British Institutions 3301-KB140
The aim of this introductory course is to provide students with essential information about geography, political institutions, education, media and life in Great Britain. The course presents chosen aspects of a political-social life in the UK. Elements of history of Great Britain are introduced to the extent necessary for understanding the social and political institutions and the character of the British society. Topics for discussion:
1. Monarchy. Its history, significance, future.
2. The British Constitution and legal system.
3. Political party system.
4. Electoral system and elections.
5. Devolution. Rise and significance of regional legislative bodies in Scotland and Wales.
6. British Parliament.
7. Central government and local government.
8. Education.
9. Media.
10. Religion.
11. Multicultural society in Britain.
12. British foreign policy. The Commonwealth.
Terms and conditions:
- participation in class discussions,
- attendance, as required by the Institute of English Studies Rules and Regulations,
- oral exam.
Type of course
Mode
Learning outcomes
1. KNOWLEDGE
- Students gain knowledge about Great Britain’s social and political institutions and about how they are interrelated.
- they get comprehensive insight into Great Britain’s geography, history, politics, economy and culture,
- they know cultural codes that influence contacts between participants of different cultures
2. SKILLS
- Students are able to present their knowledge orally in a clear and logical manner,
- they are able to recognize cultural symbols and icons as well as make use of cultural codes while contacting representatives of Anglo-Saxon culture.
3. SOCIAL SKILLS
- Students feel responsible for their own work and have respect for work of other people,
- they consciously participate in their own national culture, respect Europe’s cultural heritage and take interest in a variety of world cultures.
Education at language level B2+. In class discussions students acquire skills of expressing their thoughts in a clear, coherent, logical and precise manner, with the use of language which is correct grammatically, lexically and phonetically.
Assessment criteria
Oral exam.
Three absenses are allowed.
The form and criteria of obtaining the final grade may be changed depending on current pandemic conditions.
Bibliography
Oakland, John. British Civilization. An Introduction. 5th Edition. London and New York, 2002.
Jones, Bill (ed.), Politics UK. Harlow, 2001.
Additional information
Additional information (registration calendar, class conductors, localization and schedules of classes), might be available in the USOSweb system: