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WiSe 20/21: Ü1-Contemporary Britain: Contemporary Britain: Language and Identity

Ruth Wishart

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Änderung! Lehrveranstaltung findet jetzt online statt!

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Aims and Objectives

This year-long module will analyse the language of contemporary British cultural phenomena as a means of understanding the cultural diversity and social structures in contemporary Britain today.

In the winter semester, we will focus on politics and national identity (especially in the wake of the 2017 General Election, as well as the referendums on Brexit in 2016 and Scottish independence in 2014).

Students will analyse a variety of texts, such as political speeches and news media, in order to better understand the range of political and cultural identities which exist in Britain today – including the extent to which Euroscepticism, the political relationship with America, multiculturalism, monarchy and devolution define British identity. The course will also look at the influence the British press has on national identity, as well as the role played by the diversity of national identities within Britain itself.

Learning Outcomes

During the module, students will learn:

to examine a range of issues concerning cultural diversity in contemporary Britain
to analyse a variety of media forms: newspaper texts, films, television, song lyrics, political speeches
to present a research-based case study
to develop oral presentation skills

Module requirements

To complete Part I, students will be required to give a detailed presentation on one aspect of contemporary British society, and to take part in all class activities such as discussions and exercises.

Please note that the entire module runs over two semesters: the second part (focussing on popular culture) is offered in the summer semester.

The entire module (winter and summer semesters) is worth 15 credit points.

Language requirements

The course will be held in English. Students must have an active command of sophisticated, near native-speaker language skills (C1 / C2).

Kompetente Sprachverwendung(hohes Sprachniveau bis fast muttersprachliche Sprachkompetenz) (C1 / C2).

Coronavirus restrictions

All my courses in the winter semester 1920/21 will be held in person in the classroom. Unfortunately, this means that I will have to restrict entry into some courses, due to the physical distancing required by the university.

All course material will be available online, and it will also be possible to set up an online platform for students who are not able to attend the course in person.

The capacity for this course is currently 11, but this may change.

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