Introduction to British Identity and Nationhood

Learning Outcomes

Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• reflect on the influence of social stereotypes in forming ideas of identity;
• appreciate critically key notions of identity and relationships;
• engage with theory in analysing the interaction of social groups
• organise and present information in an academic way.

Transferable and Generic Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• present ideas in a structured, coherent manner.
• work effectively in different modes: carrying out individual research, collaborating with partners, exchanging ideas, presenting findings, and engaging in self- evaluation;
• demonstrate understanding of elements of social theory which can be applied to the study of other societies.

Knowledge and Understanding

Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

• the different implications of Britishness for English, Scottish, Welsh and Northern Ireland populations, as well as recent migrant groups to Britain.
• the way British culture shapes other aspects of personal identity, such as class, race and gender
• the interrelationships of different parts of Britain
• underlying social tendencies to separate one’s own group from other groups

Subject Specific Practical Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• awareness of the differences assumed by British people when interacting with people from different groups.
• access a range of critical materials;
• show greater appreciation of prevailing attitudes to National Identity by benefiting from an informed opinion;

This module deals with:

• The constituent parts of the United Kingdom, showing how each relates to the concept of ‘Britishness’, including historical background and recent conflicts.
• Geographical and social differences between parts of each country and area in Britain.
• Society in Britain, as consisting of various facets of personal identity which might be experienced differently in Britain compared with other countries.
• The theoretical analysis of these differences in concepts and experiences.

Teaching and learning methods

Teaching methods include

• 1 lecture and 1 seminar per week.

Learning activities include

• small group work
• individual presentations
• independent learning

Lectures will provide guidance on each topic, which you will then prepare through your own reading. In the seminars you will be expected to engage actively and to participate in discussions based on your own preparation of the material each week. Knowledge and understanding will be developed through your attendance at lectures, your independent study and your participation in seminars.

Resources & Reading list

Textbooks

Nairn, T. (1997). Faces of Nationalism. London: Verso.

Barry, Peter (1995). Beginning Theory: An Introduction to Literary and Cultural Theory. Manchester: Manchester University Press.

Hall, Stuart (ed.) (1997). Representation: Cultural Representations and Signifying Practices. Sage/Open University.

Anderson, Benedict (1991). Imagined Communities. London: Verso.

Fox, K (2004). Watching the English. London: Hodder.

Summative

This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.

Referral

This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.

Repeat Information

Repeat type: Internal & External