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2014/2015  BA-BBLCO1245U  British and American Studies 2

English Title
British and American Studies 2

Course information
Language English
Course ECTS 7.5 ECTS
Type Mandatory
Level Bachelor
Duration One Semester
Course period Autumn
Timetable Course schedule will be posted at calendar.cbs.dk
Study board
Study Board for BSc og MSc in Business, Language and Culture, BSc
Course coordinator
  • Department of International Business Communication
    Kevin McGovern - MSC
Main academic disciplines
  • International Political Economy
  • Language and Intercultural Studies
Last updated on 19-08-2014
Learning objectives
Content:
At the end of the course students should be able to:

• describe and analyse different trends and competing models of regional integration in Europe and the Americas
• identify and discuss the central issues and underlying assumptions of UK/US discourses on relations between, respectively, Britain and Europe and the US and Latin America
• critically relate trade theory or theories of regional integration to processes of regionalism and regionalisation
• explain policy positions on issues of regional integration in view of economic factors, institutional patterns, competing interests and ideologies
• develop an independent and lucid argument on topics within the content of the course, drawing upon a range of sources

Language:
At the end of the course students should be able to:
• use a wide range of vocabulary, both general and specific to the subject matter
• use a wide range of grammatical structures correctly
• pronounce the language in a manner that facilitates communication
• present complex ideas in a coherent and cohesive manner
• employ linguistic styles appropriate to academic English
• communicate precisely and fluently on complex topics
Examination
The exam in the subject consists of three parts:
Assignment 1:
Sub exam weight10%
Examination formHome assignment - written product
Individual or group examIndividual
Size of written productMax. 3 pages
Assignment typeEssay
DurationWritten product to be submitted on specified date and time.
Grading scale7-step scale
Examiner(s)One internal examiner
Exam periodAutumn Term
Make-up exam/re-exam
Same examination form as the ordinary exam
Assignment 2:
Sub exam weight10%
Examination formHome assignment - written product
Individual or group examIndividual
Size of written productMax. 3 pages
Assignment typeEssay
DurationWritten product to be submitted on specified date and time.
Grading scale7-step scale
Examiner(s)One internal examiner
Exam periodAutumn Term
Make-up exam/re-exam
Same examination form as the ordinary exam
Final Exam:
Sub exam weight80%
Examination formOral exam based on written product

In order to participate in the oral exam, the written product must be handed in before the oral exam; by the set deadline. The grade is based on an overall assessment of the written product and the individual oral performance.
Individual or group examIndividual
Size of written productMax. 3 pages
Assignment typeEssay
Duration
Written product to be submitted on specified date and time.
30 min. per student, including examiners' discussion of grade, and informing plus explaining the grade
Preparation timeNo preparation
Grading scale7-step scale
Examiner(s)Internal examiner and external examiner
Exam periodWinter Term
Make-up exam/re-exam
Same examination form as the ordinary exam
Course content and structure

This course provides students with some of the knowledge, understanding and skills necessary for working in markets or organisations in the US and the UK that engage in cross-border activities in their respective regions: the Americas and Europe. The course focuses on the political economy of regional integration in the cases of the US and the UK, examining the development of policy coordination and regulation of trade, investment, the environment, the macroeconomy, and security issues in regional arenas, yet in the context of both regionalisation and globalisation processes. With reference to the respective roles and interests of the US and UK, competing models of regional integration are analysed.

For example, in the case of the US, regional co-operation in the form of NAFTA and a possible FTAA, as well as alternative or complementary bilateral arrangements, are criticised by some for a narrow approach to integration centred on free trade and investment. This contrasts with the EU, where supranational institutions are vested with powers to coordinate a range of economic, social and environmental policy areas. The course thereby covers debates and tensions relating to the ongoing process of deepening and widening integration in the Americas and Europe.


While the issues examined are mainly derived from the literature of international political economy, the course also relates secondarily to culture and identities as relevant to economic and political integration. Issues and debates are examined from multiple perspectives, such as those of business, labour, consumers and environmentalists. A critical approach is taken to the issues and concepts taught, with emphasis on how different texts relate to the systems of knowledge on which they base their arguments. Finally, the course has a strong emphasis on the accumulation of subject-specific concepts and vocabulary, as well as speaking and writing the English language accurately, fluently, and in a manner appropriate to discussing complex issues at a high level.
Teaching methods
The course consists of a combination of lectures and classes, with the latter organised around student presentations of the assigned texts. In each class session, a 10-15 minute student presentation (normally two students) forms the basis of the ensuing discussion of the text(s). Presentations and class discussions are meant to complement rather than repeat the readings. Furthermore, the presentations enable the teacher to give each student individual feedback, both on his/her grasp of the content and on proficiency in English. It should be stressed that the reading load is fairly demanding.
Expected literature

To be announced on Learn
Last updated on 19-08-2014