Polish Language and Culture

Why should I take this Trinity Elective?

Did you know that Polish is the most spoken minority language in Ireland—with more people speaking it at home than Irish? Spoken by around 50 million people worldwide, Polish is the largest Slavic language in the EU and a gateway to understanding one of Europe’s most dynamic cultures.

This Trinity Elective offers an introduction to Polish language, culture, and identity, blending language learning with discussions of literature, film, and history. You’ll explore the many meanings of “Polishness”, from its rich literary and cinematic traditions to the experiences of the Polish diaspora, including in Ireland. Whether you’re interested in Poland’s role in Europe, its cultural impact, or simply want to learn the basics of the language, this elective will give you a roadmap for further exploration.

Please note: This is not a traditional language module—language study is integrated with discussions of cultural materials.

What will I learn?

• Gain linguistic and cultural knowledge of Polish language and society.
• Explore the diverse meanings of Polish identity in cultural and social contexts.
• Learn about the Polish diaspora, including in Ireland, and its contributions to Polish culture.

What will I do?

• Attend classes on Polish language and culture.
• Engage with online learning resources and complete a reading journal.
• Read and discuss Polish literature and film, sharing your thoughts in an online forum.
• Participate in a group forum and podcast recording, discussing a topic of your choice related to the module.

How will this be delivered?

• 11 hours of in-class language instruction.
• 11 hours of in-class discussions on Polish culture.
• ~77 hours of self-directed learning, including online activities, forum discussions, and quiz preparation.
• 1 hour of podcast production, including on-site preparation and recording.

How will this be assessed?

• 30% Language quiz.
• 15% Reading journal on Blackboard.
• 25% Online discussion board participation, preparing for the podcast.
• 30% Group podcast recording.
• Two ungraded check-ins with the instructor for feedback on your progress.

Who can take this Trinity Elective?

Any eligible student except those already studying Polish such as:

• Business Studies and Polish,
• European Studies with Polish,
• Middle Eastern & European Languages and Cultures with Polish
• Or those with prior knowledge above A1 level.

If unsure, please contact the module coordinator.

* Please note that assessment methods, assessment weightings and amount of contact hours are subject to change by the module coordinator. You can confirm all assessment details and expected contact hours with the module coordinator upon starting the elective.