Stereotypes in Culture
The option Stereotypes in Culture, in the form of a conversation lecture, aims at familiarizing students with the culture-forming role of stereotypes, strategies of their production and ways of articulating them in various (especially iconic and literary) texts of culture. During the course, the stereotype is presented as one of the most important categories of literary, linguistic, political, social, cultural and philosophical discourse.
Reflection on the mechanisms of constructing and deconstructing stereotypes, as well as on their opinion-forming potential, is of great importance for improving the interpretative skills and developing the analytical competences of students of all Polish Studies fields, especially of the teaching specialisation. Students become acquainted with the paideutic dimension of stereotypes, which consists of promoting certain patterns and discrediting inappropriate norms and behaviours, and which are connected with categories fundamental for social life, such as ‘youth’, ‘old age’, ‘sexuality’ and ‘gender’.
The reflection on the processes of formation and deconstruction of stereotypes undertaken during the course takes into account the transformations taking place in 21st century culture, such as globalisation, technicization and multiculturalism. The optional course Stereotypes in Culture, offers the presentation of the dynamic impact of the above-mentioned processes on changing not only the way stereotypes (especially ethnic, national and cultural stereotypes) are formed, but also on their role in the changing post-modern society.