Introduction to Studies and Ethical Foundations
Subject is not scheduled Not scheduled
| Code | Completion | Credits | Range | Language Instruction | Semester |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 200USE | credit | 1 | English, Czech | summer |
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Contents
The course Introduction to Studies and Ethical Foundations introduces first-year Bachelor's students to the academic, operational, and social environment of the Theatre Faculty of the Academy of Performing Arts in Prague (DAMU). The goal is to facilitate the transition to university, help students navigate faculty structures and digital tools, and establish a solid foundation for a safe, ethical, and sustainable study and creative environment.
The course is divided into two consecutive parts:
Part 1: DAMU Orientation Days (Prior to the start of the winter semester)
Format: A two-day intensive block before the commencement of classes.
Content:
- Introduction to faculty leadership, the organizational structure of AMU/DAMU, and basic academic legislation.
- Academic affairs, faculty-wide courses, and the study information system (KOS).
- Management and use of online tools (e-mail, Microsoft 365, Eduroam, AMU library).
- Operational and technical facilities (the PLATO equipment rental system, occupational health and safety, operation of the DISK Theatre, faculty tour).
- Ethics, social safety, psychological support, and student feedback collection (DAMU Academic Senate).
- Faculty sustainability, personal well-being, motivation, and energy management („Dopamine as a Key“).
- Joint cultural program at the DISK Theatre.
Part 2: Block Workshop and E-learning (Winter semester examination period)
Format: A practical workshop (4× 45 minutes) + an e-learning course.
Content:
- Ethics, Social Safety, and Prevention: Recognizing inappropriate behavior, prevention of sexual harassment, and support mechanisms at DAMU.
- Well-being: Psychological readiness for the specific demands of academic and artistic studies, stress management.
- Feedback Culture: Developing skills in giving and receiving constructive feedback in both academic and creative environments, based on principles of nonviolent communication.
- E-learning: An independent online course in LMS Moodle focusing on social safety.
Learning outcomes
Upon successful completion of the course, participants will be able to:
Institutional and Digital Literacy:
- Navigate the organizational and legislative structure of AMU and DAMU, understanding the roles of faculty leadership and the Academic Senate.
- Independently use the study information system (KOS) and the university's digital tools (M365, e-mail, Eduroam, library systems).
- Understand safety regulations, the equipment rental system (PLATO), and the operational specifics of the DISK Theatre.
Ethics and Social Safety:
- Understand the ethical standards of the academic and creative environment at DAMU.
- Identify manifestations of socially undesirable behavior or sexual harassment and know which bodies and individuals to contact at the faculty if needed (e.g., ombudsperson, psychological support).
- Apply the principles of a safe and respectful study environment, confirmed by completing the e-learning course.
Communication Skills and Feedback:
- Apply the principles of nonviolent communication when resolving conflict situations and in daily academic and artistic practice.
- Effectively formulate, give, and receive constructive and respectful feedback in both creative and theoretical contexts.
- Personal Development and Sustainability:
- Apply basic techniques for maintaining psychological well-being, managing stress, and sustaining motivation throughout their studies.
- Understand the principles of sustainable faculty operations and actively contribute to creating a responsible academic community.
Prerequisites and other requirements
The course is open exclusively to first-year students of Bachelor's and non-continuing Master's degree programs.
Literature
Optional Reading:
Lipinsky, A., Schredl, C., Bauman, H., Humbert, A., & Tanwar, J. (2022). Gender-based violence and its consequences in European academia, summary results from the UniSAFE survey. Report, November 2022. UniSAFE Project No. 101006261. Available from: https://unisafe-gbv.eu/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/unisafe-survey_prevalence-results_2022.pdf
Rosenberg, Marshall B. Nonviolent Communication: A Language of Life. (Czech edition: Nenásilná komunikace. 4th ed. Prague: Portál, 2016; original work published 1999).
Jarkovská, L., & Lišková, K. „Is It a Problem When a Teacher Dates a Student?“ [Je to problém, když chodí učitel se studentkou?]. A2larm, 2021. Available from: https://a2larm.cz/2021/07/je-to-problem-kdyz-chodi-ucitel-se-studentkou/. Accessed: 2022-08-22.
Koubová, A. „The Problem with Hierarchy Is Not Its Hierarchical Nature. So What Is the Problem?“ [Problémem hierarchie není její hierarchičnost. Co je tedy problém?]. CEDIT (Contexts and Overlaps of Creation of the Center for Experimental Theatre), No. 7/2022, pp. 18–19. Available from: https://jasuteren.cz/media/pages/cedit/3083814219-1636978223/cedit7.pdf. Accessed: 2022-08-22.
Kubala, P. „Replacing a Specific Person Doesn't Make the Systemic Problem Disappear: Interview with Duo Docentky“ [Nahradí-li se konkrétní člověk jiným, systémový problém nezmizí. Rozhovor s duem docentky]. CEDIT (Contexts and Overlaps of Creation of the Center for Experimental Theatre), No. 8/2022, pp. 20–21. Available from: https://jasuteren.cz/media/pages/cedit/3083814219-1636978223/cedit7.pdf.
Postránecká, B. „How Do I Know When to Report It? The Vagueness of Boundaries Is Just One of the Problems Facing University Students“ [Jak vědět, kdy to mám nahlásit? Mlhavost hranic je jen jedním z problémů studentů vysokých škol]. Heroine.cz. Available from: https://www.heroine.cz/zena-a-svet/6626-jak-vedet-kdy-to-mam-nahlasit-mlhavost-hranic-je-jen-jednim-z-problemu-studentu-vysokych-skol. Accessed: 2022-08-25.
Evaluation methods and criteria
Active participation in both parts of the course (Orientation Days + Workshop). Attendance will be verified via signature on the attendance sheet.
Completion of the e-learning course „Social Safety,“ including the test.
Further information
No schedule has been prepared for this course
The subject is a part of the following study plans
- Acting for Dramatic Theatre (M.A.) (Required subjects with the possibility of repeat registration)
- Directing and Dramaturgy for Dramatic Theatre (B.A.) (Required subjects with the possibility of repeat registration)
- Authorial Acting in English (B.A.) (Required subjects with the possibility of repeat registration)
- Authorial Acting (B.A.) (Required subjects with the possibility of repeat registration)
- Stage Design (B.A.) (Required subjects with the possibility of repeat registration)
- Scenography - Theatrical Scenography in EN (M.A.) (Required subjects with the possibility of repeat registration)
- Scenography - Production Design in EN (M.A.) (Required subjects with the possibility of repeat registration)
- Stage design of Alternative and Puppet Theatre (Required subjects with the possibility of repeat registration)
- Acting for Alternative and Puppet Theatre (B.A.) (Required subjects with the possibility of repeat registration)
- Directing of Devised and Object Theatre (Required subjects with the possibility of repeat registration)
- Directing and Dramaturgy for Alternative and Puppet Theatre (B.A.) (Required subjects with the possibility of repeat registration)
- Drama in Education (Required subjects with the possibility of repeat registration)
- Drama in Education (Required subjects with the possibility of repeat registration)
- Arts Management (B.A.) (Required subjects with the possibility of repeat registration)
- Theory and Criticism of Theatre XXX (Required subjects with the possibility of repeat registration)