This course introduces the fundamentals of cultural studies and their application within the diverse Baltic Sea region. We dedicate special attention to the cultural situation of post-socialist countries such as Russia, Poland, Estonia, and Latvia. In stark contrast to Norway, Denmark, Sweden, and Finland – often celebrated as prime examples of the Scandinavian 'capitalism with a human face' or 'Nordic model' and admired globally – the post-socialist Baltic societies are far less prominent on the world stage. Nevertheless, they offer equally compelling insights, particularly from the perspective of the Global South or developing nations. Utilizing canonical theories including structuralism, Marxism, feminism, memory studies, and post-colonial theory, we will engage with this region's specific 'double experience' of transition from communism to capitalism. By closely examining the cultural and socio-political realities of the post-socialist Baltics, our seminar aims to derive insights relevant to our contemporary Western (post)modernity.