HKKK0100EU Cultural and social theory in cross-cultural perspective

Volume 2025/2026
Education

Offered as part of:

  • Curriculum for the BA elective in Comparative Cultural Studies (2019 curriculum)
  • Curriculum for the MA elective in Comparative Cultural Studies (2019 curriculum)
  • Curriculum for the MA programme in Cross-Cultural Studies (2021 curriculum)

 

This course is intended for BA and MA elective students who wish to be introduced to various understandings of culture and society, and to explore how different theoretical frameworks influence the analysis of cultural and social dynamics. The course takes an anthropological and cross-cultural perspective.

The course is specifically designed for elective students. This means it draws on many years of experience in optimizing research and teaching in interdisciplinary contexts. Your primary academic background will be brought into perspective and put into play in relation to a broader academic horizon.

Content

This course offers an introduction to cultural and social theory from anthropological and sociological perspectives. The teaching is structured as a survey of key theoretical – isms, such as evolutionism, functionalism, structuralism, symbolism, postmodernism, with particular emphasis on their historical and epistemological contexts.

The course includes examples illustrating how these theories have been applied in concrete analyses of culture and society across different world regions. Students will develop the ability to formulate and engage with theoretical issues related to culture and society. The course aims to foster critical reflection on the relationship between the researcher’s position and the use of theory and analytical methods. Through a comparative and cross-cultural lens, the course provides an analytical framework that is applicable across disciplinary backgrounds.

Learning Outcome

BA Elective (2019 curriculum):

Cultural and Social Theory in Comparative Cultural Studies A (Course code: HKKB10201E)

Cultural and Social Theory in Comparative Cultural Studies B (Course code: HKKB10211E)

MA Elective (2019 curriculum):

Cultural and Social Theory in Comparative Cultural Studies A (Course code: HKKK13001E)

Cultural and Social Theory in Comparative Cultural Studies B (Course code: HKKK13002E)

MA Elective in Cross-Cultural Studies (2021 curriculum):

Open Specialisation in Cross-Cultural Studies (Course code: HTÆK03321E)

The difference between versions A and B lies in the assessment method:
A) 7-point grading scale
B) Pass/Fail

For elective students at both BA and MA levels, the exam is a set oral examination with 24 hours of preparation. For students in Cross-Cultural Studies taking the course as an elective, the exam is a free oral examination based on a synopsis and supporting materials.

You are responsible for selecting the correct exam format. Therefore, it is important that you consult your own curriculum to ensure you meet the relevant examination requirements.
You can find your study programme curriculum here: https:/​/​hum.ku.dk/​uddannelser/​aktuelle_studieordninger/​

If you have any questions, please contact the exam coordinator, Frank Sejersen: sejersen@hum.ku.dk

Course readings will be compiled in two compendia, consisting of articles and selected book chapters, printed by Publi@Kom at KUA (room 11A.0.02). The first compendium will be available for purchase around the beginning of the semester, while the second will be printed later in the term.

In addition, the following textbook is required for the course:
Eriksen & Sivertsen: A History of Anthropology.
Students are expected to either purchase the book or access it electronically.

The course will be taught through a combination of lectures and class-based teaching, including class discussions, close readings of texts, and short student presentations.
To ensure a productive learning environment with space for meaningful academic dialogue, enrolment is limited to 35–40 students.
Comparative Cultural Studies offers a range of courses specifically designed for elective students interested in strengthening their knowledge of and skills in cultural analysis. You can find these courses at kurser.ku.dk.
If you need guidance in selecting courses, please contact the programme coordinator Frank Sejersen at sejersen@hum.ku.dk.
  • Category
  • Hours
  • Lectures
  • 84
  • Preparation
  • 328,5
  • Total
  • 412,5
Oral
Collective
Continuous feedback during the course of the semester
Feedback by final exam (In addition to the grade)
Peer feedback (Students give each other feedback)
Credit
15 ECTS
Type of assessment
Other
Aid
All aids allowed except Generative AI