Civilisation of the English-speaking countries : From the Second World War to the Present [ LGERM1525 ]

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A good knowledge of English both spoken and written.
 

The course studies :

1. the material reality;
2. political and social organisation (forms of government);
3. moral attitudes;
4. intellectual, philosophical and religious life;
5. the hopes, failures and achievements of the communities in English-speaking countries.

The course studies the major developments and structures in politics, social relationships and culture, and introduces the students to contemporary life in the English-speaking countries.
 

By the end of the course, students are expected to have acquired in-depth knowledge of the English-speaking world.

Assessment: oral or written exam.

Teaching method: formal lectures, personal reading

Part I of this course (20 hours taught by Guido Latré), deals with English-speaking Europe. A first chapter concentrates on the major political, social and cultural choices made by the British in the aftermath of World War II, taking as its starting-point the contrasting social models proposed by Churchill and Orwell (conservative policies and a hierarchic society, versus socialism and the welfare state). A second chapter deals with Ireland: its turbulent past, the independence of the South, and political developments in the North since 1968.
Part II (10 hours taught by Véronique Bragard) examines the United States's current political situation in relation to its migration history of newcomers, outsiders, and insiders. Dismantling the "melting pot" myth associated with the United States, this module explores the history, rights and political engagement of its mosaic of minority communities starting with among others the Native-American and followed by the Jewish, African-American, Asian and Mexican minorities.
 

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Study aids: course book, text syllabus, video extracts of films, documentaries and archives.