British Studies

Course code: Б1. ДВ1.

Type of course: Compulsory

Level of course: Intermediate

Year of study: II

Semester: fall

Number of credits: 3

Course coordinator: Lyudmila Liginchenko

E-mail address: liginchenko-lyudmila@yandex.ru

Teaching language: English

Prerequisites:

Intermediate level of English; basic knowledge of British history.

Learning outcome:

In accordance with the University Course Syllabus of September 22, 2009, the students will:

obtain knowledge on various aspects of British culture

become familiar with current issues of contemporary British culture and society

be able to select and analyse texts searching for the necessary information

obtain experience in teamwork and group discussions

be able to develop a positive attitude to a foreign culture and people

Course contents:

The course will offer a general introduction to a number of topics on contemporary Britain:

State System and Local Government

Geography and Economy

Religion (past and present)

Family Institution

Immigration and Ethnic Composition of the British Society

British-Russian Relations (history)

Recommended readings:

  1. Baranovsky L., Kozikis D., PANORAMA OF GREAT BRITAIN. Minsk, 1990.
  2. Bromhead P., LIFE IN MODERN BRITAIN. Longman, 1993.
  3. Garwood Ch., etc. ASPECTS OF BRITAIN AND THE USA. Oxford, 1994.
  4. McDowall D., BRITAIN IN CLOSE-UP. Longman, 1996.
  5. Addis C., BRITAIN NOW. Book Оne. RELOD, 1994.
  6. Sheerin S., etc. SPOTLIGHT ON BRITAIN. Oxford, 1994.
  7. Hewitt K., UNDERSTANDING BRITAIN. Perspective Publications, 1994.
  8. Hewitt K., UNDERSTANDING BRITISH INSTITUTIONS. Perspective Publications, 1997.
  9. Nolasco R., Medgyes P., WHEN IN BRITAIN. Oxford, 1993.
  10. Golitsynsky Y., GREAT BRITAIN. S.-Petersburgh 2007
  11. Leonovich O., BRITISH STUDIES. Moscow, 2005.
  12. Pavlotsky V., DISCOVERING BRITAIN. S.-Petersburgh, 2000.

Teaching methods:

The course is based on lectures (16 hours), seminars and teamwork (16 hours). As parts of the syllabus will be covered by lectures alone, attendance is mandatory.

Assessment methods:

The students are evaluated based on their attendance, their language skills, as well as their knowledge of the topics covered by the course. In order to be able to get the required credit, the students will have to complete all the class assignments (reports, presentations, written tests) in a satisfactory manner.