Duration
30h Th, 3d FT Tr. Pr.
Number of credits
Lecturer
Language(s) of instruction
English language
Organisation and examination
Teaching in the second semester
Schedule
Units courses prerequisite and corequisite
Prerequisite or corequisite units are presented within each program
Learning unit contents
This module will provide an introduction to the economic, political, social and cultural history of Modern Britain. It will address the major moments in this history and point towards the ways in which they have influenced life in contemporary Britain. In this context, we will explore the different regions of Britain, focussing on their individuality and the ways in which they are both interrelated and very distinct. Other aspects of British history that we will discuss are the British Empire and Commonwealth, immigration and racism, World War I and World War II, and post-war Britain. We will use journalistic and cultural material in order to consider the influences that these major events, and others, have had on the construction of British national identity and the ways in which the British perceive themselves.
Learning outcomes of the learning unit
The objective of this module is to provide an introduction to the historical, political and social construction of modern Britain. It will also demonstrate the ways in which Britishness and British identities have been constructed and represented.
Prerequisite knowledge and skills
A good knowledge of English.
Planned learning activities and teaching methods
Class discussions
Oral presentations
Formal debates
Mode of delivery (face to face, distance learning, hybrid learning)
Blended learning
Additional information:
The module will be taught in weekly two-hour sessions
Monday 13:00-15:00
Course materials and recommended or required readings
Oakland, John (2002). British Civilization: An Introduction. Routledge
Crystal, David (2003). English as a Global Language. Cambridge University Press
And
Online Newspapers (The Telegraph, The Guardian, The Independent, The Sun)
Youtube ("The making of modern Britain" -Documentary TV series, Good Morning Britain, etc.)
Postcolonial literature in English
Exam(s) in session
Any session
- In-person
written exam
Continuous assessment
Further information:
Student engagement (10%)
Attendance
Attendance will be taken at the end of every session. However, students may contact the instructor if, for any valid reason, they are unable to attend a session. Unforeseen circumstances will also be taken into consideration.
Participation in class discussions
Students are highly encouraged to make use of their critical thinking skills and actively participate in class discussions. This will help them gain a better understanding of the topics discussed and improve their English language skills.
Portfolio
Students will be required to build a portfolio of written assignments and submit it at the end of the term.
Group presentation or debate (40%)
Students will be arranged into groups around the second or third week of class. They will then begin researching their assigned topic and work on a presentation, or prepare for a debate. Oral presentations/debates will take place during the teaching period.
Final exam (50%)
Regardless of their continuous assessment mark, students must obtain at least 10/20 in the final exam to pass the module.
AI policy
Students are allowed to use AI tools when preparing for their oral presentations and debates. However, this use should be limited to gathering information and ideas. Students are expected to verify their sources and ensure the accuracy of any content obtained.
Work placement(s)
Organisational remarks and main changes to the course
Contacts
Dr Raymond Echitchi
Département de Langues et littératures modernes
Place du 20 Aout
Local A2/6/39
4000 Liege
E-mail sechitchi@uliege.be