HIS 249 - Study Abroad: Brit Life & Culture

1. Examine the history and culture of London.
   1. Explain how life in London has changed from prehistoric times to the beginning of World War I, after visiting the Museum of London.
   2. Explain the difference between ancient Britain and the contemporary United Kingdom.
   3. Describe the history and current role of the Lord Mayor of London.
   4. Describe the highlights of one of the many London tours that emphasize a particular area or famous person, such as the Inns of Court, Charles Dickens or Jack the Ripper Tour.
   5. Examine the variety of orators who openly share their opinion about political issues and the state of the world, after visiting Speaker’s Corner in Hyde Park.
2. Demonstrate an understanding of the history of Great Britain.
   1. Describe the Roman Empire’s contribution to British development and identity
   2. Identify the significance of William the Conqueror and 1066 in British history.
   3. Explain how Wales, Scotland, Ireland and Northern Ireland have played a role in the historical development of Great Britain.
   4. Read either Jane Austin’s The History of England or Charles Dickens’s A Child’s History of England (or a similar work assigned by your instructor) and compare these historical accounts with the notes from the lecture in class.
3. Demonstrate an understanding of the Monarchy and Royal Family.
   1. Use specific examples from the history of the monarchy and explain primogenitor and its role in the succession of the throne.
   2. Summarize the role of Henry VIII in development of the Anglican Church
   3. Examine the impact of the monarchy on British life and culture during the era depicted in one of the many films about the English Monarchy, such as Elizabeth, The Young Victoria, The Queen, or Elizabeth: The Golden Age.
   4. Compare the class lecture notes with the information found in one of the following, or a similar work suggest by your instructor: Peter Fearon’s Behind the Palace Walls: The Rise and Fall of Britain?s Royal Family, Robert Hardmon’s A Year with the Queen or William T. Vollman’s The Royal Family.
4. Explain social class and its meaning in contemporary British society.
   1. Discuss historical and modern issues of social class.
   2. Compare and contrast the similarities and differences between the middle class and nobility.
   3. Discuss the presentation of social classes as demonstrated in a film such as Remains of the Day or Upstairs/Downstairs, or another film suggested by your instructor.
5. Demonstrate an understanding of the role of theatre in British culture.
   1. Evaluate a minimum of two London theatre productions.
   2. Discuss the historical significance of replication of the Globe Theatre in London.
   3. Discuss the history of theatre in London.
6. Examine the role of Parliament and politics in British culture.
   1. Summarize the guided tour of the Houses of Parliament.
   2. Explain the sovereign’s role in British Parliament.
   3. Distinguish the difference between the Houses of Parliament and the political system in the United States.
   4. Explain the difference between the House of Lords and the House of Commons.
7. Examine Great Britain’s relationship with the European Union.
   1. Explain the political, economic and social implications of not belonging to the EU.
   2. Summarize why Great Britain has maintained the British pound.
8. Demonstrate an understanding of Anglo-American relationship.
   1. Distinguish motivations of British and Americans during the American Revolution.
   2. Examine events involving 19th Century Anglo-American cooperation.
   3. Examine modern events involving Anglo-American cooperation. In particular, emphasize the relationships between United States Presidents and Great Britain’s Prime Ministers.
9. Demonstrate an understanding of World War II and the Blitz.
   1. Describe the Blitz experience that is simulated in the Imperial War Museum.
   2. Describe a typical British home and backyard that existed during WWII.
   3. Discuss how the British people rallied to save St. Paul’s during the Blitz.
   4. Examine the role of Anglo-American cooperation in the successful invasion of France in 1944.
10. Explore London’s architecture.
    1. Explain how twentieth century London architecture is vastly different from previous centuries.
    2. Explain the rebuilding of London after the Blitz.
    3. Discuss the historical and architectural differences between two royal residences, such as Buckingham Palace and the Tower of London.
    4. Contrast the architectural differences Westminster Abbey and St. Paul’s, and discuss their roles in London’s history.
11. Investigate places such as Stonehenge and Salisbury, Oxford, Cambridge or Bath.
    1. Identify and discuss the relevance of appropriate landmarks and buildings found in these destinations.
    2. Select a specific site, such as Stonehenge near Salisbury or the Roman baths in Bath, or a concept such as the evolution of the university at Oxford or Cambridge and discuss its significance in British history.
12. Investigate such places as the Globe Theatre, National Portrait Gallery, Houses of Parliament, the Victoria and Albert Museum, or the British Museum.
    1. Describe the history and relevance of these galleries or museums.
    2. Explain the historical significance and major difference between the National Portrait Gallery and other museums such as the National Gallery or the Tate Modern.
    3. Explore the Elgin Marbles in the British Museum and discuss the historical significance and the current controversy that exists concerning these reliefs from the Parthenon in Athens.