ENG3-1018 History & Culture 2

Contents and structure

The course will cover the development and the historical and cultural characteristics of the British Empire and the 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 some Commonwealth countries and from a postcolonial perspective. 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 former British Empire and today’s Commonwealth.

Learning Outcome

Knowledge

The student should

• 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

The student should

• be able to analyse and interpret various documents (texts and films of fiction and non-fiction, maps, posters, paintings, photos), 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, articles, and relevant websites as secondary sources for research

 

General competence

The student should

• be able to 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 'course requirements').  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. Therefore, attendance to all classes is compulsory. In addition, students will have a compulsory home assignment based on the topics studied as part of the course.

Assessment

4-hour written home exam

Grading A-F

Examination support material

All aids available, but rules about using sources and plagiarism will apply.

More about examination support material