Some didactic methods, which have their sources in the work model used in arts education, provide valuable potential in working with students of faculties with a strictly theoretical profile. In this paper, I would like to present the results and experience of my semester work with first-year MA students of the Faculty of Polish Studies at the University of Warsaw. I present how in the process of classical university education we can effectively use: elements of knowledge in the field of contemporary visual culture, knowledge of design issues, practical exercises, and how to combine them with classic teaching materials. The made comments are the result of six months of work as part of exercises in the subject ‘Knowledge about culture. A word in culture’. In cooperation with students, among others, a publishing project was developed: a poster (original zine form) and a series of postcards. Important here is not the end result, but the work process itself, taking into account the practical use of previously acquired knowledge. I would like to convey the reflections on this simple teaching exercise in this short study.The most important issue (in the description of the semester exercise conducted with students) is to work with visual perception and actions with visual materials. An equally important aspect is the possibility of activating the potential of abstract thinking, including in the classical model of university work seemingly ‘useless’ competences for theoreticians – methods ‘borrowed’ from the Academy of Fine Arts. I would like to point out that the methods of creative, conscious work with visual materials – preceded by a lecture part – allow the consolidation of knowledge and its practical use by students of the Faculty of Polish Studies.

perception of creative activities, graphic design, visual arts, work with students, educational process, artistic education, anthropology of the word, visual exercises