British Cultures

This module aims to give you a distinctive critical introduction to British Cultures as broadly conceived. We will study a variety of different cultural forms and genres which range from the late medieval period through to the present day. You will have the opportunity to study familiar material in depth, and also be introduced to a more diverse range of texts and concepts within the scope of British literature and culture. The aim is for you to acquire the skills to interpret and critique this material in relation to their historical, literary, social, and cultural contexts. The module is taught by a convenor with frequent guest contributions from academics in the department with research interests in particular areas.

We start with early folkloric history, with King Arthur and Robin Hood, and then move on to familiar and indeed canonical authors and texts (such as Shakespeare and Austen) and we examine the processes by which these examples have become identified with certain modes of Britishness or Englishness (often, if contentiously, taken as a synonym for British identity). We move on to look at regional variations on the standard model of Englishness, and how landscapes, characters, and genres are informed and shaped by their context, but in turn have shaped our understanding of British identity (for example, Treasure Island, Sherlock Holmes, the Gothic). We will also make a field trip to a site of literary interest. We will also think about children's literature, counter and/or popular cultures, and think about new models of Britishness in a global context.

By the end of the module, you will have gained a broad, deep, and nuanced understanding of the diversity of British Cultures, of the processes by which such cultures are produced and reproduced, and of the implications of these processes for our understanding of Britishness.

If you take this module, you will be expected to read and reflect on a selection of primary and secondary sources both as independent learners and as part of a seminar group. A field trip (or equivalent online material) will encourage you to think about British cultures beyond the boundaries of the classroom. Film screenings may supplement the required reading. Informal group presentations may form part of the module, to help you to work together and synthesise your learning. The learning log will ask you to reflect on their learning; the independent study will enable you to identify and develop a particular area of scholarly interest, to acquire skills in information retrieval and synthesis, and to present your findings in an appropriate format.

• Self Catering Accommodation Provided
• 6 Day trip to London
• Social Programme including day trips and evening activities
• Application Deadline 1st May 2024
• £3,750

Register Your Interest in our International Summer School 2022

The International Summer is an Undergraduate level summer programme offering students the chance to study at the University of Exeter for 3 weeks and earn up to 15 ECTS Credits or 6-8 US Credits towards their degree. The programme offers a variety of subject choices taken from across our colleges in the following area strands:

• Business
• Psychology
• Health and Medicine
• The Environment and Climate Change
• International Relations
• Human Rights
• Law
• Literature
• History
• Politics
• Art History and Visual Culture
• Drama, Performing Arts
• British Culture
• Bioengineering

The programmes are taught on our beautiful campuses in Exeter and taught by our faculty along with external professionals specialising in topics and field trips.

Included within the price of the International Summer School is on-campus accommodation and a varied and exciting social programme including day trips to areas such as the beautiful St Ives and the fascinating city of Bath. The social programme also includes evening activities and other optional day trips and activities on and off-campus. All transport for the social programme as well as airport meet and greet and transfer is included in the programme.

One of the key features of the International Summer School is the chance to experience the UK and meet people from all over the world. Our summer programme has boasted a group of more than 25 nationalities from around the world in the last three years and really gives people the chance to learn about their interests from the perspectives of others.

Our London orientation trip offers the participants the opportunity to see London and truly get to explore the city with organised activities and free time and really get to know your fellow classmates before starting the programme back on our campus.

The programme is suitable for any person over the age of 18 providing you meet the entry requirements. This is particularly aimed at students currently studying at university and want to earn extra credits or experience studying in a renowned UK university or interested in a postgraduate course and would like to learn more about a specific subject. The course is also ideal for professionals who are looking to improve their knowledge about a specific subject area as well as people who are looking to enjoy the experience of studying and visiting the UK for a short period of time.