Introduction to Civilization Studies - YMH517

• Title: Introduction to Civilization Studies
• Guaranteed by: Programme Historical Sociology (24-HS)
• Faculty: Faculty of Humanities
• Actual: from 2021
• Semester: winter
• E-Credits: 6
• Examination process: winter s.:
• Hours per week, examination: winter s.:2/0, Ex [HT]
• Extent per academic year: 26 [hours]
• Capacity: 20 / unknown (20)
• Min. number of students: unlimited
• 4EU+: no
• Virtual mobility / capacity: no
• State of the course: taught
• Language: English
• Teaching methods: full-time
• Teaching methods: full-time
• Level: basic
• Note: enabled for web enrollment; priority enrollment if the course is part of the study plan; can be fulfilled in the future
• Guarantor: Mgr. Karel Černý, Ph.D.
• Teacher(s): Mgr. Karel Černý, Ph.D.

Annotation

Last update: Mgr. Karel Černý, Ph.D. (02.11.2022)

This course focuses on the theoretical basis and empirico-historical results of comparative civilization analysis. First, it deals with pluralistic concepts of civilizations seen as different, though not closed, cultural worlds. Second, it deals with the three main perspectives of civilization analysis which are: cultural, political and economic sociology. Third, it focuses on the relations between religion and politics as one of the key topics of civilization studies. Fourth, civilization analysis is linked to a new conception of modernity with regard to its unity and diversity.

Requirements to the exam

Last update: Mgr. Karel Černý, Ph.D. (02.11.2022)

The final exam is based on two tasks. First, students are asked to write an essay based on selected reading (book, book chapter, paper) related to civilization studies. Second, there is an oral exam, based first of all on the lectures. 

Syllabus

Last update: Mgr. Karolína Šedivcová (04.06.2019)

Structure of Lessons:
1. Metahistorical tradition: O. Spengler - a critical introduction

2. Metahistorical tradition: A. Toynbee

3. Civilizations in French tradition: M. Mauss and E. Durkheim

4. Max Weber and civilization analysis I.

5. Max Weber and civilization analysis II.

6. Benjamin Nelson and civilization analysis.

7. Jaroslav Krejčí, the human condition, and Islam.

8. S. Eisenstadt, axial age and multiple modernities.

9. E. Gellner: Muslim societies.

10. S. P. Huntington: Civilization identities in the 21st century.

11. S. P. Huntington: Clash of civilizations?

12. Concluding remarks.

Required reading:

• J. Arnason. 2003. Civilizations in Dispute. Leiden.

• S. Eisenstadt. 2000. Multiple modernities. Daedalus.

• S. P. Huntington. 1996. Clash of Civilizations. New York: Simon and Schuster.