In this course, we will explore key aspects of British civilisation, including politics, society, economics and culture. Emphasis is placed on questions of identity: What does it mean to be British today? Is there such a thing as British culture? These questions will be explored in relation to British history and contemporary society. We will consider the diversity of Britain today in relation to race, religion, class, gender and other characteristics. Britain’s role as a colonial and postcolonial power is studied, alongside the complicated place of Europe in British thought and public life. The contemporary transformation of British civilisation into a global commodity is examined.
Indicative topics:
Introduction: Britain today
Nations and national identities
Religion in Britain
Race in Britain
Class in Britain
Gender in Britain
Neoliberalism
The climate emergency
Legacies of empire
Culture and commodification
Britain and Europe
Exam preparation
Objectives
By the end of the course, students will be able to:
• Understand key issues related to contemporary Britain
• Critically reflect on contemporary political, economic and social trends like the rise of inequality
• Deconstruct key concepts like national identity and British culture
• Write short analyses on the topics studied in class
A 2-hour weekly lecture. 12 weeks of teaching in total, with the final week dedicated to exam
preparation. Interaction and discussion are encouraged.
Assessment and Final Grade
A 2-hour written exam during the exam period at the end of the semester. Students write short
responses to 3 questions, from a choice of about 11.
Course Requirements
Material to help prepare each lecture is made available on the learning platform. Students are
expected to spend 1-2 hours per week preparing for the lecture.
Libraries
Practical information
