ENG3-1014 History & Culture: The British Empire & Commonwealth

Contents and structure

The course will cover the development and the historical and cultural characteristics of the British Empire and Commonwealth, through the study of the factors that have contributed to this development. This will require a historical perspective and approach, with focus on the processes of colonisation and decolonisation, plus case-studies for five Commonwealth countries (India, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa). The literature for this course will be complemented with maps, texts, illustrations and films, in order to help the student to a better comprehension of the evolution of the British Empire and Commonwealth.

Learning Outcome

Knowledge

• have acquired basic knowledge and understanding of history and cultures of the former British Empire and present day Commonwealth
• have an historical perspective on how the British Empire developed during the 19th and 20th centuries, including the decolonisation process

 

Skills

• be able to analyse and interpret various documents (texts and films of fiction and non-fiction, maps, posters, paintings, photos (notably of architecture and works of art)), and appreciate their significance in- and relevance to the time and context of production
• be able to use such documents as primary sources for research
• be able to use textbooks and relevant websites as secondary sources for Research

 

General competence

• articulate ideas and comments both orally and in written form

Entry requirements

None

Teaching methods

The course will alternate formal lectures with group-work and discussion.

Compulsory learning activities

Compulsory attendance (80%)

Compulsory two-hour written test in class

Assessment

Three-hour written exam

Examination support material

English-English Dictionary

More about examination support material