Course detail

Cultural Studies 1

FEKT-BPC-AC1Acad. year: 2025/2026

Cultural studies are an important part of the study of a language. Students are provided with knowledge of cultural and historical backround of English speaking countries and common habit of behaviour when using language as discourse.

Language of instruction

Czech

Number of ECTS credits

5

Mode of study

Not applicable.

Guarantor

Mgr. Pavel Sedláček

Department

Department of Foreign Languages (UJAZ)

Entry knowledge

Knowledge and skills on B1 CEFR level are required prior enterring the course. For more detailed specifications please refer to Common European Framework of Refference for Languages (CEFR)

Rules for evaluation and completion of the course

40% semester test based on knowledge and skills acquiered during thhe lectures seminars and home study
60% exam - 30% oral part = presentation on a given topic
30% written part = an essay on a given topic
The content and forms of instruction in the evaluated course are specified by a regulation issued by the lecturer responsible for the course and updated for every academic year.

Semester last 13 weeks. Attendence on seminars is compulsory. Minimal level of attendence is set to 75%. If exceeded, missed lessons have to be substituted.

Aims

The aim of this course is to provide the students with knowledge of cultural background of English speaking countries and in order to improve their communication skills and abilities in critical situations and be able to identify and distinguish between main Englishes.
Successful student of this course will be able to:

- distinguish between main varieties of English
- analyze, apply, interpret and demonstrate the main cultural differences among selected regions
- analyze, apply, interpret and demonstrate the main language differences among selected regions
- to accustom him/herself with multicultural environment
- to communicate, argue, oppose anglophone speakers with respect to their cultural tradition and language specifics

Study aids

Not applicable.

Prerequisites and corequisites

Not applicable.

Basic literature

COHEN, B.S. Geopolitics: The Geography of International Relations. 3rd Edition. Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, 2014. ISBN: 978-1442223509. (CS)
ELSE, David. British Language and Culture. Lonely Planet Publications, 2007. ISBN 9781741048261.
GOWLAND, David, Richard DUNPHY a Charlote LYTHE. The European mosaic: contamporary politics, economics and culture. 3rd ed. London: Routledge, 2006. ISBN 0-582-47370-5.
HUNTINGTON, S. The Clash of Civilizations and the Remaking of World Order. Simon & Schuster, 2011. ISBN: 978-1451628975. (CS)

Recommended reading

MACNEIL, R. a W. CRAN. Do You Speak American? Nan A. Talese, 2004. ISBN 0156032880.

Classification of course in study plans

  • Programme BPC-APE Bachelor's 2 year of study, summer semester, compulsory

Type of course unit

 

Lecture

26 hod., optionally

Teacher / Lecturer

Mgr. Pavel Sedláček

Syllabus

1. Introductory lesson
2. Geography of the English speaking countries and influence of the Anglo-Saxon world on the global political situation, the Commonwealth.
3. Travelling. Main differences in travelling customs around the world. The main obstacles, common situations, Airport, Hotel, Local transport, etc.
4. Cities. The importance of cities on culture. The cult of the city. Americans and the cities.
5. Technical Marvels. CN Tower, Hoover Dam and other examples. The main iconic buildings of the English speaking world and their importance for the society
6. The European Union. Political structure of the EU, history and development of the EU, what makes us European, what does it mean to be a European, Euro English as lingua franca, the future of Europe
7. Regionalization. Region: the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. The British and Brutishness. Splendid isolation. Cultural specifics. UK - united and divided. British English, Colonial heritage
8. Regionalization. Region: Ireland and Northern Ireland. Ireland and Britain - love hatred relationship. Irish nationalist movement. The issue of Northern Ireland. Irish English
9. Regionalization. Region: The Mediterranean. Cultural specifics of Southern Europe. The cradle of European civilization VS Economic threat to the EU. Position of English in the region.
10. Regionalization. Region: The Indian subcontinent - India, Pakistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka + Singapore and Hong Kong. How these former British colonies influence Britain and the EU. Indian English.
11. Regionalization. Region: Australia and Oceania. Specifics of Australian culture and society. Australia´s ties with Britain. Current development in the region and Australia´s position within Oceania. Australian English.
12. Regionalization. Region: Africa. South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya. How these former British colonies influence Britain and the EU. Indian English. What they meant for the British Empire and what are the current links between them. Specifics of S. African culture and society. South African English.  

Language exercise

26 hod., compulsory

Teacher / Lecturer

Mgr. Pavel Sedláček

Syllabus

The concept and basic features of British, European, Commonwealth and North American studies. Different ways of approach in literature and scholarly studies. Introduction to the USA: Geographies of the United States. Geographies of Britain, regional differences, etc. Points of cultural convergence and divergence in Europe. The idea of united Europe versus the individual interests and histories of traditional nations and states. An insight into the elements of European politics.

1. Introductory lesson
2. Geography of the English speaking countries and influence of the Anglo-Saxon world on the global political situation, the Commonwealth.
3. Travelling. Main differences in travelling customs around the world. The main obstacles, common situations, Airport, Hotel, Local transport, etc.
4. Cities. The importance of cities on culture. The cult of the city. Americans and the cities.
5. Technical Marvels. CN Tower, Hoover Dam and other examples. The main iconic buildings of the English speaking world and their importance for the society
6. The European Union. Political structure of the EU, history and development of the EU, what makes us European, what does it mean to be a European, Euro English as lingua franca, the future of Europe
7. Regionalization. Region: the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. The British and Brutishness. Splendid isolation. Cultural specifics. UK - united and divided. British English, Colonial heritage
8. Regionalization. Region: Ireland and Northern Ireland. Ireland and Britain - love hatred relationship. Irish nationalist movement. The issue of Northern Ireland. Irish English
9. Regionalization. Region: The Mediterranean. Cultural specifics of Southern Europe. The cradle of European civilization VS Economic threat to the EU. Position of English in the region.
10. Regionalization. Region: The Indian subcontinent - India, Pakistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka + Singapore and Hong Kong. How these former British colonies influence Britain and the EU. Indian English.
11. Regionalization. Region: Australia and Oceania. Specifics of Australian culture and society. Australia´s ties with Britain. Current development in the region and Australia´s position within Oceania. Australian English.
12. Regionalization. Region: Africa. South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya. How these former British colonies influence Britain and the EU. Indian English. What they meant for the British Empire and what are the current links between them. Specifics of S. African culture and society. South African English.
13. Semester Test