The abiding aim of cultural- and social-scientific British Studies is the comprehensive examination of the present society. British Studies is the interdisciplinary study of the many aspects that combine to create the Britain that we recognise today. This includes, among others, the great watersheds of history that serve to define the nation’s sense of self and provide a coherent ‘national story’ or discourse of the nation: national maritime identity; national music, poetry and art; key aspects of Welsh and Scottish history from the Welsh and Scottish point of view; the twentieth century invention of the province of Northern Ireland; the creation of a British history and identity; and the growth and subsequent loss of the British Empire – from aberration to decline. An understanding of the basic geology and geography of Britain is also essential to the appreciation of literature and so you will be expected to be able to locate on a map a number of important places, including major cities, seas, hills and rivers. In short, during this course you will become familiar with Britain in an academic way, so that you will be able to approach your later university studies in English from a position of strength.
Upon completion of the course, students will be able to display
- an understanding of the collective identities, discourses and forms of social organisation which have been influenced by specific historical and structural conditions;
- an understanding of the curious ‘Special Relationship’ with America, as well as an appreciation of the remnants of the Empire that we see today with the Commonwealth of Nations.
- Opettaja: Mari Holmström