Cultural Studies of English Speaking Countries

Timetable

tbc

Module aim (aims)

2.1. To get students acquainted with the most important facts about the institutions of the UK and USA and the way they function

2.2. To get students acquainted with the topical issues of concern to the contemporary British/American people (based on newspaper articles)

2.3. To raise students’ awareness about the role of the UK on the international scene;

2.4. To make students understand the concept of culture in the context of cultural studies as well as the concept of ethnic and national identity, and multiculturalism;

2.5. To teach students how to critically evaluate the sources of information (media literacy);

2.6. To teach students how to ground their opinions in evidence from different sources and be able to provide arguments in essays;

2.7. To activate students by arousing their interest in the course;

2.8. To develop students’ writing skills necessary to write the exam.

Pre-requisites in terms of knowledge, skills and social competences (where relevant)

Knowledge of English at least B2

Syllabus

Week 1: Introduction to the Course. Symbols and geography

Week 2: Society I – ethnic and racial composition, regions (US)/home countries

Week 3: Society 2 – immigration and main societal issues

Week 4: Politics – political system, elections

Week 5: Politics – legislative, executive branch

Week 6: Politics – judicial branch

Week 7: Foreign policy

Week 8: Mid-term test/essay

Week 9: Economy and geography

Week 10: Education

Week 11: Religion

Week 12: Media

Week 13: Culture

Week 14: Final test

Week 15: Revision, problematization and summary of all issues discussed in artices

Reading list

1. Oakland, J. 2019. British Civilization. An Introduction. Nineth Edition. London: Routledge.

2. O'Driscoll, J. 2014. Britain. Oxford: Oxford University Press.

3. Fiedler, E, R. Jansen, M. Norman-Risch. 2004. America in Close-up. Harlow: Longman.

4. Mauk, D. and J. Oakland. 2018. American Civilization. An Introduction, 7th Edition. London: Routledge.

5. Crowther, J. (ed.) 2006. Oxford Guide to British and American Culture. Oxford: Oxford University Press.

6. Oakland, J. 1993. A Dictionary of British Institutions. A Student's Guide. London: Routledge.

7. Storry, Mike and Peter Childs (eds.).5th Edition. 2017. British Cultural Identities. London, New York: Routledge.

8. articles from British and American media