Bachelor
2022/2023
India, South Africa, Australia: Cultural Influences and Historic Challenges
Category 'Best Course for Broadening Horizons and Diversity of Knowledge and Skills'
Category 'Best Course for New Knowledge and Skills'
Type:
Elective course (Foreign Languages and Intercultural Communication)
Area of studies:
Linguistics
Delivered by:
School of Foreign Languages
Where:
School of Foreign Languages
When:
1 year, 3, 4 module
Mode of studies:
offline
Open to:
students of all HSE University campuses
Language:
English
ECTS credits:
3
Contact hours:
26
Course Syllabus
Abstract
The course is tailored to 1st-year undergraduates majoring in foreign languages and intercultural communication, though it may be of interest to students of other majors. The aim of the course is to equip students with knowledge and skills connected to the history and heritage of Australia, India, and South Africa. Thus, the course encourages students to step outside the usual perspective of English-speaking countries. The course is comprised of scientific research seminars and is an elective. "History and Culture of Australia, India, South Africa" combines various activities designed to establish the context for students’ understanding of the subject. Those include discussions, quizzes, projects, etc..
Throughout the course, three sections will be covered.
– Section 1: India – The given section includes the following topics: Introduction to the course. India’s portrait. History - Prehistory and the Beginnings / The Classical and Medieval Period / The Early Modern Period History - The Freedom Struggle / India after Independence Culture, religion, society - Mythology and Epics / Hinduism, Celebration, Cultural Appropriation / Literary image (might be realised with the “Language Diversity” sections) Culture, religion, society - Bollywood and Representation in Film / Fashion and Music / Cuisine and Its Influence Language Diversity - Language Diversity and Writing Systems in India / Hinglish and Indian English / Sanskrit Revision and discussion India projects
– Section 2: Australia – The given section includes the following topics: Introduction to Australia. Australia’s portrait. History - From the first exploration to the National Reconstruction History - Making modern Australia Culture, religion, society - Aboriginal Australians and Culture: The First People Culture, religion, society - Food Culture / The Arts / Wicca in Australia Culture, religion, society - Literature, cultural institutions and sports / Famous Australians Language Diversity - Australian English and national identity, British influence: from Origin to Originality Australia projects
– Section 3: South Africa – The given section includes the following topics: Introduction to South Africa. South Africa’s portrait. History - From Pastoralism to Capitalism Expansion History - From Diamonds to Apartheid Unravel Culture, religion, society - Daily Life and Social Customs, Art and Music Culture, religion, society - Literature, Cultural Institutions and Sports Culture, religion, society - Russian and South African communication: 300 Years of Cultural Exchange Language Diversity - Languages’ Melting Pot: Introduction to Language Policy Final projects
Learning Objectives
- to familiarize students with Indian, Australian and South African traditions, cultures, and language peculiarities;
- to hone skills of sociocultural and linguocultural analysis of above mentioned English-speaking countries in a form of an essay / group project / presentation;
- to develop competence in forming the basis of intercultural knowledge about India, South Africa, Australia;
- to enhance critical thinking and research skills by working through assignments or problem-solving tasks connected to culture and language studies
- to promote the further professional development and academic collaboration in the field of Indian, Australian and South African Studies;
- to address and ignite the academic debates in relation to the history and heritage of Australia, India, and South Africa.
Expected Learning Outcomes
- analyses how the culture and traditions influence the historic development of the country
- is aware of the cultural and linguistic features of the country in focus
- suggest ways to establish a cultural contact with a country in focus
Assessment Elements
- ProductiveModules 3 and 4 are taken into consideration. This part includes all assignments: possible home tasks, quizzes, etc. Students who were absent can be allowed to "retake" this section if they can provide a sick note. The deadline for such submissions is set by a tutor, at least one week before the exam period. Late submissions can be allowed at tutor's discretion, yet with 7 points max and an additional deadline not later than a week after the original one.
- In-class participation and attendanceModules 3 and 4 are taken into consideration. Assessed in the following way. Attendance + active participation = 1. Attendance + lack of / no participation = 0,4. N/A = 0. For instance, if modules 3 and 4 have 24 classes in total, there are 24 points max. If a student attends and actively participates in 14 classes, just attends 7 classes with no participation and skips 3 classes: 1) 14 * 1 + 7 * 0,4 + 3 * 0 = 16,8 points out of 24 points max; 2) 16,8 * 10 / 24 = 7 out of 10 is the "In-class participation and attendance" grade. Students who were absent can be allowed to "retake" this section if they can provide a sick note. They will have to complete an in-class task of tutor's choice. However, 0,4 points is max in this case and the deadline for submissions is set by a tutor, at least one week before the exam period.
- Written paperStudents will be offered a list of topics to write their papers about. The paper is an essay.
- ProjectsThe India and Australia sections end with projects. Students will be provided with a list of topics to choose from. A slide presentation is requires.
- Final projectFinal project defence takes place during the summer exam period. This project will cover a linguistically, culturally or socially relevant topic related to our sections.
Interim Assessment
- 2022/2023 4th module0.2 * In-class participation and attendance + 0.2 * Projects + 0.3 * Productive + 0.1 * Written paper + 0.2 * Final project
Bibliography
Recommended Core Bibliography
- Metcalf, Barbara Daly; Metcalf, Thomas R. A Concise History of Modern India. Cambridge University Press, 2012. Pp. 364. ISBN: 978-1-107-02649-0, 978-1-107-67218-5, 978-1-139-20780-5, 978-1-139-52649-4, 978-1-139-52769-9, 978-1-139-52888-7, 978-1-139-53116-0, 978-1-139-54047-6, 978-1-283-57506-5. URL: https://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/hselibrary-ebooks/detail.action?docID=977222.
Recommended Additional Bibliography
- Brics,. (2012). The BRICS Report: A Study of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa with Special Focus on Synergies and Complementarities. Oxford University Press. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsrep&AN=edsrep.b.oxp.obooks.9780198085386