Department of English & American Studies, Faculty of Arts, Matej Bel University in Banská Bystrica

Translator-Interpreter Full-time / Translator-Interpreter Distance Study / Teacher Requalifying Programme.

WEEK	TOPIC

1	Introduction: Nationa Identity
	Slovak stereotypical images of Britain.
2	The Country and its Nations
	Geographical and political terminology. The four nations. Ethnic minorities. Defining Britishness-National identities within the UK.
3	Geography and Regional Differences
	The British climate. Regional differences: Core and periphery, the North-South divide, Town and country.
4	System of Government
	The Constitution. The role of the monarch. The Government: the Cabinet and the Prime Minister. The House of Commons. The House of Lords.
5	British Politics
	The Public attitude to politics. The style of democracy. The parties. Elections: The electoral system. The electoral campaign.
6	Education
	The educational system. State education. Independent schools. Higher education.
7	MID-SEMESTER WRITTEN TEST (on topics 1 - 6)
8	Law and Order
	The legal system. Crime and Punishment. The legal profession and the courts. The police.
9	The Media
	The National Daily Press. Radio and Television. Privacy and self-regulation.
10	The Welfare State
	The National Health Service. The benefits system. The social services.
11	Northern Ireland
	Some history. The religious divide. Political parties. Law and order. The Peace Process. Recent developments.
12	Scotland and Wales
	Some historical facts about Scotland and Wales. The Welsh and the Scots languages. Political parties in Scotland and Wales. The devolution of power.
13	Britain and the World
	The end of empire. The Commonwealth. Transatlantic relations. The armed forces. Britain and the European Union.