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

Teaching will primarily consist of seminars. The course requires systematic work with reading and active participation in class (also see 'arbeidskrav'). The learning platform Canvas will be used to relay information and provide feedback on student work.

Compulsory learning activities

Since English is our only teaching medium but also our target language, classes in civilisation are based mostly on interaction between students and lecturer, or between students, through a variety of activities (role-plays, group discussion, presentations, etc - all in English) revolving around the various topics studied in the course. In addition, each new lecture is made accessible through knowledge and skills acquired in previous lectures, which are then expanded through active participation in class. This is why attendance to all classes is compulsory. In addition, students will have a compulsory written test in class based on the topics studied as part of the course.

Assessment

Three-hour written exam.

Grading A-F.

Examination support material

English-English Dictionary

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