Cultures and Societies of English Speaking Countries Session 6 ENGLISH IN GREAT BRITAIN
o In this unit you will explore, debate, learn, and discuss English in Great Britain through the following topics: 1. Introduction: Great Britain- the country and its people 2. Cultural and social development 3. Popular culture
o The main goal of Unit 6 is to familiarize you with the country of Great Britain, its people, and its influence on the world. o Through the themes to be discussed you will have a window into how this country was formed, its history, and the enormous effect it has had on popular culture, fashion, literature, music, and media all over the world.
o 1. Introduction: Great Britain- the country and its people o The country of Great Britain is also known as: o England o The British Isles and o The United Kingdom o However all of these different names refer to the same country.
BUT WHAT ABOUT THE COUNTRY´S HISTORY? The following is a brief timeline of important events that have taken place throughout the England´s history. They are taken from: ohttp://www.britannia.com/history/timelines.html
o Prehistoric Britain (5000 BC - c. 100 BC) Britain before the Romans came: stone, bronze, iron ages, construction of stonehenge, earthworks, Druids, the Celts. o Roman Britain (55 BC - 410 AD) From Julius Caesar's first attempt at conquest to the final days of Roman administration in Britain: rebellion, subjugation, advent of Christianity, barbarian invasions, withdrawal.
o Early British Kingdoms (410 - 598) After the Roman influence ceased, the activities of the British people: westward movement, intrigues & alliances, power struggles, explosion of missionary activities, plague, Saxon invasions.
o Anglo Saxon England (978 - 1066) Aethelred the Unready, Danegeld, Danes gain English crown, Edward the Confessor, rise of the Godwins, Westminster Abbey, Harold and William at Hastings. o Medieval Britain (1066 - 1487) Conquest, consolidation, feudal system, Magna Carta, codification of laws, individual rights, Welsh & Scottish wars, murder of a king, Black Plague, Hundred Years War, Peasant's Revolt, religious unrest, Princes in the Tower, Wars of the Roses.
o Life and Reign of Queen Elizabeth I (1533 - 1603). The life and dramatic reign of a woman who must be considered to be in the top rank of English monarchs.
Based on the previous slides, try to answer the following questions about England´s history: oWhat tools were invented during the prehistoric period? oWhat was the name of the Roman emperor who tried to conquer England? oWhat important events happened during the Medieval Britain period?
o Now let’s go onto the second section of Unit 6 where you’re going to learn about Britain's cultural and social development.
o Great Britain´s cultural and social development has unquestionably had a great influence on the world. o Now let´s have some fun and look at (and listen to) how this culture has changed and remained the same over the last 40 years or so.
o Watch the following video “Wonderwall� by the British band Oasis. o http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FAPtTS0TYtU
o What does the song talk about? o What do you think the singer is trying to say or communicate? o What things did you see or hear that you think are distinctly British?
o Now watch the following video “Rain” by The Beatles o http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FTLJMSbEnn0
o What things did you see that are similar to the video by Oasis?
oWhat things were different? oWhat aspects were notably British in style? oDid you like the songs?
For the third section of Unit 6 you will learn about Popular Culture in the United Kingdom.
o According to the Oxford Paperback Dictionary, Pop Culture is defined as: 1. frequently encountered or widely accepted 2. commonly liked or approved Well, an important part of any culture is its humor. We all have the need to laugh at ourselves and to have a good time doing so. Speaking of laughing at ourselves‌
o Austin Powers is a movie that you may have seen. It is a British comedy. o Now I hope you have a few laughs watching the following link: o http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j13VEiOC0d8
o What things did you find funny about it?
oCan you hear the difference between the British and American accents? oWhat things did you notice that were British, and not American? oLike I said before, humor is an important part of any culture and can give us insights into how the people of a particular culture think and act, and more importantly, why. I hope you enjoyed the video.
o Now, it is time for you to send your portfolio and to participate in the forum. o Do not forget to use all the sources you have been provided with. You also need to complete the Self-evaluation section, which is part of the evaluation. o I hope you have enjoyed this session and that you are ready to move on to Unit 7. Remember that you can count on your facilitator to answer any question you may have at any time.