Introduction to British Studies (AVOIN YO)

The abiding aim of cultural- and social-scientific British Studies is the comprehensive examination of the present society with the goal of comprehending the collective identities, discourses and forms of social organization which have been influenced by specific historical and structural conditions.

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, these include: 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. British Studies is the interdisciplinary study of the many aspects of Britain that combine to create the Britain that we recognise today. These include, among others, a coherent ‘national story’ or discourse of the nation: national maritime identity; national music, poetry and art; key aspects of Welsh and Scottish history (devolution); the creation of an Anglo-centric British history and identity; and the growth and subsequent loss of the British Empire—from aberration to decline.