General information
| Course type | AMUPIE |
| Module title | Work Across Cultures |
| Language | English |
| Module lecturer | prof. UAM dr hab. Michał A. Michalski |
| Lecturer's email | mmichal@amu.edu.pl |
| Lecturer position | professor |
| Faculty | Faculty of Anthropology and Cultural Studies |
| Semester | 2025/2026 (summer) |
| Duration | 30 |
| ECTS | 4 |
| USOS code | 20-KUDU-MA-WCE |
Timetable
Mondays, 11.30-13.00, room 11/12 building AB Campus Szamarzewskiego, Poznań
Module aim (aims)
- acquisition of basics of knowledge about the role of work in individual and social life
- development of orientation in basic concepts within the field of work
- discussion on current challenges and phenomena in the world of work
- development of experience in analysis of sphere of work through cultural perspective and distinguishing
- between universal and particular elements of the work process
- development of ability of critical thinking in observing and analyzing current problems within the field of work
Pre-requisites in terms of knowledge, skills and social competences (where relevant)
- general orientation in cultural perspective and its background in the Western scientific history;
- ability to understand and speak English fluently
- ability to participate in a seminar and organize one’s work
Syllabus
Week 1: How Work Works? – Introduction
Week 2: How Culture Works?
Week 3: (From) Nature – (through) work – (to) culture
Week 4: Why Culture Matters?
Week 5: Definitions and Functions of Work
Week 6: Universal vs. Particular at Work
Week 7: Research of the Meaning of Work
Week 8: How Does the Work Change?
Week 9: Work and Anti-Work. Work and Ethics
Week 10: Problems and Dilemmas with Work
Week 11: Future of Work
Week 12: Students' presentations
Week 13: Students' presentations
Week 14: Students' presentations
Week 15: Summary of the course
Reading list
- Gini A., My Job, My Self. Work and the creation of the modern individual. Routledge, New York, London, 2000.
- Ciulla J.B., The Working Life. The Promise and Betrayal of Modern Work. Three Rivers Press, New York, 2000.
- Hampden-Turner Ch., Trompenaars F., Riding the Waves of Culture. Understanding Cultural Diversity in Business. Nicholas Brealey Publishing, 1993, 1997.
- Harrison L.E., Huntington S.P. (ed.). Culture matters. How values shape human progress. Basic Books 2000.
- Huntington, S. P., The Clash of Civilizations: and the Remaking of World Order, Berksire: The Free Press, 2002.
- Inglehart R., Baker W.E., Modernization, cultural change, and the persistence of traditional values. w: American Sociological Review, February 2000, Vol. 65, No. 1.
- Super D.E., Śverko B., Super Ch.M. (red.), Life Roles, Values, Careers. International Findings of the Work Importance Study. Jossey-Bass Publishers, San Francisco, 1995.