Table of contents

The course is connected to the following study programs

Teaching language

English.

Learning outcomes

Knowledge: Upon completion of the course the student will have

  • knowledge of ways of life, contemporary challenges, and cultural expressions in a historical perspective
  • knowledge of aspects of politics in the English-speaking world, contemporary history, development in the Commonwealth of Nations and in society
  • knowledge of historical and cultural forms of expression through a comparative analysis of relevant primary texts
  • knowledge of appropriate academic text production and use of sources

Skills: Upon completion of the course the student will be able to

  • give an account of aspects of and the development of contemporary history in the English-speaking world
  • give an account of norms, ways of life, society, and aspects of politics in modern times
  • critically evaluate primary sources and other relevant texts on history and contemporary society in the English-speaking world
  • write own texts based on academic standards of source referencing

Contents

The course explores knowledge of culture and contemporary history in the English-speaking world in a global and historical perspective. It provides enhanced insight into the modern society of relevant countries and the way history and culture have shaped these societies. The course focuses on analyzing historical and cultural processes through texts of various genres. The aim is to obtain better cultural understanding through exploration and analysis of a diversity of texts and issues.

Teaching and learning methods

Lectures and seminars. Active participation on a weekly basis is expected. Instruction is in English. The amount of time set aside for working on the course is ca. 270 hours.

Examination requirements

70 % compulsory attendance in the seminars. For students in the teacher education the teaching placement must be passed. For all other students one compulsory written assignment must be approved. Further course requirements will be specified in Canvas at the beginning of the semester.

Examinations

Oral exam is conducted in pairs, separate grades.

Student evaluation

The person responsible for the course, in consultation with the student representative, decides the method of evaluation and whether the courses will have a midterm- or end of term evaluation, see also the Quality System, section 4.1. Information about evaluation method for the course will be posted on Canvas.

Offered as a free-standing course

Yes, if there are places available.

Admission Requirement if given as a free-standing course

Higher Education Entrance Qualification.

Reduction of Credits

This course’s contents overlap with the following courses. A reduction of credits will occur if one of these courses is taken in addition:

Course Reduction of Credits
EN-144 – American and British Culture and History. 10
EN-160 – American and British Literature and Culture: Part 1. 5
EN-162 – American and British Literature and Culture: Part 2. 5
Last updated from FS (Felles studentsystem) Oct. 15, 2026 2:51:04 PM