledge will also have a direct impact on practice. In the education process, great emphasis will be placed on contact with various institutions where the competences of graduates of the course are necessary. The subject of ethnology and cultural anthropology is located in the area of ​​both ideas and social practices. Ethnology and cultural anthropology deals with the description, history and theory of culture and combines two perspectives: 1. humanistic, focusing on both documenting or reconstructing the temporal and spatial differentiation of cultures, as well as model explanation and interpretation of the meaning of culture; 2. social, concerning the interactive, communicative and institutional dimension of cultural phenomena. Ethnology and cultural anthropology includes analyses of enculturation and acculturation processes and their social, historical, economic and ideological contexts. The curriculum emphasizes the development of social competences and the ability to act in a multicultural, multi-faith and multilingual environment. The learning outcomes specified for the “ethnology and cultural anthropology” major refer directly to research conducted in the discipline of “cultural and religious studies”. Research activities include research, description and analysis of socio-cultural phenomena occurring in various regions of the world. Qualitative research is conducted under the supervision of research and teaching staff, allowing for the acquisition of knowledge on civilization complexes and cultural circles in the context of their specificity in terms of ethnicity, environment, economy and politics. This research is practiced based on scientific methods and strategies adopted in the implementation of social research, taking into account ethical principles and norms. At the same time, this knowledge is analyzed and described in accordance with contemporary ethnological and anthropological concepts, based on the latest literature on the subject. The results of the conducted research translate into the development of detailed concepts of obligatory, optional and diploma modules. Linking research with the implementation of the study program affects in particular the development of master's theses topics, as well as their reliable implementation within the framework of diploma seminars.

The condition for admission to the diploma examination is to achieve the learning outcomes provided for in the study program, to obtain a certificate of an appropriate level of language proficiency in a foreign language and to obtain positive grades for the diploma dissertation. The condition for graduation is to pass the diploma examination with at least a satisfactory result. A graduate receives a higher education diploma confirming obtaining the qualifications of the appropriate degree. Detailed rules of the diploma process and the requirements for the diploma thesis are set out in the Rules and Regulations of Studies at the University of Silesia and the diploma regulations.

not applicable

The field of study is consistent with the basic strategic goals of the University of Silesia and takes into account: - education in the field of knowledge about regional culture (with emphasis on the issues of multiculturalism and social identity on cultural and ethnic borderlands, which are important in the conditions of the European community); - the need to protect and promote the cultural heritage of the region, country, Europe, and the world;- the principle of interdisciplinarity of education (including by referring to other fields of the humanities); - the principle of innovation and creativity by introducing knowledge about the practical possibilities of applying ethnology and cultural anthropology in the pursuit of a career, both in the profession of ethnologist and anthropologist, and in other fields (e.g. in education, journalism, business, creative sector); - acquiring professional knowledge through the offer of practical classes carried out in cooperation with local government and culture-forming institutions; - cooperation based on partnership principles and active cooperation of research and teaching staff and students of ethnology and cultural anthropology with both foreign ethnological centres and local government, cultural and educational units of various types in the country (cooperation with external entities is a platform for communication with the broadly understood environment and the local and regional community).