British and American Studies (Spring 2012)
Course Description and Objective

The purpose of this course is to provide you with a basic understanding of British and American culture. A broad overview of each country’s geography and climate, demographics, education system, social and cultural practices, legal and political systems, economy, and history will be discussed. Emphasis will be placed how to use this information to enhance your intercultural communication skills.



You Will Be Able To:

  • Write and speak more accurately about related topics
  • Hold in-depth conversations on current events
  • Explain the historical precedent for modern customs
  • Research and present information about a specific topic
  • Form well supported opinions and make judgments
  • Make comparisons between the two countries and China
  • Understand how their national identity is perceived globally


Textbooks

British and American Studies
英美文化与国家概况
来安方   著


Course Grading

  • Attendance: 10%
  • In-class participation: 20%
  • Homework: 10%
  • Mid-term Test: 20%
  • Final exam: 40%


Mid-term Project (20%)

  • Find a friend, just one
  • Pick a city from the US or the UK
  • Create a brochure advertising that city
  • Present the brochure and do a one to two minute sales pitch to the class.


Final Exam Format (40%)

  • True or False: 20 questions, 20%
  • Matching: 24 questions, 24%
  • Multiple Choice: 20 questions, 20%
  • Fill in the Blank: 8 questions, 16%
  • Writing: 4 questions, 20%




Class Notes
Because of the holidays and a cancellation, Tuesday and Wednesday classes will not cover some or all of Lessons 11, 12, and 13 in class. These are the notes from those lesson. You are expected to know this material.


Homework Assignments (10%)
Homework assignments are due at the beginning of the class following the class they were assigned.

Assignment 1 - Week 2
(Due Week 3)
British Government / Politics and Law (UK 1.2-3)
  • Read Section Two and Section Three
  • Section Two: The British Government, p. 20
  • Section Three: Politics and Law, p. 33
  • In “III. Thinking Critically,” answer ONE of the questions. (Page 31 or 43.)
  • Write your name, number, question, and answer in your notebook using between 50 and 100 words.

Assignment 2 - Week 4
(Due Week 5)
British Cultural and Social Life (UK 1.5)
  • Read section five
  • Answer one of these questions:

1. What do you think about social Darwinism?
2. What do you think is more important, welfare programs or economic efficiency? Why?
3. What are your favorite and least favorite aspects of the British education system?

Assignment 3 - Week 6
(Due Week 7)
The Rise and Fall of the British Empire (UK 2.4)
  • Read section four, page 134
  • Answer one of these questions:

1. Do you believe free trade is good for every nation and every class? Give your reason.
2. What do you think caused the Second World War?

Assignment 4 - Week 10
(Due Week 11)
American People (US 1.2)
  • Read section two, page 164
  • Answer one of these questions:

1. Do you think America should be likened to a melting pot or a mosaic?
2. What do you think about the US affirmative action policy?
3. Do you think equality by law means equal access to everything?

Assignment 5 - Week 12
(Due Week 13)
National Economy (US 1.5)
  • Read section five, page 208
  • Answer one of these questions:

1. What do you think about the economic ideals of liberals and conservatives?
2. How do you feel about the US’s role in the world economy? Give examples.


Extra Credit

Sing the national anthem of either the U.S. or the U.K., by yourself, during class, for up to 5 points.