Civilisation of the Language: Anglo-American Civilization

Teacher in charge : Mrs. Zerigui Naima   

 Course : Anglo-American Civilization              Grade level: Third year students  

Teaching Method : Lectures                                Time Allotment: 1h30/ week                     

Introduction

By definition, civilization usually refers to the study of the history of certain nations from different aspects. It is in particular ‘’a complex culture’’ shared by large numbers of humans encompassing a variety of common elements, including cities, religious, political, military, and social structures ; writing, and significant artistic and intellectual activity. As two good models of the Western Civilization, it would be significant to study the Anglo-American civilizations objectively on account of its eventful and informative history but most importantly of its intellectual and technological achievements. 

Description

This course aims to introduce to third year students LMD the Anglo-American Civilization(s) from the late of the 18thc to the 19th century in a comprehensive manner. For the sake of consistency and clarity, and mainly due to the shortage of time, it is agreed to teach each of these civilizations separately; the first semester is dedicated to British themes while the second to the American ones. It should be acknowledged that this course aims not only to chronicle major dates and events, but also to display the link between and to demonstrate how these past events contributed to shape the current modern developments in both countries.  

This course is meant as a close study of the basic political concepts, history and political system and institutions of Britain/the USA from the late 18th century to the late 19th century. It is designed to provide third year students with an understanding of the composition of society and the institutions of power and authority in Britain/USA through the issues which are raised: the Victorian era and the Industrial Revolution, the scientific and technological advancements and the British empire, Darwinism and the Anglican Church, Child Labour and the social reforms, the Great Awakenings and major religious sects ; the emergence of parties and the impact of regionalism and partisan tensions on US governments’ policies, the Franco-American ties and major related issues (the French Revolution, the Napoleonic Wars, the XYZ Affair, the Alien and Sedition Acts,…), the British-American relations and issues after independence ( the impressment, the Jay Treaty, the 1812War, …), and the major accomplishments as well as failures of the first five US presidents, from George Washington to James Monroe (their domestic and foreign policies).  

Aims and objectifs

The major aim of this course is to help students gain a critical understanding of the British/American social system and political institutions as well as the main political ideologies that shaped 19^th century British/American politics and society.

By the end of the course, students need to be made well aware of the major dates and events which have shaped British and American nations’ history, culture, and character. Students wil be hopefully able to evaluate the historical evolution of Britain/ USA from agrarian to industrial nations; and survey the democratic institutions and their roles in government.