European Social Dimension

2019-2020, 2018-2019, 2017-2018 – University of Gothenburg

This course consisted of two modules, which addressed empirical and theoretical aspects of the European Social Dimension. Topics of discussion included empirical issues regarding welfare in European states, the distribution of risks and rights among citizens, and the development of common European social policies. These issues were explored in connection to three theoretical approaches: a) the differences between comparative perspectives on welfare in Europe vs. EU-level approaches to social issues and policies, b) the significance of negative and positive European integration for understanding the challenges and prospects of European social policies and c) the distinction between categories of people exposed to social risks as identified “from above” vs. groups who identify themselves as exposed to risks and organise or act on the basis of that “from below”.

Social Europe 

2019-2020, 2017-2018, 2016-2017 – University of Gothenburg

The course Social Europe revolved around a set of five themes (1) Introduction to Social Europe (2) Gendering Europe (3) Welfare Benefits (4) Work and Employment Polices and (5) Social Europe and Migration. These themes were organised as a stream of lectures, seminars and workshops over five weeks, designed to provide students with knowledge and understanding of European citizenship from a social perspective. Each theme was aimed at fostering students’ skills in appraising and synthesising published research studies and enabling students to acquire the skills necessary for analysing, interpreting and reporting research study.

Research Methods: Qualitative Track 

2016-2017 – University of Gothenburg

This course offered practical training in qualitative methodological approaches relevant to the field of International Administration and Global Governance, as well as European Studies. The course consisted of lectures and seminars as well as instructor-led, hands-on training in the use of research methods. As much as possible, course assignments employed data relevant to international and European policy issues in order to familiarise students with the potentialities and limitations of existing data.

Globalization and Organization

2016-2017 – University of Gothenburg

This course addressed new organisational issues arising on a global level, beyond individual workplaces, organisations and nations. It examined how these global relations influence strategic HR work and employment relations in different countries and on different local, national and global levels. The reverse perspective was also analysed, that is, the associated challenges and potentialities for strategic HR work to influence organisations globally, nationally and locally. The course demonstrated how organisations and individuals are to a large extent influenced by general changes linked to globalisation, nationalisation or individualisation including technical changes, competition, legislation, and international agreements.

Central and Eastern Europe: fully European or European other?
2019-2020, 2015-2016, 2016-2017 – University of Gothenburg

This interdisciplinary course highlighted the historical, cultural, political and socio-economic perspectives behind the persistence of an implicit opposition within Europe. What are Central and Eastern Europe? How were the concepts of Central and Eastern Europe constructed? What demarcations do they imply today? How is the opposition between Europe, and Central and Eastern Europe used to “other” states further “east”. This course developed students’ knowledge and skills related to the geopolitical characteristics of the region, and the historical roots of current developments in politics, economy and society. The main elements of the post-communist transition and the European integration process, were also explored in terms of their impact on new political, economic and social cleavages in contemporary Central and Eastern Europe.

Local and Global Social Movements

2019-2020, 2015-2016 – University of Gothenburg

This course introduced students to recent developments in social movement theory, enabling them to appreciate their relevance for making sense of social movements both globally and locally in Scandinavia. In particular, we focused on social movements in terms of processes of identity formation and the creation of new local or global solidarities. We also discussed the nature of protest and the different strategies adopted by social movement actors when presenting their causes in public. The course consisted of two modules. The first provided students with an overview of major theoretical perspectives and a variety of social movements, and the second gave them the opportunity to conduct an in-depth study of a particular social movement of their choice.

Migrations/Women/Gender 

2017-2018 – Humboldt University of Berlin

The main aim of this course was to provide a sociological analysis of migration processes, with a special focus on gender dynamics linked to (transnational) mobility. The course provided insights into theoretical and methodological developments in gender and migration scholarship with a strong focus on intersectional approaches. The course revolved around a set of themes including migration and gender identities, transnational family relations, sex-work and trafficking, gender and (care) work, transformations in masculinities, queer migrants and gender-focused transnational social movements.

Methods of Studying

2007-2008, 2008-2009 – Jagiellonian University

This course was an introduction to methods of studying encouraged at the Jagiellonian University and was designed specifically for BA students in order to familiarize them with approaches and expectations of the higher education system. 

Queer Sociology

2006-2007, 2007-2008, 2008-2009 – Jagiellonian University

The main aim of the course was to introduce students to basic assumptions and theoretical approaches within queer sociology, with an emphasis on the analysis of cultural processes related to building sexual norms and sexual identities. The theoretical roots of this approach and its place within sociological tradition were discussed. The research field was presented as well as possibilities for applying queer perspectives to other research areas. Seminars mainly focused on canonic texts from this perspective and on Polish texts related to queer sociology. 

Sociology of Masculinities
2006-2007, 2007-2008, 2008-2009 – Jagiellonian University

The main aim of the course was to provide a sociological analysis of constructions of masculinities in contemporary societies. The contexts explored were mostly, but not exclusively, European. The course provided insights into theoretical and methodological developments in critical men and masculinities studies and sociological analyses of the most burning issues concerning men, masculinities and sexualities. Firstly, the course covered the historical development of critical men and masculinities studies and provided an overview of the main theories developed by scholars such as Connell, Messner, Kimmel, and Anderson, among others. Subsequently, major methodological approaches and challenges to social research on men and masculinities were introduced. The final part of the course focused on a set of themes including boys and young men, fatherhood, men at work, men’s health and body issues, interpersonal violence, men’s social movements, men and gender equality, migration and, finally, intersectional approaches in critical men and masculinities studies.