Overall objectives:

1 - Become acquainted with the English Cultural Heritage that laid the foundations that enabled the UK to become a Great Empire. Become aware the social, economic, political and cultural developments of twenty-century Britain and the current twentieth-century tendencies. Broaden the perception of contemporary British Society and its role the processes forming discursive practices in Europe and the World. Facilitate cross-cultural comparisons to build the students? own self-awareness and greater realisation of their own culture. Develop the students? self-learning skills and practice the production of larger pieces of writing initiative, oral presentations in public. Enable learners to act as intercultural speakers in their future careers. Enable students to improve and develop oral and written language skills, comprehension and critical thought.

Syllabus:

1 - 1. Introduction 1.1. Geographical Position and Physical Features 1.2. The UK: Nation and Countries 1.3. Representations of National/Regional Identities: myth, beliefs and stereotyping 1.4. Multicultural Britain 1.5. Culture, Civilization, Cultural Studies 2. The Making of a Nation 3. Early Modern Britain 4. The Reformation of the Church 5. 18th Century Britain 6. British Politics and Political Institutions 7. Modern British Economy 8. British Society Today.

Literature/Sources:

Maria Zina Gonçalves de Abreu , 2003 , A Reforma da Igreja em Inglaterra: Acção Feminina, Protestantismo e Democratização Política e dos Sexos , Fundação Calouste Gulbenkian /FCT
Maria Zina Gonçalves de Abreu , 2003 , English Female Humanist Scholars: their Role in the Reformation of the Church of England, in Revista Anglo-Saxónica , pp. 11-37. , isbon: Centro de Estudos Anglísticos da Faculdade de Letras da Universidade de Lisboa
CHANDLER, A. D., AMATORI, F. and HIKINO, T. , 1997 , Big Business and the Wealth of Nations , Cambridge University Press

Assesssment methods and criteria:

Classification Type: Quantitativa (0-20)

Evaluation Methodology:
Compulsory readings: Coursebook: British Culture and Civilization Text and a selection of primary source texts and handouts provided by the lecturer for photocopying. Final grading will include: Attendance 10% Active participation in class: oral presentations/class assignments 50% Final Exam 40%.