Social issues of English-speaking countries 2

studia pierwszego stopnia

English Philology

semestr 4

studia stacjonarne

profil akademicki

obowiązkowe

Realizowany w sali

ECTS points in relation to student’s duties:

total number of ECTS: 2

1 ECTS – 30 hours: class participation,

1 ECTS – 30 hours: preparation to class with direct participation of the teacher

Course description

The course Social issues of English-speaking countries 2 introduces the most significant information and issues concerning geography, economy, society, modern politics, and culture of the United States of America. It shows the mechanics of the legislative, executive, and judicial powers, taking into account both the history of the US and most recent data and information about the country.

Course objectives

The main aim of the course is to provide students with broad knowledge of the US institutions, American identity, and the living conditions in the country in order to contextualize their further research in culture.

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Course content:

1. Introduction to course

2. Symbols and meaning of the USA.

3. New England Region

4. Government of the USA

5. The Mid-Atlantic Region

6. Slavery and Racism

7. The South

8. Native Americans

9. The Rocky Mountain Region

10. Immigration

11. California

12. Mexican-Americans

13. US Elections

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Methods of instruction/ forms of classroom activity:

lecture/teacher's presentation, handouts and analysis of originall materials, videos, taking notes, matching tasks, extension readings, discussion, students' individual multimedia presentations or speeches, ICTtools/MSTeams if needed

Reading list

A. obligatory reading (to get a credit):

A.1. used in class

An Outline of American Geography (OAG)

Outline of US Government (OUSG)

Stevenson, D.K. (1996) American Life and Institutions. Stuttgart: Ernst Klett Verlag.

A.2. used for self-study

The United States of America Wikipaedia Template

CThe US CEnsus Bureau website

B. supplementary reading

Bromhead, P. (1988) Life in Modern America. 3rd ed. New York: Longman.

Ryszka, E. (1977) The US Federal System of Government. Warszawa: PWN.

Learning outcomes acc to PQR 2019

Knowledge

The student knows and understands

1. American life and institutions in the context of interrelated disciplines (history, geography, demography, economy, political science, religion, culture). (k_W06/P6S_WG)

2. social, economic, political, and cultural institutions and processes and will be acquainted with contemporary cultural life of the USA. (k_W09/P6S_WK)

Skills

The student can

3. find, analyse, select, and use information about the USA. (k_U07/P6S_UO)

4. prepare a speech/presentation in English or write and essay on a specific subject from the area of American life and institutions. (k_U04/P6S_UK)

Social competences

5. The student is aware of the cultural heritage of his/her own country and will be tolerant of cultural differences of other countries and nations.(k_K03/P6S_KO)

Forms of evaluation of learning outcomes:

1. Active participation in classes, analysis of information and case studies, drawing conclusions - 30% of the final grade (outcome 2,3,5)

2. A multimedia presentation or a speech on a selected subject included in the syllabus OR a short essay - 30% of the final grade (outcome 3,4,5)

3. A written multiple-choice test - 40% of the final grade (outcome 1,2,3)

Grading criteria:

60 -67% 3.0

68 - 75% 3.5

76 - 83% 4.0

84 - 91% 4.5

92 - 100% 5.0

pass at 60% of the final grade