Week 2: Module description and assignments

This week we will explore some facets of contemporary Poland. To this end we will read some recent articles about Polish politics and society, and watch a film of your choice: a very popular comedy "Planeta Singli" (2016), or a drama "The Hater" (2020). "Planeta Singli" was so successful that so far two sequels were made, "Planeta Singli 2" and "Planeta Singli 3". My favorite is still the original one, although, with some reservations,  I could recommend to you the third one as well.

While "Planeta Singli" is available through the university streaming service (more information about how to access it is below) "The Hater" is available on Netflix. 

Here what you need to do in this module:   

1. Read the articles posted in this module and complete the corresponding quiz. There are 9 articles (of varying length) that constitute your required readings. (5.3 points)
2. Watch one of the films and comment on it using the discussion.  (3.5 points).
How to access "Planeta Singli":
Two films for this class  ("Planeta singli" and "City'44") will be assigned through the Foreign Language Technology Center Media Server. The Media Server is a way to stream films for one term. These films are being made available to you for educational purposes only and only for the period of this term. To access the films, visit media.langlab.wayne.edu and enter the login and password. The server streams films in a wmv or Windows media file format. If you have a Mac, you will need to download the VLC player and follow a set of specific instructions in order to access the films. Here are those instructions: http://www.media.langlab.wayne.edu/How%20to%20play%20Windows%20Media%20Video.pdf. If you are having trouble accessing the Media Server, whether you have a Mac or a PC, please let me know within the first week of classes. We will work with the FLTC to make it work for you. The login and password for our server access are:
User ID: alinak
Password: A1NAK1
3. Complete the module exit exercise.  Reflect on the topic: What was your image of Poland before you completed Module 1, read the articles in this module and viewed the film "Planeta Singli" or "The Hater"? How did it change after you completed the assignments? How important for Poland are EU membership and close relations with the US?  Which one, in your opinion, might be more important and why?  (3 points)
4. EXTRA CREDIT: if you want to earn some extra credit in this module, find a recent Polish meme, post it and comment explaining why the meme is funny.