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2011/2 Provisional Module Catalogue - UNDER CONSTRUCTION & SUBJECT TO CHANGE
 Module Code: ELA1014 Module Title: CONTEMPORARY BRITAIN I
Module Provider: Language & Translation Studies Short Name: ELA1014
Level: HE1 Module Co-ordinator: HOWARD CJ Mrs (Lang & Trans)
Number of credits: 15 Number of ECTS credits: 7.5
 
Module Availability
Semester 2
Assessment Pattern
Unit(s) of Assessment (SITS MAB)
Weighting Towards Module Mark (%)
Written assignment (1000 words)
40
Two hour examination
60
Qualifying Condition(s) A weighted aggregate of 40% is required to pass this module
 
Module Overview
This module is taught in English in Semester 2.
Prerequisites/Co-requisites
A-level grade A/B or equivalent/IELTS 6.5 or equivalent
Module Aims
To equip students with a broad general knowledge and understanding of the society and culture of Britain, including an introduction to the historical background that has shaped contemporary society and culture.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the module, students will:
  • Be able to follow and take notes from lectures delivered in English
  • Be able to participate in seminars in English
  • Have acquired basic and specialised vocabulary related to social and cultural issues
  • Have gained an understanding of the relevance and value of a historical perspective within the study of modern languages and cultures
  • Be able to describe the development of British culture and society
  • Be able to read and critically evaluate authentic sources on a range of cultural and social issues
  • Be able to write critically in the target language on cultural and social issues
  • Have developed communicative skills in the target language.
Module Content
The following areas are indicative of topics to be covered: 
  • Historical overview of Britain
  • Colonial expansion and development of the English-speaking world
  • Overview of society: changes in family life; role of women; youth culture; class
  • Culture as way of life: food, work and leisure, holidays, religion
  • Other aspects of culture: literature, theatre, cinema, music, dance; cultural policy
  • The media
  • Immigration and multiculturalism
  • Education system
  • Minorities
Methods of Teaching/Learning
Three contact hours per week over Semester 2. Classes will include lectures and seminars; students are expected to read extensively outside classes in order to follow lectures and participate in seminars.
Selected Texts/Journals
Essential Reading
O’Driscoll, James (2009) Britain for Learners of English, 2nd Edition, Oxford: OUP
Storry, M & Childs, P (2007) British Cultural Identities, 3rd Edition, London: Routledge
 
Recommended Reading
Christopher, D (2006) British Culture: An Introduction, 2nd Edition, Oxford: Routledge
Home Office (2007) Life in the United Kingdom, 2nd Edition, Norwich: TSO
Oakland, John (2006) British Civilization, 6th Edition, Abingdon: Routledge
 
Background Reading
Bryson, B (1995) Notes from a Small Island, London: Black Swan
Norridge, J (2009) Can we have our balls back, please? London: Penguin Group
 
Selected Websites
http://www.britannia.com/history/index.html
Last Updated
4.4.11