Fall 2025-2026
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Alper Kumcu
Email | Website

Course Description

This undergraduate course provides a comprehensive overview of the historical and cultural developments in Britain and the United States, focusing on the relationship between history, society, and cultural identity. Students will explore key aspects of British and American culture, including literature, film, music, politics, social institutions, and popular culture. As language and culture are closely intertwined, this course emphasizes how cultural knowledge enhances linguistic competence and translation practice. By examining cultural narratives and historical trajectories, students will gain critical insight into the socio-political and artistic contexts that have shaped contemporary British and American societies.

Course Objectives

  • Analyse key aspects of British and American culture, including literature, film, music, and visual arts.
  • Understand the historical, social, and political contexts shaping British and American societies.
  • Examine the impact of globalization, multiculturalism, and digital media on cultural production.
  • Critically evaluate primary and secondary sources related to cultural studies.
  • Develop research, writing, and presentation skills applicable to translation, interpretation, and cultural analysis.

Weekly Schedule

Week Date Topic Readings Task
1 September 22, 2025 Course Introduction: Aim, methodology, requirements, outline - -
2 September 29, 2025 A Gentle Introduction to British Culture and Britain Christopher (ch.1) -
3 October 06, 2025 The Social and Cultural Context Abercrombie et al. (ch.2) -
4 October 13, 2025 British National Identity Oakland (ch.3) -
5 October 20, 2025 British Social Class Oakland (ch.4) -
6 October 27, 2025 Multiculturalism in Britain McGuigan (selected entries) -
7 November 03, 2025 The British Political System Biressi & Nunn (ch.2) -
8 November 10, 2025 Midterm Exam - Midterm Exam (provisional)
9 November 17, 2025 British Healthcare and Welfare System Christopher (ch.5) -
10 November 24, 2025 The British Educational System Oakland (ch.6) -
11 December 01, 2025 British Media and Popular Culture Selected articles -
12 December 08, 2025 British Music and the Arts Christopher (ch.7) -
13 December 15, 2025 British Television and Cinema Selected articles -
14 December 22, 2025 Literature in Contemporary Britain Christopher (ch.8) -

Assigned Readings

  • Abercrombie, N., et al. (1993). Contemporary British Society: A New Introduction to Sociology. Polity Press.
  • Biressi, A., & Nunn, H. (2013). Class and Contemporary British Culture. Palgrave Macmillan.
  • Christopher, D. P. (2015). British Culture: An Introduction. Taylor & Francis.
  • Irwin, J. L. (2005). Modern Britain: An introduction (3rd ed.). Routledge.
  • Kocabaşoğlu, U. (1995). İngiliz Sicimi. İmge Kitabevi.
  • McGuigan, J. (Ed.). (2002). Encyclopaedia of contemporary British culture. Routledge.
  • Oakland, J. (2006). British Civilization: An Introduction. Routledge.
  • O’Driscoll, J., & O’Driscoll, J. (2009). Contemporary Britain: A survey with texts (3rd ed.). Routledge.

Additional readings, articles, and multimedia materials may be assigned throughout the semester.

  • Bend It Like Beckham
  • Educating Rita
  • My Beautiful Launderette
  • North and South
  • Remains of the Day
  • The Queen
  • This is England (and sequels: ’86, ’88, ’90)
  • Threads
  • Yes, Minister / Yes, Prime Minister

Requirements

  • Midterm Exam (50%) – provisionally scheduled for Week 8 (subject to change).
  • Final Exam (50%) – 5 January 2026.
  • Attendance, participation, and short written reflections and essays will be monitored throughout the semester.
    These will contribute to the final evaluation but will not carry a separate percentage weight.

Note: Plagiarism and submission of AI-generated texts will result in an automatic fail for the course.
Note: Weekly topics are subject to change depending on current events.