Aims

Acquiring insights into the history and mentality of the four " nations " of English-speaking Europe : England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland.

Main themes

Studying the major cultural and political developments of the historical past of English-speaking Europe.

Content and teaching methods

This course, which includes a visit to the "Flanders Fields," begins where the period it deals with ends: the outbreak of World War I, which both enhanced and questioned deeply engrained 19th century notions of self-awareness among the British and the Irish. Subsequently, the course goes back to the origins of this awareness, from Celtic and Roman times until the age of the British Empire - the largest ever established. Among the themes it deals with are the gradual growth of parliamentary democracy and the survival of the chivalric ethos. Special attention is paid to the complex relationship between England and the the other three "nations": Ireland, Wales and Scotland.

Other information (prerequisite, evaluation (assessment methods), course materials recommended readings, ...)

Evaluation : written exam.

Teaching materials : one day trip to the " Flanders Fields ".
Course Supervision/Course Holder: ex-cathedra course.
Audio-visual material will be used to illustrate the course.

Other credits in programs