Course detail

Cultural Studies 2

FEKT-BPC-AC2Acad. year: 2025/2026

Cultural studies are an integral and important part of language studies. They provide students with necessary and important cultural background, realia, customs and habits of the people whose language the students are attempting to learn. In English it is even more important than in any other language, since it is based on day-to-day language, not being codified by any institution. This course is intended to deal with the much needed cultural, political, language and geographical background to the United Kingdom, the North American countries, namely the USA and Canada and, and selected countries of The European Union and the Commonwealth.

Language of instruction

Czech

Number of ECTS credits

5

Mode of study

Not applicable.

Guarantor

M. A. Kenneth Froehling

Department

Department of Foreign Languages (UJAZ)

Entry knowledge

The fundamental prerequisite consists in having a good command of English, preferably at an intermedite/upper intermediate level.

Rules for evaluation and completion of the course

30% semester test:

Semester test based on the material discussed in the course of teaching (see "osnova").
The maximum points possible on the semester test is 30, the minimum is 15

70% exam:

The exam is both written and oral:

- The written exam is an essay based on a chosen topic in consultation with the lecturer which must be handed in during the exam period of the course.

- The oral exam is based on two class presentations during the semester.

The maximum points possible on the exam is 70 (40 points on the written part and 30 points on the oral part). The student must receive a minimum of 50% on each part of the exam in order to pass.


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.

Aims

The aim of this course is to provide the students with a cultural background of English speaking countries and thus improve their communication skills and abilities in critical situations.
The development of knowledge and skills related to both the general and professional use of English.
The abilility to communicate in areas of interest related to present-day Euroamerican civilization.

Understanding of cultural differences and customs of various English speaking and European countries.
The ability to orientate oneself in the cultural and professional maze of present-day Euroamerican civilization.
The ability to use English in a wide range of everyday situations.
The knowledge of various writing techniques, including the ability to write an essay.
The ability to understand natural spoken English.
The ability to give an oral English presentation in front of many people.
The ability to ask different oral presenters pertinent questions in English on a variety of presentations.

Study aids

Not applicable.

Prerequisites and corequisites

Not applicable.

Basic literature

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. (CS)
METCALFE, Allan. OK. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2011. ISBN-13 978-0199892532.

Recommended reading

Not applicable.

Classification of course in study plans

  • Programme BPC-APE Bachelor's 3 year of study, winter semester, compulsory

Type of course unit

 

Lecture

26 hod., optionally

Teacher / Lecturer

M. A. Kenneth Froehling

Syllabus

I. Introduction.
II. Political history of the world (focus on EuroAmerican culture)
III. Cultural, language and political differences.
IV. Cultural Studies (United States)
V. Cultural Studies (Canada)
VI. Cultural Studies (Caribbean region)
VII. Cuisine and Eating Habits
VIII. Germany/Central Europe
IX. Benelux/Scandanavia
X. Educational system. Differences between North America and Europe. Requirements for entrance into universities.
XI. International sports
XII. Entertainment/Humour
XIII. Written exam.



 

Language exercise

26 hod., compulsory

Teacher / Lecturer

M. A. Kenneth Froehling

Syllabus

I. Introduction.
II. Political history of the world (focus on EuroAmerican culture)
III. Cultural, language and political differences.
IV. Cultural Studies (United States)
V. Cultural Studies (Canada)
VI. Cultural Studies (Caribbean region)
VII. Cuisine and Eating Habits
VIII. Germany/Central Europe
IX. Benelux/Scandanavia
X. Educational system. Differences between North America and Europe. Requirements for entrance into universities.
XI. International sports
XII. Entertainment/Humour
XIII. Written exam.