Introduction to Anglosphere studies: language, cultures and societies (5cr)

Objective

The course presents students with selected aspects of the geography, history, culture and society of the core Anglosphere countries
Students successfully completing the course should be able to
-- demonstrate knowledge of the highlights in history, politics, and culture of those countries
-- demonstrate knowledge of the social institutions and governments in those countries
-- demonstrate understanding of how historical collective identities were influenced by historical circumstances
-- demonstrate awareness of the issues in the globalization of English and implications for teaching English
-- teach those aspects of language, culture, customs and traditions of selected Englishes which are included in the curriculum

Content

The course will cover the following areas:
-- highlights of history of the core Anglosphere countries including four countries making up the United Kingdom (England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland), for example the British Empire and the Commonwealth, Colonial America
-- national identities, literature, religion, education, music, art, media
-- selected social and political issues, for example racial and ethnic issues, political parties
-- language(s), customs and traditions related to English and its selected global varieties, e.g. British, American, Australian, Canadian English; English as a lingua franca
-- a brief history of the English language – its origins and how it became a global language.

Qualifications

CEFR level B2 of English is recommended to follow the classes and complete assignments. A very general assessment of one’s CEFR level can be found at
http://kaares.ulapland.fi/home/hkunta/ealssen/exss/CEFR.html

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1)

0 - hylätty /fail
Projects, presentations, student-led seminars
Detailed criteria for evaluation of presentations and student-led seminars will be presented during the course. All assignments must be submitted and the student-led seminar taught to earn at least grade 1.
The performance does not fulfil criteria for passing the course


1 - välttävä / sufficient
Projects, presentations, student-led seminars
Detailed criteria for evaluation of presentations and student-led seminars will be presented during the course. All assignments must be submitted and the student-led seminar taught to earn at least grade 1.
The performance and course work have shortcomings but meet the minimum criteria


2 - tyydyttävä / satisfactory

Projects, presentations, student-led seminars
Detailed criteria for evaluation of presentations and student-led seminars will be presented during the course. All assignments must be submitted and the student-led seminar taught to earn at least grade 1.
The performance and course work have shortcomings but the overall level is satisfactory

Assessment criteria, good (3)

3 - hyvä / good

Projects, presentations, student-led seminars
Detailed criteria for evaluation of presentations and student-led seminars will be presented during the course. All assignments must be submitted and the student-led seminar taught to earn at least grade 1.
The performance is at a good level and meets criteria for delivering presentations and leading seminars. The student demonstrates solid understanding of the course contents.


4 - kiitettävä / very god

Projects, presentations, student-led seminars
Detailed criteria for evaluation of presentations and student-led seminars will be presented during the course. All assignments must be submitted and the student-led seminar taught to earn at least grade 1.
The performance is at a very good level and meets criteria for delivering presentations and leading seminars. The student demonstrates a very good grasp of the course contents.

Assessment criteria, excellent (5)

5 - erinomainen /excellent
Projects, presentations, student-led seminars
Detailed criteria for evaluation of presentations and student-led seminars will be presented during the course. All assignments must be submitted and the student-led seminar taught to earn at least grade 1.
The performance is excellent and meets criteria for delivering presentations and leading seminars. The student demonstrates deep understanding of the course contents, is innovative and can think independently.

Assessment criteria, approved/failed

Evaluation criteria, approved/failed/ Hyväksytty/ Hylätty
approved / pass
Active participation: the student fulfills the attendance requirement, demonstrates cognitive involvement, asks questions, gives comments and peer feedback, and participates in pair work and group discussions.

fail
Active participation: the student does not fulfill the attendance requirement, does not engage in learning, does not participate in group discussions and other course work, does not complete course assignments or complets them only partially

Materials

Course materials prepared by the lecturer, handouts, slides, audio-visual materials, journal articles and other reading material, Internet resources, posters and presentations prepared by the students, materials selected by students.

Further information

The course is intended for those students in class teacher education and training who specialize in English. Admission priority will be given to those students, based on prerequisites. Detailed information regarding the course content and assignments will be provided at the first session.

Lecturer: Elizabeth Alssen

Time: spring semester

Execution methods

Teacher and student presentations (or projects), group- and pair work, discussions, student-led seminars

Contact teaching 50h and 83 h of independent work

Accomplishment methods

Required attendance, active participation, successful delivery of presentations, completion of projects and course assignments


The following is a breakdown of credits students earn for the course, for administrative purposes only. So, please note that the course is for 5ects/op. Therefore one cannot attend only, say, 20 h for 2ects /op, or select only, for example, the British studies part, or the North American studies part.


Active participation 2 ects    pass/fail
Projects, presentations, student-led seminars                           3 ects    5-1/fail