Course: Introduction to Commonwealth Studies

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Course title Introduction to Commonwealth Studies
Course code UAN/7SBS
Organizational form of instruction Seminar
Level of course Bachelor
Year of study not specified
Semester Winter
Number of ECTS credits 3
Language of instruction English
Status of course Compulsory
Form of instruction Face-to-face
Work placements This is not an internship
Recommended optional programme components None
Course availability The course is available to visiting students
Lecturer(s)
  • Jajtner Tomáš, Mgr. Th.D., Ph.D.
Course content
1. Introduction: basic historical and cultural characteristics of the countries of the British Commonwealth of Nations 2. British history I 3. British history II 4. British geography 5. British identities (England, Scotland, Wales) 6. British political system 7. The idea of class and social issues in Britain 8. Contemporary Britain: cultural and religious diversity in the U.K. 9. The tradition of British art and music 10. The history, geography and political system of Canada 11. The history, geography and political system of Australia and New Zealand 12. British Commonwealth today: the shadows of British colonial empire 13. British Commonwealth today: British traditions and the postmodern plurality 14. Conclusion

Learning activities and teaching methods
Monologic (reading, lecture, briefing), Dialogic (discussion, interview, brainstorming)
Learning outcomes
The main objective of the course is introducing students to the major problem fields discussed in the cultural studies of the countries of the British Commonwealth of Nations (esp. Britain, Canada, Australia and New Zealand). The topics include the methodology of cultural studies, basic political, social and cultural history of Britain, Canada, Australia and New Zealand, and the challanges these countries now face. In order to qualify for the credit, students must pass out of four written test.
Reading, interpretation, discussion.
Prerequisites
No prerequisites are required.

Assessment methods and criteria
Student performance assessment, Test

Requirements include regular attendance and reading assignments. Credits will be given for passing at least 3 out of 4 written tests (minimum 60% each).
Recommended literature
  • Darwin, J. Unfinished Empire: The Global Expansion of Britain. New York: Bloomsbury Press, 2012.
  • Franková, M., Kyzlinková, L., Hardy, S. P. (eds.). British studies: a reader. 2. přeprac. vyd. Brno: Masarykova univerzita, 2002.
  • Kasoff, M., James, P. Canadian Studies in the New Millenium. Toronto: University of Toronto Press, 2013.
  • Mc Dowall. D. An Illustrated History of Britain. London: Pearson Elt, 1989.
  • Storry, M.,Childs, P. (eds.). British Cultural Identities. London: Routledge, 1994.


Study plans that include the course
Faculty Study plan (Version) Category of Branch/Specialization Recommended year of study Recommended semester