Culture, Thought and Humanity (Bachelor)

The studies in the English-language Culture, Thought and Humanity bachelor's degree program introduce in-depth philosophical reflection on culture, revealing both the fundamental underlying structures and the related diverse dimensions and aspects of culture. This nature of the degree program makes it part of University of Wrocław mission and development strategy by emphasizing "the search for truth, the transmission of knowledge and the nurturing of culture", the formation of "open minds ... accepting diversity". The study of Culture, Thought and Humanity in particular pursues the area of openness and readiness for challenges, remaining a learning process that significantly and naturally develops an understanding of cultural diversity, and therefore forms attitudes of tolerance and respect for dignity. In two ways, they also remain "a meeting place for different views and cultures": both because of the subject matter of the studies themselves and because, as studies in English, they are aimed at candidates from different cultural areas. Studies implemented on the grounds of international cooperation, offering a palette of courses taught by teachers from both University of Wrocław and foreign centers (US, Carbondale), are characterized by a high standard of educational quality and allow for the acquisition of expert competencies not only in understanding the socio-cultural environment, but also in actively influencing and shaping this environment. They realize the range of values that constitute the synergy effect. they possess, however, due to the specifics of the discipline itself and the characteristics of this particular program, the value of interdisciplinarity characteristic.  The English-language study of Culture, Thought and Humanity conducts the didactic process in the context of international cooperation and surrounded by didacticians from different parts of the world. It makes possible to choose among the best of them and to direct studies to candidates from all over the world. One of the most important aspects of Culture, Thought and Humanity studies remains modern and international education.

The purpose of the Culture, Thought and Humanity is to impart advanced knowledge of ideas of the humanities and their influence on the process of cultural formation, their interrelationships, their presence in different cultures, their dynamics in the processes of cultural development. And also to impart knowledge on the use of these ideas for dialogue between cultures. The knowledge should be broad, covering the development of the main ideas, concepts and currents in humanities and philosophy and its sub-disciplines, especially philosophy of culture, social, cultural and philosophical anthropology and social and political thought - in particular, philosophical and psychological conceptions of man, the place of the "person between nature and culture," ways of understanding and defining culture, and criticism of culture. They should be able to think critically, engage in thoughtful debate, use interdisciplinary approaches (cultural anthropology, cultural psychology, sociology of culture). The main advantages of this type of education, is the creation, on the basis of the peculiarities of the way of its research characteristic of philosophy, an organized, comprehensive and interdisciplinary image of the study of culture, sensitive to changes within culture, the problem of intercultural dialogue, the peculiarities of cultural heritage, as well as value conflicts and social processes conditioned by them. The result of this knowledge should be the formation of a competent critical understanding, critical thinking and critical approach to contemporary civilization processes, as well as the ability to promote this knowledge in cultural institutions and foster in them constructive skills of co-creation, dialogue and conflict resolution. This could be used for employment in institutions related to education, media and the arts, but also in non-governmental organizations working at the intersection of cultures, such as those providing assistance to refugees or resolving conflicts between ethnic and religious minorities. The motto would thus be: “thinking for a change”. The idea, then, is to shape a person who understands his cultural and civilizational environment and is oriented towards creating and co-creating processes of dialogue, mutual recognition and understanding to improve the conditions for communication among people.

Motto: “Thinking for a change”

• By our programme we want to facilitate intercultural dialogue and thinking for a sustainable future.
• The programme explores philosophy’s ability to diagnose, reflect on and respond to contemporary crises and challenges.
• We seek to inspire reflection on humanity’s place in the broader planetary framework.
• The programme will prepare students for a career in NGOs, organisations dedicated to intercultural dialogue and humanitarian aid, media, cultural institutions at various levels.
• The studies, offered at a BA and MA level, will create a networking environment, enabling you to develop skills for the future.
• We will encourage you to explore philosophy as a method of relating to and communicating with others.

Candidate’s profile/background:

• The programme is addressed to candidates willing to engage in the future-oriented reflection about vital contemporary issues.
•  We invite everybody who likes to both think and act for a constructive change.
• The programme is addressed to candidates who enjoy a multicultural, diverse environment.