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English Language Centre, Unit Catalogue 2009/10


EL10499: British history and society

Click here for further information Credits: 6
Click here for further information Level: Certificate
Click here for further information Period: Semester 2
Click here for further information Assessment: CW 100%
Click here for further informationSupplementary Assessment: Like-for-like reassessment (where allowed by programme regulations)
Click here for further information Requisites:
Description: This unit is solely for Socrates-Erasmus, Exchange and Visiting students.
Aims:
The aim of this unit is to give students an overview of British history and the way in which contemporary Britain has been shaped and continues to be influenced by its past.

Learning Outcomes:
Having completed the unit, students will be able to:
* differentiate between approaches to and interpretations of history and the values and assumptions which may underlie these;
* outline major events in Britain over the past 2,000 years and explain their significance;
* chart the development of the constituent parts of the United Kingdom and their coming together, and explain the cultural, economic and linguistic factors involved;
* select current news stories which show the influence of history on twenty-first century events and explain how a knowledge of history can help contemporary understanding.

Skills:
Having completed the unit, students will be able to:
* differentiate between interpretations of events and the values and assumptions which may underlie these;
* give seminar presentations, suiting their material to their audience and leading discussion and encouraging participation.

Content:
The unit will cover aspects of British history and society in a thematic rather than a purely chronological way. Starting with consideration of the four constituent parts of the United Kingdom and how they came together, the unit will go on to discuss topics including the Black Death, the end of feudalism and different definitions of the beginning of modern Britain; the evolution of the modern English language; the Industrial Revolution, urbanisation and demographic change; a general history of social policy from the monasteries to the welfare state; and monarchy, parliament and the development of constitutional government.
NB. Programmes and units are subject to change at any time, in accordance with normal University procedures.