Faculty of Arts of Comenius University > Application and Admissions > Bachelor Degree Studies > Ethnology

Ethnology

Ethnology is the science that studies human life in society and explains how culture develops and functions in terms of ways of life, religious, economic and political phenomena, and cultural traditions. Topics of ethnological research include the phenomena of folklore as artistic creation, the link between language and culture, ethnic identity and gender issues. From a historical perspective, it examines elements of traditional material culture and their contemporary functions within cultural heritage. The ethnologist’s work is based primarily on field research, where he/she uses mainly participatory observation and ethnographic interview methods. The use of ethnological knowledge and methods is multifaceted: since ethnology is an empirical science, it provides information useful for understanding human behaviour in specific cultural and historical conditions. It can be used by social institutions, but also by individuals, contributing to the improvement of human life in society.

Content and Characteristics of the Study

The study of Ethnology at the bachelor’s degree level aims to prepare graduates who have knowledge of cultural phenomena in Slovakia as well as in other countries, and who can choose and apply specific methods of basic research so that they bring new knowledge in the field of historical sciences. The profile subjects of study include courses devoted to the history and theoretical development of ethnology and folklore studies, the socio-cultural development of Slovakia, traditional culture, kinship and family issues, rituals and customs, urban ethnology and methods of field research. The study of basic theoretical and empirical professional works develops the intellectual abilities of students and cultivates their verbal and written expression. After successful completion of the Bachelor’s degree, it is possible to continue in the single-disciplinary 4-semester Master’s degree in Ethnology and Cultural Anthropology.

The study of Ethnology at the Master’s degree level is conducted as a single-disciplinary study in the field of ethnology and cultural anthropology. It is completed by a state final examination and a defence of the thesis.

Study for a Master’s degree is deepened by further theoretical frameworks and knowledge of other cultures, as well as the analysis of contemporary cultural processes. Profile subjects include courses on ethnographic research methodology, gender studies, migration studies, traditions and collective memory, anthropology of symbols, community development and applied anthropology. The study further develops students’ creative skills, deepens their critical thinking and prepares them to work in the public sphere.

   

Basic Study Prerequisites and Requirements

We expect applicants of Ethnology study to have a particular interest in social and cultural phenomena, to be able to think critically on their own and to be proficient in a foreign language (English). The profile subjects at secondary school which are a good basis for the study of ethnology are history and social studies.

 

Profile and Employment of Graduates:

Graduates of Ethnology study, independently or in combination with other disciplines, find employment wherever it is necessary to understand human behaviour, culture and society – as researchers, lecturers, outreach workers, media workers, museum curators and in the field of conservation and promotion of cultural heritage. They are also active as professional consultants, mediators, evaluators, planners, or analysts in the areas of strategic and long-term community development. The skills and competences of graduates enable them to perform the activities of an independent and team worker in institutions, organisations and facilities of the following types:

  • Public sector, state and local government
  • Educational, museum, gallery institutions and libraries
  • Business sector, small and medium-sized enterprises, national and multinational corporations
  • Civic sector, NGOs, social enterprises
  • Educational institutions
  • Research institutions involved in identifying the state of society
  • Educational, museum, gallery institutions and libraries
  • Mass media institutions, publishing houses, editorial offices
  • Political institutions, trade unions, interest and artistic associations

In such institutions, graduates are usually involved in one of the following activities:

  • Community development and counselling
  • Intercultural communication
  • Education: preparation and delivery of training
  • Development of local and regional culture
  • Preservation and development of cultural heritage, including ethnic minority environments

Prospective students can find more information about the Department on the Department of Ethnology website: https://fphil.uniba.sk/katedry-a-odborne-pracoviska/katedra-etnologie/ and information about the study program at:: https://fphil.uniba.sk/studium/studijne-programy/bakalarske-studium/etnologia/

 

ENTRANCE EXAMINATION REQUIREMENTS

Applicants will be admitted to the Ethnology study programme on the basis of a general aptitude test as part of the National Comparative Exam, which is provided by www.scio.cz, s. r. o.