Course Description: This course will consider issues which have become central to British political and cultural debate. These will include differences between English, British and European identities, the role of the monarchy, parliamentary democracy and London’s multiculturalism. Welsh politics, culture and the relationship to the rest of the UK, England in particular, will also be discussed. The British media and cultural institutions will be closely examined.

Student Learning Outcomes: The aim of the course is to take students beyond the initial aspects of cultural difference and to offer insights into what makes British culture distinct. The course will cover the historical processes that have shaped British society and that govern the social attitudes and outlook of modern Britons. Students will be introduced to the locations, organizations and issues that are of current concern to contemporary Londoners.

Assessment:

50%: 6 page essay (can be double spaced)

40%: Final exam

10%: Participation

Class schedule:

Week 1

• Class 1: Outline of the course and discussion of students’ impressions of the UK before arriving. An initial consideration of the differences between English, Welsh and Irish identities.

• Class 2: British Institutions - An introduction to the major judicial, parliamentary, financial and cultural institutions in the UK and the country’s relationship with Europe and the US.

• Class 3: The British system of government and parliamentary democracy - The role of monarchy and key political figures will also be considered, and the class will include a tour of The Houses of Parliament.

• Class 4: A visit to The Imperial War Museum will provide context for a discussion of major political, cultural and societal changes to the UK at the beginning of the twentieth century. The extension of voting rights for women, home rule in Ireland and the growth of the Labour party will form part of this discussion.

Week 2

• Class 5: The British media, with an emphasis on the newspaper industry.

• Class 6: The class will visit the Tate Gallery and National Portrait Gallery and consider different interpretations of Britain’s cultural heritage.

• Class 7: The development of theatre in London from Shakespearian times to now. Includes a tour of the historic Globe Theatre.

• Class 8: Trade and Industry in the United Kingdom - This class will look at economic changes and challenges faced by this country in the past and today.

Week 3

• Class 9: Tourism in the UK – includes a trip to The London Eye.        

• Class 10: The Empire - A look at Britain’s colonial past set in the context of a visit to The British Museum.

• Class 11: British identities in the 21st century - A examination of immigration into London and the many debates surrounding multiculturalism. The class will include a visit to Brick Lane.

• Class 12: Final exam