Open University - Making and Breaking: The Kaleidoscope of Taboo

This is an online course —which will have recorded and available lectures for all participants— hosted by the University of Szeged. It focuses on the relationship between taboo and individual, as well as communal aspects of health. The series of lectures (45 minutes long, of which 15 minutes correspond to Q&A) will be presented by invited speakers. Participants who finish the course will gain 3 ECTS.

The relationship between taboo and health is complex: as we know from anthropological case studies, taboos are sometimes needed to maintain health, while at other times they need to be broken to achieve the same. Focusing on this dilemma with examples discussing individual as well as communal aspects of health, this series of lectures will provide an interdisciplinary range of approaches scrutinizing the overarching topic: taboo. Perspectives include cultural studies, musicology, sociology, history, literary theory, communication, media, economics, theatre and religious studies.

Learning objectives

At the end of the course, participants can expect understand the general and specific aspects of a complex notion and social phenomenon, reflect on communication procedures related to common behaviour, differentiate between several possible aspects of interpenetration of common tendencies and focus on social dilemmas and the social impact of art and literature using interdisciplinary approaches.

Competences

• Critical thinking
• Ethics & responsibility
• Emotional awareness & resilience

Requirements

There are no prerequisites to join the course. The target group is undergraduate students, however, the activity is open to all levels and majors.

• Selection strategy: First come, first served.
• Number of participants: No limit.
• Certificate/ECTS: 3 ECTS.
• Language: English.

This activity is part of Work Package 2.