Aims

The course studies the major developments and structures in politics, social relationships and culture, and introduces the students to contemporary life in the German-, English- or Dutch-speaking communities in Europe.
By the end of the course, students are expected to have acquired in-depth knowledge of German-/ English-/ Dutch-speaking Europe.

Main themes

1. the material reality and the geographic/ cultural communities
2. political and social organisation (form of government)
3. moral attitudes
4. intellectual, philosophical and religious life
5. the hopes, failures and achievements of these communities

Content and teaching methods

This course concentrates mainly on the major cultural and political developments in the U.K. and Ireland. It deals with, among others, World War II and its consequences, the subsequent process of decolonisation and England's search for a new identity at a time when the Empire has become the Commonwealth, and Scotland and Wales are reclaiming their autonomy (devolution). Attention is paid also to the U.K.'s position in the European Union, and to its links with the U.S. and Northern Ireland. Documentaries and other visual materials illustrate this course.

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

Pre-course requirements: a good knowledge of German/ English/ Dutch, both spoken and written.

Assessment: oral or written exam

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

Teaching method: formal lectures, personal reading

Other credits in programs