HUM 249 - Study Abroad: BritLife & 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. Compare the information from the lecture on the history and culture of London with part of one of the following selections, or a similar work suggested by your instructor: Edward Rutherford’s London: The Novel, Peter Acroyd’s London: The Biography, or Andrew Duncan’s Secret London: Exploring the Hidden City, with Original Walks and Unusual Places to Visit.
   3. 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.
   4. Examine and analyze 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. Compare the cultural differences between England, Wales, Scotland, Ireland and Northern Ireland.
   2. Examine a contemporary understanding of Great Britain’s people, culture and places of beauty after reading one of the following by Bill Bryson?Icons of England or Notes from a Small Island (or a similar work assigned by your instructor).
   3. Compare the historical accounts referenced in the lecture on the history of Great Britain with the accounts discussed in one of the following: 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).
3. Demonstrate an understanding of the Monarchy and Royal Family.
   1. Discuss the current cultural impact of the royal family on British society.
   2. Compare one of the works by a famous painter, such as Vermeer, exhibited in the Queen’s Gallery, which is one of the most valuable collections of art in the world, with another painting by the same master that can be found in the National Gallery.
   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 suggested 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. Explain 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. Reflect on personal responses to all theatre performances.
   3. Analyze additional theatre options, such as fringe theatre, opera or ballet.
   4. Discuss multiple examples of street theatre.
6. Examine the role of Parliament and politics in British culture.
   1. Summarize the guided tour of the Houses of Parliament.
   2. Analyze the discussion held about British politics with an MP.
   3. Distinguish the difference between the Houses of Parliament and the political system in the United States.
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. Examine how British pop music influenced American composers.
   2. Compare a current British sitcom with a similar American counterpart.
9. Demonstrate an understanding of World War II and the Blitz.
   1. Summarize the Blitz experience after a visit to the Imperial War Museum.
   2. Summarize the importance of the World War II paintings in the Imperial War Museum.
   3. Discuss how the British people rallied to save St. Paul’s during the Blitz.
10. Investigate London’s architecture.
    1. Identify and explain a variety of architectural styles found within London.
    2. Explain the rebuilding of London after the Blitz.
    3. Explain the differences between a palace and a castle.
    4. Examine the architectural exhibit at the Victoria and Albert Museum.
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. Compare the local cuisine to American cuisine.
12. Investigate such places as the Globe Theatre, National Portrait Gallery, Houses of Parliament or the Imperial War Museum.
    1. Explain the purpose and relevance of these galleries or museums.
    2. Explain the differences from these venues of importance from other London sites such as the Tower of London, the National Gallery or the Tate Modern.