Postgraduate Qualification Studies

School of Polish Language and Culture

GOAL OF THE STUDIES

The goal of the studies is to obtain qualifications to teach Polish as a foreign language, second language and inherited language, and to examine the knowledge of Polish language.

DESCRIPTION

Postgraduate Qualification Studies in Teaching Polish Culture and Polish as a Foreign Language train teachers of Polish culture and Polish as a foreign language. The graduates can work at foreign universities as lecturers of Polish language after having passed the admission procedure in the Lectors programme run by the Polish National Agency for Academic Exchange, in Polish units teaching Polish as a foreign or second language. They can also conduct classes for immigrants and returnees, in order to equalise language competences of school students. What is more, the graduates of the studies can be members of examination committees operating in entities authorised to conduct the state certification examination confirming knowledge of Polish as a foreign language, and may apply for the qualifications of committee chairs and inspectors.

GRADUATE PROFILE

After completing the studies, the graduate:

• is substantively and practically prepared to perform professional (didactic) tasks resulting from the role of a teacher of Polish language and culture among foreigners and people of Polish origin
• has knowledge of the didactics and methodology of teaching Polish as a foreign language and experience in its practical use
• has the skills and competencies necessary for the comprehensive implementation of didactic activities, including preparation and adaptation of the curriculum to the needs and capabilities of the target group
• demonstrates the ability to learn and improve their own teaching methods with the use of modern ways of obtaining, organizing and processing of information and materials
• has the ability to communicate using various techniques.

CURRICULUM

The tree-semester studies include, among others, classes relating to the practical grammar of the Polish language with elements of comparative grammar, language culture and changes in contemporary Polish language, Polish culture together with methodological workshop, literature in teaching foreigners, methodology of teaching Polish at various levels of advancement, creating syllabuses, checking and examining, as well as pedagogy and developmental psychology, as well as lectures and practicals in life and institutions of Poland, and world achievements of Polish cinematography and theatre. The studies include theoretical and practical classes.

LECTURERS

Lectures and practicals are conducted by employees of the University of Silesia, specialists in the field of glottodidactics of the Polish language, who for years have been conducting practical classes for foreigners at the School of Polish Language and Culture, are authors of textbooks and multimedia programmes for teaching Polish as a foreign language, examiners of the State Commission for the Certification of Proficiency in Polish as a Foreign Language and worked at foreign universities teaching Polish as a foreign language. The lecturers are also employees of other Polish academic centres engaged in teaching foreigners and Polish Studies abroad. The studies cooperate with, among others, universities in Brazil, China, South Korea, Germany, Italy, Ukraine and Belarus, and graduates of the studies work as language teachers in Morocco, Croatia, France, USA, China and Japan.

Duration:
1st semester – 128 hours (students wishing to obtain teaching qualifications + 68 hours)
2nd semester – 108 hours (students wishing to obtain teaching qualifications + 120 hours)
3rd semester – 121 hours

Organisation of classes:
10 sessions per semester, on Fridays and Saturdays or Saturdays and Sundays, depending on the students’ preferences.

Graduation criteria:
The graduation criterion is the average grade from selected exams and credits as well as completion of the internship.

Graduation document:
Postgraduate diploma issued by the University of Silesia in Katowice.

ADMISSION PROCESS

Candidates
Postgraduate Qualification Studies in Teaching Polish Culture and Polish as a Foreign Language train teachers of Polish culture and Polish as a foreign language. The studies prepare students to work in Poland and abroad, in various environments interested in learning Polish (also among people of Polish origin).

The studies are addressed to people who have completed Master’s or Bachelor’s degree studies in Polish or Foreign Studies and graduates of other degree programmes in Humanities.

The studies are also addressed to foreigners who have a document confirming education equivalent to a Polish diploma of graduating from university or vocational studies and having knowledge of the Polish language at a level of at least B2.

Admission process:
Apply online
Electronic admission process in Online Application System (IRK) on the dates specified in Online Application System (IRK). Choose and proceed according to the instructions.

Admission criteria:
Candidates are admitted to studies according to the registration order and the result of the admission procedure (if it was conducted).

Planned date of beginning of classes: October/February

FEES

After being admitted to postgraduate studies, you may start your studies, subject to paying the fee for postgraduate studies. Payments should be made to the student’s individual account, within the deadlines specified in the agreement.

Payment deadlines in accordance with the Rules and Regulations of Studies at the University of Silesia and the form of the contract between the University of Silesia and the student (applies to all postgraduate studies).

CONTACT

Head of Postgraduate Studies
Aleksandra Achtelik, PhD, DLitt, Associate Professor
Tel. 32 251 29 91 or 32 200 94 24
e-mail: aleksandra.achtelik@us.edu.pl

Secretary Office
Katarzyna Szczotka
Tel. 32 251 29 91 or 32 200 94 24
e-mail: szkola@us.edu.pl

School of Polish Language and Culture
40-007 Katowice
ul. Uniwersytecka 4
rooms no. A06, A07

Financial matters
Karolina Graboń
Tel. 32 251 29 91 or 32 200 94 24
e-mail: karolina.grabon@us.edu.pl