SP25PP057 Introduction to Study

Faculty of Public Policies in Opava
Winter 2026
Extent and Intensity
0/13/0. 3 credit(s). Type of Completion: z (credit).
Teacher(s)
Mgr. Šárka Honová, Ph.D. (seminar tutor)
Mgr. Kateřina Janků, Ph.D. (seminar tutor)
Mgr. Jana Srovnalová (seminar tutor)
doc. Mgr. Eva Zezulková, Ph.D. (assistant)
Guaranteed by
Institute of Special Education – Faculty of Public Policies in Opava
Contact Person: Mgr. Denisa Janků
Timetable of Seminar Groups
SP25PP057/A: Tue 29. 9. 9:45–11:20 C306, Tue 6. 10. 9:45–11:20 C306, Tue 20. 10. 9:45–12:10 C306, Tue 3. 11. 11:25–13:50 C306, Mon 9. 11. 10:35–11:20 C306, Mon 16. 11. 10:35–11:20 C306, Mon 23. 11. 10:35–11:20 C306, Š. Honová, K. Janků, J. Srovnalová
Prerequisites (in Czech)
FAKULTA(1951) && TYP_STUDIA(B) && FORMA(P) && ROCNIK(1)
Course Enrolment Limitations
The course is only offered to the students of the study fields the course is directly associated with.
fields of study / plans the course is directly associated with
Course objectives

The course introduces students to the study of Special Education and familiarizes them with the structure of the faculty, the formal aspects and rules of study, and the key tools they will use throughout the three years of their studies. It also presents the field itself, its significance, theoretical framework, study structure, and professional perspectives. The course supports students in navigating the academic environment, develops their study, academic, psychosocial, and digital competences, and sets expectations regarding their role and responsibilities. It also provides space for open communication, sharing questions and concerns, and connecting study with practice, projects, and international opportunities.

Learning outcomes

Professional knowledge


The student:

  • explains the basic characteristics of the field of Special Education, its theoretical framework, ethical principles, and the professional roles of a special educator,
  • describes the structure of the Faculty of Public Policies, the Institute of Special Education, and the basic rules of study at Silesian University, including key study documents,
  • summarizes the opportunities for study, professional practice, involvement in projects, research, volunteering activities, and international mobility within the study program.

Professional Skills


The student:


  • navigates the information system and study tools and uses them effectively for planning and managing their own studies,
  • applies basic academic skills, especially working with academic texts, information literacy, principles of citation, and academic ethics,
  • uses basic strategies of time management, self-reflection, and digital tools to support the study process.

General Competences


The student:

  • takes responsibility for their own studies, reflects on their role as a university student, and develops their professional identity,
  • communicates and cooperates within the study group and academic environment with respect for ethical and professional principles,
  • demonstrates openness to lifelong learning, professional development, and active participation in professional and international activities.
Syllabus

1 – 2. Introduction to the Field and Professional Identity

  • The profession – Special Education: its diversity and variety
  • Ethical principles related to the profession of a special educator
  • Expectations of a university student in the field of Special Education
  • Motivation for study and professional orientation

3 – 4. Faculty, Institute, and Orientation in the Academic Environment

  • Structure of the Faculty of Public Policies – Dean’s Office, individual institutes, and departments (Study Department, Department of International Relations)
  • Institute of Special Education – its members, goals, activities, educational and research activities, the institute’s third mission, volunteering
  • Study and Examination Regulations of Silesian University; orientation in documents – Institute of Special Education website
  • Working with the information system, syllabi, and study documents – compulsory / compulsory elective / elective courses and their placement within the Bachelor’s study programme in Special Education, the state final examination and its parts, professional practice
  • Study support: University Library, university ambassadors and buddies, counselling centre

5 – 6. Academic Skills and Information Literacy

  • Working with academic texts – reading academic literature (textbooks, studies, articles)
  • Writing seminar papers and final theses – formal requirements
  • Principles of citation and bibliography (e.g., APA citation style)
  • Critical thinking and working with sources
  • Presentations and academic communication
  • Opportunities to participate in projects
  • Academic ethics: plagiarism, fair cooperation, communication with instructors

7 – 8. Self-awareness, Study Strategies, and Time Management

  • Learning styles, motivation, self-reflection
  • Time management and planning
  • Strategies against procrastination
  • Mental well-being and prevention of overload, coping with workload and stress
  • Digital tools and the use of AI

9 – 10. Connection with Professional Practice and Development Opportunities

  • Professional practice – organization and implementation
  • Participation in institute and faculty projects and research, volunteering
  • International mobility and internships, BIPs and micro-credential courses abroad
  • Building a professional portfolio during studies

11 – 13. Development of Teamwork, Communication within Study Groups, Motivation for Studying Abroad

  • Development of teamwork and communication within study groups
  • Participation in international cooperation, mobility programmes, and internships suitable for students of the Institute of Special Education
  • Active professional engagement within social groups.
Literature
    required literature
  • Studijní a zkušební řád Slezské univerzity v Opavě.
  • Dokumenty a metodické materiály Fakulty veřejných politik a Ústavu speciální pedagogiky (webové stránky, IS).
  • Webové stránky FVP: https://www.slu.cz/fvp/cz/soinformaceprostudenty
Teaching methods (in Czech)

úvodní výklad,  řízená diskuse, kooperativní a problémové učení, využití technologií , samostudium a reflexivní učení
Assessment methods

The course is completed with a credit.

  • active participation in classes and involvement in discussions,
  • completion of ongoing tasks related to individual thematic blocks,
  • preparation of a self-reflective assignment focused on a study portfolio and study plan.
Language of instruction
Czech
Teacher's information
Osobní kontakt ve výuce, konzultační hodiny. Student při průběžném studiu využívá studijní oporu a zpracovává vybrané korespondenční úkoly. Zde současně prokáže znalosti povinné literatury a přednášek kontaktní výuky. Student bude moci průběžně konzultovat individuálně studovaná témata předmětu prostřednictvím elektronické pošty, individuálních nebo skupinových konzultací.
Further comments (probably available only in Czech)
The course can also be completed outside the examination period.
  • Enrolment Statistics (recent)
  • Permalink: https://is.slu.cz/course/fvp/winter2026/SP25PP057