230535 Introduction to British Civilization (S) (WiSe 2006/2007)

This course is part of BA Basic Module 4. Three credit points can be obtained for regular attendance, preparation for the weekly sessions and passing the end-of-term test.

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, analyse texts. The course has to be offered in the form of a lecture, but I will try to give you some opportunities for discussion.

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; what is special about Britain and the British.

If you wish to attend the course, you must sign up for it through the online-registration process. You do this via the English Department Newsletter, which explains the procedure (www.uni-bielefeld.de/bielefelder-modell/newsletter/index.html).

Recommended literature:

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
Christopher, David, British Culture: An Introduction, London 1999