Study Programme
General description
The main aim of the studies in ethnology and cultural and social anthropology is to acquire and broaden knowledge of humans as a social beings, creating and using culture in its spatially and temporally diversified forms, behind the multiplicity of which universal human characteristics are hidden. The programme of studies has been designed to convey, along with advanced knowledge, basic humanistic values, awareness of cultural pluralism of the contemporary world and an attitude of openness and respect towards different races, cultures, religions and societies. The programme also includes the practical learning of a range of skills necessary for conducting qualitative research, as well as innovative methods in fieldrecording and writing and filmmaking techniques.
ECTS
The study programme is based on the credit system that obliges at most leading European universities. The so-called European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) is an indispensable element of creating a “Europe without borders” in academic education. ECTS unifies the rules of completing studies at universities throughout Europe and thus makes it possible to evaluate and recognise a student’s learning progress achieved during studies at universities in different countries. Credits earned while studying ethnology at UAM are recognised at other universities across Europe; vice versa – our university recognises credits for classes taken by UAM ethnology students at foreign universities.
International co-operation
IAiE is an active participant in European educational programmes and has funds to delegate the best students for periodic study abroad in many countries (including Germany, Spain, Austria, Sweden, Finland, Turkey, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Slovenia). In the years 1996-2018, more than a hundred students went for half-year (semester) ethnological studies under TEMPUS, SOCRATES-ERASMUS and LLP-ERASMUS programmes, and several dozen more participated in international summer schools.
B.A. Studies
First degree studies in ethnology and cultural and social anthropology give the graduates the general humanistic education and basic knowledge about cultural phenomena, organization and functioning of culture, importance of its individual elements and historical changeability of forms and ethno-cultural diversity of the world.
The programme prepares for professional work in cultural, educational, tourist and media institutions, as well as wherever social research is conducted (advertising, marketing), and where the ability of contact with other people is needed (local governments, cultural borderlands, work with refugees, immigrants). We teach how to conduct qualitative research in different environments, including culturally and socially diverse ones, we provide knowledge of modern data recording techniques (audiovisual methods) and practical skills of disseminating ethnological and anthropological knowledge (reportage, film, podcasts). In the course of studies, field research trips are organised, during which there is an opportunity to learn how to carry out a research project, collect data and record researched phenomena, and process the material.
M.A. Studies
The second degree studies in ethnology and cultural and social anthropology provide advanced knowledge in the field of basic, major and specialized subjects covered by the curriculum. The graduates acquire high competences in the humanities and related sciences, a thorough knowledge of ethnology and cultural and social anthropology, including a good orientation towards cultural theory, main currents of anthropological analysis and anthropological interpretations of contemporary processes and forms of socio-cultural reality.
The second degree prepares for professional work in cultural, educational, tourist and information (media) institutions, as well as anywhere else where social research is carried out (advertising, marketing, public relations). Graduates are prepared to work in those institutions and offices where it is necessary to combine the skills of contact with people with the competences of a specialist in social and cultural affairs (administration, local governments, non-governmental organizations, aid agencies, etc.) and where the analytical skill of interpreting socio-cultural phenomena in the form of anthropological expertise can be used. Distinguished graduates are prepared to undertake research work in scientific institutions and/or continue their education in third-level (doctoral) studies. We maintain regular contact with our graduates, support them in their activities and organise regular meetings during which we exchange experiences.
