美国文化Notes.docVIP

Class One 1 What differences between UK and US? Students discuss in pairs/groups. language: many differences between British and American English in spelling, pronunciation, stress and vocabulary political system: in UK, constitutional monarchy; in US, presidential republic laws: eg. in UK, guns controlled; in US, constitutional right to bear arms in UK, no capital punishment; in US, frequent use of death penalty in UK, free schools and healthcare; in US, health insurance system sports: in UK, football, rugby, cricket, snooker; in US, baseball, basketball, American football, soccer, billiards in UK, 4 weeks paid holiday by law; in US, only 7-10 days vacation most British people travel abroad; most Americans never go abroad 2 Look at some common false stereotypes: (or see PPT – but only if needed) all Westerners are rich/tall/blond with blue eyes the English all love their Queen Englishmen are gentlemen the French are romantic London is a foggy city Westerners are all Christian\ Class Two Geography Class Three Quotes – Toynbee (British historian known for his metastudy on the rise and fall of civilizations), James (American born novilist who spent most of his life in England), and Baldwin (American writer who spent most of his life in France) – what mean? Isolation – point out. Before man – megafauna Man arrives – this is the accepted view – controversy as there are some indications that it was as early as 40KYA. Decline of megafauna (78% of species) as result of human impact (theory). (Digression) In the south big empires (Inca ? size Rome, Teotihuacan 250,000 people around 500AD [pic]) Plains culture – classic “Indian” culture. But, pre-contact trended to be more in harmony with nature (religion, hunting, caveats not paradise). Horse introduced by Spanish. Mississippian Culture (more settled/mound builders). First contact with Europe when? - get SS answers then show. Explain collapse of Viking settlements. 1492 – Who? Where from? Why (why sail, why Spain?