B2599 - Culture and Civilization of English-Speaking Countries (Second Language)

Learning outcomes

At the end of the module, the student will understand the basic elements of the culture and civilization of English-speaking countries; he/she will be able to independently develop further knowledge and analytical-cultural skills relating to the society of English-speaking countries.

Course contents

The course will focus on writing and films from the black community in Britain. In particular, it will focus on the notion of voice and point of view in two recent novels: Andrea Levy’ Small Island (2004) and Bernardine Evaristo’s Girl, Woman, Other (2019). The course will then look at the Small Axe (2020) series of films by Steve McQueen. The analysis of the novels and the films will enable students to appreciate the plurality of cultures and points of view in contemporary Britain, in particular in terms of its multiethnic and multicultural nature.

Readings/Bibliography

Andrea Levy, Small Island (2004)

Bernardine Evaristo, Girl, Woman, Other (2019)

Seve McQueen, Small Axe (2020)

Teaching methods

Plenary lectures and discussion in groups.

Assessment methods

Written exam.

Evaluation:

30-30L: excellent test that demonstrates very broad, thorough and in-depth knowledge of the subject matter, a solid ability to apply theoretical concepts and an excellent command of exposition, as well as an excellent capacity for analysis, synthesis and elaboration of interdisciplinary connections

27-29: above average test that demonstrates precise and thorough knowledge of the subject matter, good ability to apply theoretical concepts, and capacity for analysis and synthesis, accurate and correct exposition

24-26: good test that demonstrates appropriate knowledge of the subject matter, a fair understanding of the application of theoretical concepts, and an articulate presentation of the subject matter

21-23: adequate test that demonstrates appropriate but not in-depth knowledge of the subject, only partial capacity to apply theoretical concepts, and an acceptable presentation of the content

18-20: barely sufficient test that demonstrates adequate but general knowledge of the subject matter, simple exposition, uncertainties in the application of theoretical concepts.

Insufficient: test that does not demonstrate adequate acquisition of knowledge of the subject matter that is fragmentary and superficial, with errors in the application of concepts, and poor exposition

 

Students with specific learning difficulties (SpLD) or with disabilities that can affect their ability to attend courses are invited to contact the University service for students with disabilities and SLD at the earliest opportunity -- ideally before the start of the course: [https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en/for-students] . The University service will suggest possible adjustments to the course work and/or exam, which must then be submitted to the course leader so they can assess their feasibility, in line with the learning objectives of the course. Please note that adjustments to the exam must be requested at least two weeks in advance.

 

 

 

 

 

Teaching tools

Material available on the e-learning page (Virtuale).

Office hours

See the website of John Patrick Leech