Course detail

Cultural Studies 2

FEKT-HAC2Acad. year: 2015/2016

Cultural studies are an integral and important part of language studies. They provide students with necessary and important cultural background, realia, customs and habits of the people whose language the students are attempting to learn. In English it is even more important than in any other language, since it is based on day-to-day language, not being codified by any institution. This course is intended to deal with the much needed cultural, political, language and geographical background to the United Kingdom, the North American countries, namely the USA and Canada and, and selected countries of The European Union and the Commonwealth.

Language of instruction

Czech

Number of ECTS credits

5

Mode of study

Not applicable.

Learning outcomes of the course unit

Understanding of cultural differences and customs of various English speaking and European countries.
The ability to orientate oneself in the cultural and professional maze of present-day Euroamerican civilization.
The ability to use English in a wide range of everyday situations.
The knowledge of various writing techniques, including the ability to write an essay.
The ability to understand natural spoken English.
The ability to give an oral English presentation in front of many people.
The ability to ask different oral presenters pertinent questions in English on a variety of presentations.

Prerequisites

The fundamental prerequisite consists in having a good command of English, preferably at an intermedite/upper intermediate level.
Students wishing to take the course exam and obtain their credits are required to attend a minimum of 75% of the tutorials/lectures.

Co-requisites

Not applicable.

Planned learning activities and teaching methods

Teaching methods include lectures, seminars, audiovisual presentations, everyday conversation and student presentations. Each student is obliged to give an oral presentation in front of their peers during the course.

Assesment methods and criteria linked to learning outcomes

40% semester test:

Semester test based on the material discussed in the course of teaching (see "osnova").
The maximum points possible on the semester test is 40, the minimum is 20 in order to pass it.

60% exam:

The exam is both written and oral:

- The written exam is an essay based on a chosen topic in consultation with the lecturer which must be handed in during the exam period of the course.

- The oral exam is based on a class presentation in class during the semester.

The maximum points possible on the exam is 60 (30 points on the written part and 30 points on the oral part). The student must receive a minimum of 50% on each part of the exam in order to pass.

Course curriculum

I. Introduction.
II. Political history of the world (focus on EuroAmerican culture)
III. Cultural, language and political differences.
IV. Cultural Studies (United States)
V. Cultural Studies (Canada)
VI. Cultural Studies (Caribbean region)
VII. Cuisine and Eating Habits
VIII. Germany/Central Europe
IX. Benelux/Scandanavia
X. Educational system. Differences between North America and Europe. Requirements for entrance into universities.
XI. International sports
XII. Entertainment/Humour
XIII. Written exam.



Work placements

Not applicable.

Aims

The aim of this course is to provide the students with a cultural background of English speaking countries and thus improve their communication skills and abilities in critical situations.
The development of knowledge and skills related to both the general and professional use of English.
The abilility to communicate in areas of interest related to present-day Euroamerican civilization.

Specification of controlled education, way of implementation and compensation for absences

The content and forms of instruction in the evaluated course are specified by a regulation issued by the lecturer responsible for the course and updated for every academic year.

Recommended optional programme components

Not applicable.

Prerequisites and corequisites

Not applicable.

Basic literature

R.MacNeil, W. Cran: Do You Speak American? Nan A. Talese, 2005
Wellman, Guy: The Heinemann English Wordbuilder, Praha: SPN, 1991
David Else: British Language and Culture, Lonely Planet Publications, 2007
Peter Oettli: New Zealand: A Survival Guide to Customs and Etiquette, Marshall Cavendish Corporation, 2009
Dr David Gowland, Dr Richard Dunphy, Dr C Lythe: The European Mosaic: Contemporary Politics, Economics and Culture, Longman, 2006
Allan Metcalfe, OK, Oxford University Press, 2011

Recommended reading

Not applicable.

Classification of course in study plans

  • Programme AJEI-H Bachelor's

    branch H-AEI , 2. year of study, summer semester, compulsory

  • Programme EEKR-CZV lifelong learning

    branch ET-CZV , 1. year of study, summer semester, compulsory

Type of course unit

 

Lecture

26 hours, optionally

Teacher / Lecturer

Language exercise

26 hours, compulsory

Teacher / Lecturer