Intercultural Communication and Mediation

University of Wroclaw

Summer Semesters from 2014/2015 up to 2024/2025 and ongoing...

English

In our interconnected world, effective intercultural communication is a vital skill. This course equips you to navigate diverse cultural environments and challenging communication situations with confidence.

With my background in sociology and cultural studies, I'll guide you through the complexities of cross-cultural interactions. My business experience provides practical insights into how our norms and values impact team collaboration and negotiations. We’ll explore cultural differences that may lead to misunderstandings, but also how to seize the immense opportunities diversity brings to organizations. You'll:
  • Sharpen your awareness of cultural nuances.
  • Learn how values affect our everyday choices.
  • Strengthen your ability to successfully address differences in cultural orientations, whether national or organizational.
The course also focuses on mediation and negotiation strategies, showing you how to guide people from disagreement to mutual understanding. You'll learn how to:
  • Stay in control under pressure and defuse anger.
  • Discover what the other side truly wants and how to bring them to the table.
  • Apply straightforward methods for negotiating personal and professional disputes.

You'll gain techniques for effective cross-cultural communication, understand cultural influences on teamwork and leadership, and develop strategies to thrive in diverse global settings.

This course is beneficial for students in international relations, business, management, communication, sociology, and public policy programs looking to master navigating and mediating cultural complexities.

Challenges and Expectations of the Labor Market

Higher School of Banking (Merito University)

Summer Semester 2024/2025

English

Ready to navigate the complexities of today's dynamic job market with confidence? My course offers a unique, comprehensive perspective on the forces shaping the modern workforce, drawing from both rigorous academic research and extensive real-world business experience. As a sociologist and an entrepreneur, I bring not only a theoretical depth but also a practical insight to this subject. I'll share with you the 'what' and the 'why' behind employer decisions, helping students truly grasp the practical expectations of the professional world.

In this course, you'll:
  • Gain an in-depth understanding of fundamental labor market concepts.
  • Develop strategies to stand out in job applications and challenging job interviews.
  • Learn to identify the emerging workplace trends as well as recruitment strategies and adapt proactively to the context.
  • Understand the responsibilities of both employers and employees.

You'll gain the sociological lens needed to understand the big picture, combined with the practical tools to succeed in a fast-changing employment landscape.

This course enhances programs across social sciences, administration, business and management by preparing students for practical career challenges.

Copywriting

Higher School of Banking (Merito University)

Summer Semester 2024/2025

English

Would you like to make your words work for you? This course is built on a unique blend of academic understanding, my personal experience running a business, and deep involvement in local social and political campaigns.

As a sociologist, I'll reveal not just how words persuade, but why they resonate – by understanding the mechanisms of compelling language, social dynamics, and your reader's true desires. My experience leading a company and shaping messages for grassroots social and political initiatives has given me firsthand insight into what truly connects with people, drives action, and delivers results.

In this hands-on course, you'll learn the basic rules and advanced formulas for writing effectively. You'll gain practical skills in:
  • Creating different types of messages, from website copy to press releases.
  • Mastering strong headlines, clear calls to action, and proven writing styles.
  • Writing powerful ads, blog posts, and social campaigns that get noticed and make people act.
  • Staying focused on your communication goal.

This course goes beyond just writing rules. It gives you the smart thinking needed to succeed in any role where effective communication is key. You'll learn to not only write well but also understand how your words affect society, business, and community.

Ideal for students across communication, marketing, business, public relations, political, and social sciences programs seeking to master persuasive writing for diverse platforms.

Social Movements

Higher School of Banking (Merito University)

Summer Semester 2024/2025

English

Explore the powerful forces that drive societal change. Together we will analyze the intricate dynamics of social movements from inception to evolution, examining how collective action and broader forms of civic engagement ignite profound social transformations. I’ll provide a modern sociological framework for media and marketing analysis, communication strategies, and political analysis, all vital for practical application. My direct involvement in community empowerment offers additional insight, revealing the organizational strategies, leadership challenges, and resource mobilization efforts that underpin successful collective action.

In this course, you'll not only gain a nuanced understanding of how individuals collectively shape history and drive progress, but also firsthand insights into the daily realities and strategic choices faced by movements on the ground. You will:
  • Learn the operational blueprints of historically significant movements, from civil rights, independence, to ecological movements.
  • Critically assess the potential challenges and outcomes faced by collective actions.
  • Examine the profound social transformations ignited by contemporary social movements and broader forms of civic engagement.
  • Develop tools to analyze and influence social change.

This course goes beyond theory, equipping you with the critical thinking and civic awareness essential for understanding and analyzing today’s social phenomena.

It's a perfect fit for students in media, journalism, marketing, sociology, political science, or public policy programs.

Introduction to Business Project

Higher School of Banking (Merito University)

Summer Semester 2024/2025

English

Let’s launch your academic journey! This program offers a focused specialization in your chosen professional field, providing the ideal environment to develop your capstone degree project. As an academic and an entrepreneur with direct business experience, I understand the complexities of both sociological research and the practical demands of launching successful ventures. My guidance will help you connect scientific understanding with tangible business outcomes.

This isn't just about managing a project; it's about mastering your discipline, analytical thinking, and developing vital skills through practical exercises like business plans, market analyses, or outcomes measurement. You will learn:
  • How to design and execute impactful business projects.
  • Essential collaboration and presentation skills.
  • How to choose effective scientific tools to reach your analytical goals.

This course enhances business, marketing, media science, or management programs by offering practical, project-based learning. It prepares students for thesis work and future careers, significantly boosting graduate outcomes.

Social Psychology

Higher School of Banking (Merito University)

Winter Semester 2024/2025

English & Polish

Ever wondered what truly drives human behavior in groups? My course unpacks the fascinating mechanisms of how individuals function within a social context. You'll gain a deep understanding of the psychological forces behind human social behavior across a spectrum of complex situations. Learn to accurately describe, explain, and critically analyze phenomena like social perception and influence. This course is essential for anyone looking to truly grasp the intricacies of human interaction and make sense of the social world around us.

My background allows me to connect the psychological forces behind human interaction with the dynamics seen in organizations, teams, and public initiatives. I've personally observed and navigated complex social behaviors, from leading a company to engaging in community issues, so I can offer everyday life reference to theoretical concepts.

In this engaging course, you will:
  • Analyze phenomena like conformity, persuasion, or leadership.
  • Understand techniques to predict and influence social behaviors.
  • Apply psychological insights to real-world scenarios.

This course fosters critical thinking and interpersonal skills, making it perfect for students in psychology, sociology, education, and management programs. It's designed for anyone interested in human behavior, offering a profound understanding of social dynamics relevant to both academic pursuits and professional success.

Human Resource Management

Higher School of Banking (Merito University)

Winter Semester 2024/2025

Wroclaw Business Academy

2017/2018

English

Shape the hearts of organizations with this practical HR management course. With my professional guidance you’ll acquire essential competences to attract, manage, and motivate talent, mastering the core principles of HR. I’m Ph.D. in sociology, but my background is also built on practice in business consultancy services and audits. I’ll share with you the insight into the practical challenges and strategic decisions involved in managing human capital effectively.

You'll learn how to:
  • Plan and build a successful recruitment strategy.
  • Craft compelling job descriptions.
  • Understand what truly motivates employees.
  • Design effective training programs and evaluate performance.
  • Choose the right tools to foster team collaboration and organizational growth

This course prepares students for in-demand HR roles by offering practical, industry-relevant skills together with firm scientific framework. Ideal for students in business, management, organizational psychology, and HR programs, this course will help you gain the expertise to become an invaluable asset in any company, leading HR initiatives and fostering workplace success.

Sociology of Media

University of Wroclaw

from 2019/2020 up to 2021/2022

English

Discover the powerful relationship between media, culture, politics, and society. We'll examine how media shapes our attitudes, behaviors, and norms, influencing the way our communities operate. Drawing on my background as a sociologist and a member of a local media editorial board, I'll guide you through key media theories as well as the practical challenges of running a local media portal and magazine.

We will critically examine fundamental questions about the role and responsibility of media in today's world. Are the media still a "third power" standing in defense of freedom and free speech? What happens when media operate under different political regimes, and how does this affect their function? Does media bear any kind of social responsibility in how it acts? What is citizen journalism, digital activism, and what other new forms of media exist today?

In this course, you will:
  • Examine how media shapes cultural norms, public opinion, and social identities.
  • Analyze media power and representation, with a focus on local and global cases.
  • Develop critical thinking and analytical skills to assess media's influence in various sociopolitical settings.

Through theoretical frameworks and compelling case studies, you'll gain the tools to understand and engage with media as a responsible communicator and a global citizen. This course is essential for anyone seeking to make sense of our rapidly evolving information landscape.

Open Science: New Tools for Scientific Communication

University of Wroclaw
PhD Program Biotechnology
PhD Program Psychology

2011/2012, 2012/2013

English/Polish

Take your academic career to the next level! This course, designed for PhD students, will equip you with the essential mindset and practical tools for success in the modern scientific landscape.

We'll explore the principles of Open Science and how they are transforming the way we conduct, publish, and share research. You'll gain a deep understanding of the ethical and philosophical foundations of open practices and discuss whether transparency is essential for the dynamic development and autonomy of scientific communication. We'll cover key concepts from open access to open data and self-archiving.

In this course, you will:
  • Deconstruct scientific impact metrics and move beyond traditional measures like Impact Factor and the Hirsch Index to explore alternative evaluation parameters.
  • Navigate the publishing landscape and master traditional rules for international journals, as well as new technological possibilities for open communication.
  • Explore legal regulations and learn about publishing agreements, open licenses, and the institutional obligation for open access.
  • See Open Science in action through the examples from your field of study, including open journals, data repositories, and archives.

Today's scientific communication goes far beyond journals. We will explore the role of preprint servers, social media, collaboration platforms, and the impact of open practices on citations and indexing.

This course is for PhD students who want to become informed, responsible, and impactful researchers in a rapidly changing academic world.

Sociology and Civil Society

Management WSH / WAB

2017/2018

Polish

Let’s explore the fundamental concepts that define human interaction and connect them to the dynamic world of civic engagement.

With my sociological guidance you will understand not only how society is structured, but also how it can be actively shaped by its citizens. You'll gain an in-depth understanding of what defines a civil society, from the role of social trust and social capital to the moral norms that foster cooperation.

We will examine the concept of "amoral familism" as a counterpoint to a culture of trust and analyze the critical importance of self-organization, a sense of agency, and voluntary association for a society's economic and civic development.

You will also study how grassroots movements, NGOs, and voluntary organizations form and operate in the modern world.

In this course, you will learn to:
  • Analyze the foundational concepts of social interaction and how they build the structure of society.
  • Evaluate the role of social capital and trust in promoting economic development and civic engagement.
  • Identify and examine different forms of citizen activity, from local volunteerism to global knowledge-sharing movements.
  • Assess the opportunities for civic action in the digital age, including the use of electronic communication and social media.

This course equips you with the tools to understand and participate in the public good. It is ideal for students in political science, public policy, community development, media, and international relations programs who are passionate about exploring how individuals and groups can drive meaningful change.

Consumer Behavior

Management WSH / WAB

2017/2018

Polish

Ever wondered what truly drives our purchasing decisions? My course provides a comprehensive sociological and business-oriented analysis of the forces shaping modern consumption.

We will focus on psychological, social, and cultural factors that influence how and why we buy, moving beyond simple transactions to uncover the deeper motivations behind consumer choices.

You'll explore key concepts like Veblen's paradox and conspicuous consumption, understanding how products can become symbols of status. We'll examine various models of consumer behavior and the stages of the decision-making process—from recognizing a need to post-purchase actions like loyalty and cognitive dissonance.

You'll analyze the influence of psychological factors, demographic trends, and social dynamics on consumer habits. The course also addresses contemporary trends in consumption, the role of brand loyalty and relationship marketing in today's retail environment.

In this course, you will learn to:
  • Analyze the psychological and sociological factors that drive consumer choices and purchasing decisions.
  • Identify and apply key models of consumer behavior and decision-making processes.
  • Examine new trends in modern consumption and different consumer typologies.
  • Evaluate the role of brand value and relationship marketing in building long-term customer loyalty.

This course is essential for anyone seeking to understand the complexities of modern consumption. It is ideal for students in marketing, business, management, sociology, and economics programs who want to gain a strategic advantage in a consumer-driven world.

Sociology of Technology

University of Wroclaw

2012/2013

Polish

For decades, technology was seen as a separate, neutral force—like the air we breathe. This course challenges that notion, revealing the profound, two-way relationship between technology and society.

We will explore how technology not only shapes our lives, but also reshapes social relations, political systems, and economic models. We’ll discover how technology is conceptualized in classic and contemporary sociological thought, from thinkers like Manuel Castells and Bruno Latour.

We'll examine the socio-psychological impact of technology, including how our sense of "self" is being formed in a networked world. The course also addresses the political implications of technology—from new forms of political freedom to the potential for direct democracy—and its effect on the global networked economy, work ethics, and modern education.

Finally, we'll explore new visions for the future, including elements of social design based on technology.

In this course, you will learn to:
  • Critically analyze the profound impact of technology on social interactions, culture, and individual identity.
  • Examine key sociological theories that explain the relationship between technology and society.
  • Evaluate the influence of technology on contemporary politics, economics, and education.
  • Identify emerging trends like networked individualism and the future of social design.

This course is essential for anyone seeking to understand the deep connections between the technology and social worlds. It is ideal for students in sociology, communication, political science, media, economics, as well as engineer studies programs who want to critically engage with the technological forces shaping our future.

A New Dimension of Civil Society: Open Science, Free Culture, Peer Production

University of Wroclaw

2010/2011

Polish

How are technology, culture, and globalization reshaping civic life? This course is moving beyond classic definitions to analyze how modern civil society is being transformed by open science, free culture, and peer production.

You'll gain an in-depth understanding of new forms of citizenship emerging in the digital age, drawing on key theories from modern thinkers like Yochai Benkler. We'll analyze the examples of civic engagement in various spheres: from the free culture and commons movements to Open Access in science, commons-based peer production in the economy, and Open Data in politics.

We'll also explore how new public spheres are forming through citizen journalism and how scientific institutions are becoming more open and collaborative through movements like citizen science and scientific crowdsourcing.

In this course, you will learn to:
  • Analyze the foundational concepts of civil society, social trust, and social capital in a modern context.
  • Critically evaluate new forms of citizenship and civic activity in the realms of science, culture, and the economy.
  • Examine the impact of digital technologies on self-organization, public spheres, and collaborative production.
  • Develop new research skills for empirical analysis of modern civic engagement.

This course is for anyone seeking to understand the profound changes shaping how we participate in a modern, interconnected world. It is ideal for students in sociology, political science, public policy, communication, and media studies programs who want to engage with the frontiers of civic life.

Free Culture Society - Sociological Problems of Free/Open Source Software and Creative Commons Movements

University of Wroclaw

2007/2008; 2010/2011; 2011/2012

English

How are digital technologies transforming our ideas about ownership, collaboration, and creativity? This course explores the new ideologies, social movements, and ethical frameworks emerging in our knowledge-based society. We will examine how the dynamic development of technology and media is challenging traditional notions of intellectual property and fostering new forms of social cooperation and knowledge sharing.

We'll analyze the manifesto of Lawrence Lessig and unpack fundamental concepts like proprietary software, open source, copyright, and copyleft. We'll explore the philosophical and social contexts of intellectual property, and you'll gain a deep understanding of free licenses, from GNU GPL to Creative Commons. We'll also examine the hacker ethic as a new model for work, analyze the "commons" movement, and study the new forms of cooperation seen in commons-based peer production.

In this course, you will learn to:
  • Critically analyze the social and ethical problems of intellectual property in a digital age.
  • Master key concepts such as "free culture," open source, and various forms of open licensing.
  • Examine the historical and social development of the free software and commons movements.
  • - Evaluate the impact of new forms of social production on creativity, civil society, and collaboration.

This course is essential for anyone seeking to understand the foundational shifts in how we create, share, and collaborate. It is ideal for students in sociology, media studies, management, communication, law, and computer science programs interested in the social implications of technology and the future of intellectual property.