2008-09 AM The Transformation of British Cultural Identities

AM 10, 2b, 4a: The Transformation of British Cultural Identities

• Time: Wed 12-14
• Lecturer: Annika McPherson
• Comment: Drawing on images and stereotypes of “the British” and “the English,” this course outlines different aspects and notions of ethnicity and identity. From the perspectives of cultural studies and cultural theory, we will explore historical and current ideas of “Britishness” and “Englishness” and their transformation as markers of identity in a multicultural society and globalised world. In addition to historical developments and political aspects, we will analyse examples from popular culture and the media and discuss the “Life in the United Kingdom” citizenship test.
• A reader and reserved readings will be available at the beginning of the course.
• Requirements: regular attendance and active participation, oral presentation and/or research report (3 KP) plus term paper (10 pages for the 6 KP option).
• Suggested reading

• Chris Rojek, Brit-Myth: Who do the British Think They Are? (London: Reaktion Books, 2007),
• Robert J.C. Young, The Idea of English Ethnicity (Oxford: Blackwell Publishers, 2007).