230535 Introduction to British Civilization (S) (WiSe 2007/2008)

The course will provide you with a basis for your further work on English literature and cultural studies, introducing you to key elements of British life, experience and institutions. This will include an introduction to the regions of Britain; to the four nations of the islands, to Britain's ethnic minorities and cultures. We will find out how Britain feeds itself, what it produces, how its wealth is distributed, how it is ruled, how public opinion is formed, how young people are educated, what the British believe, how they entertain themselves, what they have contributed to the arts and to science, how they relate to their neighbours.

In studying these issues, you will read extensively, do internet research, interpret figures, discuss and analyse texts. Suggested topics for your own comparative studies: the situation of young people in Germany and Britain; the situation of women in both countries; how British people see themselves and how others see them; the historically fraught relations between the Germans and the British; British television programmes on German tv; the state and the strategies of cultural integration.

3 CPs can be obtained for regular attendance, preparation for the weekly sessions and passing the end-of-term test. Please note: To keep your place, you must be present at the first session

Recommended literature:

Christopher, David P., British Culture: An Introduction, London 1999
Fox, Kate, Watching the English: The Hidden Rules of English Behaviour, 2004
Oakland, John, British Civilization: An Introduction, London, (5th ed.) 2002, rpt 04
Storry, Mike & Childs, Peter (eds), British Cultural Identities, London, (2nd ed.) 2002, rpt 05