Course objectives: The aim of the course is to deepen knowledge of contemporary concepts, theories, and research paradigms related to culture and related social phenomena. The students will learn how to determine and interpret the specific features of the cultures of Southeast Europe. They will analyse critically and comparatively the meanings of the cultures of Southeast Europe within the general theories of culture.

The specific goals of the course are to:

1. analyse the phenomena, processes and notions of Southeast Europe based on existing data and material
2. select appropriate methods for conducting research related to the problems of Southeast Europe
3. interpret the research results regarding the context of Southeast Europe
4. independently develop and implement a management plan for analytical data and research materials
5. demonstrate sensibility when working with different audiences
6. suggest improvements in approaching specific professional challenges based on research results
7. consider the determinants of cultural diversity and interculturalism in the context of Southeast Europe.

Enrolment requirements and/or entry competences required for the course:  None

Learning outcomes at the level of the programme to which the course contributes:

1. Explain and compare theoretical approaches to Southeast European studies in the social sciences and humanities
2. Critically assess and apply theoretical approaches to the analysis of phenomena and processes in Southeast Europe
3. Explain features of cultural systems in the context of Southeast Europe
4. Critically examine cultural perceptions of Southeast Europe
5. Evaluate the empirical validity of statements and conclusions in various types of texts

Expected learning outcomes at the level of the course:

1. Critically analyse concepts and theories in scholarly approaches to the cultures of Southeast Europe
2. Select and compare different theoretical approaches to identity and its expression through cultural practices
3. Analyse the relationship to gender and ethnic diversity in contemporary cultural practices and existing models of tolerance development
4. To critically review the presented data on the cultures of Southeast Europe and their media construction

Course content (syllabus):   

The course discusses contemporary concepts, theories and research paradigms related to culture and related social phenomena.

Students will be able to critically consider and interpret differences and similarities in the cultures of Southeast Europe, learn about their meaning for European, regional, and national identities, attitudes towards all kinds of differences, but also the potential for developing a culture of tolerance and criticism of media and political narratives.

Format of instruction: lectures, seminars and workshops, independent assignments 

Student responsibilities: Regular class attendance, written seminar paper, independent study of given literature, participation in discussions, written exam.

Monitoring student work: Class attendance, research, oral exam, seminar paper

1. Škrbić Alempijević, Nevena and Goran-Pavel Šantek, ed. 2021. Cultures of Southeast Europe, A reader with selected texts. Zagreb: Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences.

1. Geertz, Clifford. 1973. Ch. 1: Thick description: Toward an interpretative theory of culture. In: The Interpretation of Cultures. New York: Basic Books. P. 3-30. (27 p.)
2. Hobsbawm, Eric. 1993. Mass-producing traditions: Europe, 1870-1914. In: The invention of Tradition. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. P. 263-307. (45 p.)
3. Simkus, Albert. 2012. Cultural Diversity in South East Europe. In: Sternad D., Döring T., eds. Handbook of Doing Business in South East Europe. Palgrave Macmillan, London.
4. Swidler, Ann. 2002. Cultural power and social movements. In: Spillman, L. (ed.) Cultural Sociology. Malden-Oxford: Blackwell. P. 311-323. (12 p.)
5. Škrbić Alempijević, Nevena and Kristina Uzelac. 2017. Mijene državnih kalendara u Hrvatskoj. Države praznujejo. Državni prazniki in skupnosti na območju bivše Jugoslavije, eds. Božidar Jezernik and Ingrid Slavec Gradišnik. Ljubljana: University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences.
6. Švob Đokić, Nada, ed. 2001. Redefining Cultural Identities: Southeastern Europe. Zagreb: Institute for International Relations.