Semesters: 6

ECTS: 3

Form of assessment: pass-fail exam

AIMS

• provide sufficient knowledge of society, politics, georgaphy, history, culture of English/German/French speaking coutnries;
• develop cross-cultural awareness;
• teach students application of country-specific knowledge in professional context.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

On successful completion of this course of study students should be able to:
• recognize, explain and interpret social, political, historical, cultural and linguistic aspects of English/German/French speaking coutnries that contribute to the unique image of the country;
• show and apply relevant knowledge of onomastics (place names, personal names) of the country of study;
• analyze current political situation, cultural events in of English/German/French speaking coutnries;
• employ the knowledge of a country’s specific features in the practice of language teaching.

CONTENT

Introduction into country studies. Aims, goals and objects of country study. Aspects of country study: cultural icons, realia, national and cultural nuances of the language, idioms and proverbs, language units reflecting the specific character of national history, culture and way of life.

Interrelations between history, language and culture. Pre-history and ancient history. Fight for survival. Stages of development of states. Birth and development of Christianity. Linguistic heritage of ancient and early history. Middle Ages. Development of political systems. Feudal wars. Development of the systems of law and justice. Knights in medieval Europe. Crusades. Church and state. Medieval culture and cities. Changes in culture and society brought by the Renaissance. Protestantism. Modern history. Political uprisings, revolutions and their outcomes. Birth and development of capitalism. Social conflicts. World War I – precursors and aftermaths. Interbellum period. Participants, development and end of World War II. Socialist and capitalist world after World War II. Cold war. Modern international relations. European Union.

Social and cultural systems of the countries speaking English/German/French.

Geography, landscape, water bodies, flora and fauna, climate and weather. National parks and nature reserves. Environmental protection.

State and politics. Branches of power. Law enforcement. Division of rights and responsibilities. Administrative division and local administration. Political parties and non-governmental public organizations. Famous political leaders. Current international policy.

Economy. Major industries and their location. Agriculture. Economic policy. Bank system. Currency. Euro. International economic organizations. European Union.

Social development. Ethnic, religious and social stratification. Demographic problems. Social problems. Role of women in a society. Youth in the life of society. Healthcare. Science. Sport. Media.

Cultural events and entertainment. City and countryside. Tourist sights. Books, theatres, museums, exhibitions, awards, festivals, libraries. National traditions. Everyday customs. Food culture. Etiquette. Written and unwritten laws. Non-verbal means of communication. Cultural nuances and difficulties in communication.