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.

NOTE: Please note that, due to the low frequency of meetings and the size of the group, this is not a traditional language module, but rather a series of lectures with elements of conversational language learning. The Department of Russian and Slavonic Studies does, however, offer Polish Language for Beginners (PLU11051) as an Open Module, which is a language module in the traditional sense. 

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.
• Prepare a presentation on a prominent Polish figure.
• Take an active part in shaping the module programme (you can vote for your preferred topics in the first class; the lecturer is also open to suggestions for new topics)
• Read and discuss Polish issues, sharing your thoughts in an online forum.

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.

How will this be assessed?

• 25% Language quiz.
• 25% Final Closed-ended test
• 20% Preparing a 10-minute presentation on a previously agree topic.
• 20% Online discussion board participation.
• 10% Active participation during in-class sessions.

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 Dr Adam Nowakowski.

Please Note:

• You can only select either the Semester 1 module or the Semester 2 module, but not both.

* 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.