Cultural Studies

Description of the course

Stereotypes reflect persistent perceptions and influence intercultural communication. One of the primary sources of cultural stereotypes is literature, which also plays a significant role in fostering international and intercultural interaction and cooperation. The images created in literature not only leave a lasting impression on one's own culture, but also serve as either a bridge or an obstacle to understanding other cultures. This course explores the role of literature and culture in the formation of stereotypes, which serve as a primary means of constructing the image of the 'Other.' It has both theoretical and practical dimensions, examining the theoretical foundations of stereotyping as well as its manifestations within the international cultural sphere. The course also investigates the practical impact of stereotypes on the perception of the 'Other' in intercultural contexts. Through a comparative analysis of various intercultural interactions, the course provides an introduction to the ways stereotypes manifest, focusing on the dynamics between Ukrainian, Polish, Russian, and Austrian cultural spaces across different historical periods, from the 19th century to the present.