Embedded Files
The superiority theory:
We laugh at someone or something that makes us feel superior.
When someone does or says something stupid or silly.
The relief theory:
Humour can make us feel more relieved about topics that are otherwise difficult to talk or think about. Humour can simply make taboos easier to talk about. Laughing at something also creates a certain “distance” to it. That gives us a sense of “power”.
Incongruity theory:
We tend to laugh when something surprises us. When it changes our perception of the world. This also makes us think about why we think of the world like we do.
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British History
British History
Before we start answer these questions:
Consider your own national identity: what are the most important symbols of being Danish? Who are historical and contemporary Danish heroes? When do you feel most like a Dane? What are quintessential Danish values?
What do you associate with Britain and the British? Make a list of at least ten things (people, food, places, artifacts, etc.) that come to mind when you think about the United Kingdom.
How many British kings and queens can you name off the top of your head?
A century ago, the British Empire covered more than twenty-five percent of the Earth’s land surface. How many countries that were once part of the Empire can you name?
In conversation, many Danes often do not make any distinction between England and Britain. What is the difference?
Now, check your comprehension with multiple choice test handed out by your teacher.
British history and Identity
British history and Identity
Read Here.
When you are done reading, analyse Rule Britainna, click here to get to the exercise.
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Homework: Read History of the British Empire
The British Empire
The British Empire
In groups, pick a former colony and prepare an informative presentation of the country, its history, during which wave of the British Empire it was conquered, an overview of reasons for Britain wanting it as a colony, the current state of the country, the effect of colonialism on the locals and what ever your group deem relevant.
Presentations 5/2.
Watch the video.
Next, do "øvelse 1" about British accents here.
In your own words, what does the illustration to the left show? Your answer must somehow include the name of the British flag.
Hand in your answer on Elevfeedback.
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The British Empire - presentations
The British Empire - presentations
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Homework:
Read ""British Peculiar Concept of class dialects. "
Dialect as an indicator af class -
Dialect as an indicator af class -
or sociolect
or sociolect
Speaking "posh" or "roadman"? - analyzing the language for clues on class etc.
Use this model to analyse. Today we focus on "words and phrases". We watch a Baron listing his demands on a future wife. How does this give us clues of his class?
Now, let us look at these questions (and possibly a clip or two more).
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Education in Britain
Education in Britain
Individually, watch this video explaining the British School System . Afterwards explain the words: state school, public school, boarders
We watch this social worker's take on the British school system. What do you find?
We look at Abolish private school? Does class and education go hand in hand? Let's discuss pros and cons.
Pater Familia?
Uniforms are very common in British schools. They are used to build a sense of unity and school pride. Uniforms are also said to improve attendance rates and help students focus on their education.
Education and class
Education and class
Pupils from elite schools still rule
Comprehension questions:
What do they mean when they talk about the “ruling elite”
Who are David Cameron and Boris Johnson?
What are you more likely to be if you have attended one of the 9 most prestigious boys’ schools?
Who is the typical individual in the register “Who’s who”?
Who are “Old boys”?
What is it the researchers behind the study believe is unacceptable?
Why is the elite class opening up a little?
What do the researchers mean when they say that the elite are shaped by common experiences?
What does the text says about pupils from other private schools?
Why is family background important when attending a prestigious boarding school?
What is Oxford and Cambridge (also called: Oxbridge)?
Non fiction analysis here
PEEL-model here
Just 7% of the population in Britain is privately educated still they hold a disproportinately big part of the power elite in society.
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Paterfamilias
Paterfamilias
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The Happiest Days of Your Life
The Happiest Days of Your Life
by Penelope Lively (1973)
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Brooklyn
Brooklyn
- Individually, explain how Gullahorn's W-model for cultural adoption (seen below) can be applied to the life of the main character.
Britishness and immigration may also be touched upon in the discussion.
Multiculturalism & immigration
Multiculturalism & immigration
in the UK
in the UK
Racism and multiculturalism
Racism and multiculturalism
Do you sympathise with Michelle Dewberry's well-meaning argument that she is colour blind and does not see race and only sees people? Why or why not?
How does Afua Hirsch criticise Michelle Dewberry's colour-blindness? Do you agree with her points? Why or why not?
Give examples from your own context of how overt racism has been replaced by coded racism.
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Use How Britain Has Been Shaped by Migration to discuss immigration and the national image of Britain. Your discussion may reference the film Brooklyn, statistics and other relevant materials from the subject.
Good words to include could be:
multicultural/coloured society
w-curve
national narrative/image
a history of immigration
Record yourself as you deliver your discussion and hand in on Lectio.
Year ending December 1991 to year ending December 2023. Experimental refers to ONS official statistics that are in the testing phase and not yet fully developed or may be subject to further changes. The Migration Observatory, Oxford University, CC BY
Brexit and the UK
Brexit and the UK
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Home work
Brexit and the UK
Brexit and the UK
Introduction & Background
Introduction & Background
The fundamental timeline behind Brexit (or To be in or out ):
1948 – Churchill calls for "Europe unite" after WWII here
1950s – "Thanks, but no thanks" from the UK here
1963 – UK's 1st application – "non" as it is vetoed y the French
1967 – 2nd application – "non" again, both here
1973 – 3rd application – "well OK then, you get to join" - Why did the UK join the EEC in 1973 – without a referendum – after two failed applications in the 1960s? What changed the attitude of the EEC? here and here
1975 – 1st in/out referendum in the UK here
1980s – Thatcher (eg. Bruge speech 1988) read here
1993 – Maastricht – EEC/EU here
2006 – James Cameron: “We (Conservatives) must stop banging on about Europe” here
2013 – January, Cameron's Bloomberg speech here
2016 - Brexit referendum - the people vote LEAVE
2020 - Brexit - the divorce between the UK and the EU - is executed after long negotiations.
2023 - the opinion of the people has changed, here
In groups research Brexit and what lead up to Brexit:
- Why the referendum?
- background and history
- Why the result?
- leave vs remain (incl. deciding arguments)
- How the different parts of Britain voted and why
- Why has it been so difficult for British politicians to find that exit door?
- post referendum and status
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SRO
SRO
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