230533 The Brexit in Politics, in the Media, and in Literature (S) (WiSe 2018/2019)

In June 2016 the Brexit referendum took place. Contrary to general expectations a majority of 51.9% voted to leave the European Union, whereas 48,1 % voted to remain (turnout 72,2%, i.e. 27,8% did not vote). As a consequence the United Kingdom will leave the EU in March 2019 – probably with a transition period of two years. Britain’s leaving the EU will have and already has substantial consequences not only for Britain herself but also for Continental Europe as well as on other countries in the world. Although the international aspects of the Brexit have to be taken into account the seminar will focus on the UK the political, economic, and social implication for Britain as a whole as well as to England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. The second half the seminar will be devoted to so-called Brexit novels which have appeared since the beginning of 2017. However, the discussion will be focused on Anthony Cartwright’s novel ‘The Cut’, the first Brexit novel published after the referendum. A reader concerning the social, political, economic, and cultural consequences of the Brexit will be prepared.