Area Studies and the Anglophone World

This interdisciplinary programme, taught and examined exclusively in English, may be pursued either as a Basic Studies package (25 points), or, by adding a further 35-point Intermediate Studies package to this, as a full minor subject qualification (60 points). The purpose of the programme is to provide an understanding of the contemporary Anglophone (= English-speaking) world in its cultural, literary, linguistic, historical, economic and environmental contexts, and to serve as an introduction to a more in-depth study of specific areas in which English plays a significant role. Each year some courses, to be announced separately, will be taught by visiting lecturers from Britain, North America, other regions of the Anglophone world, or partner universities.

In order to complete the 25-point package at the Basic Studies level, candidates are required to take EITHER the British Studies option, OR the North American Studies option.

On completion of either Basic Studies package, candidates may proceed to the Intermediate level. This comprises a 35-point package which aims at widening and deepening the student's acquaintance with area studies and the Anglophone world through a continuing enga-gement with British and North American Studies, supplemented by exposure to the cultural heritage of other Anglophone areas. At the Intermediate level, the first 16 points should be obtained by taking four Intermediate-level courses. The remaining 19 points needed to complete the full minor qualification may then be selected (subject to course requirements) from any combination of topics within the entire programme which have not already been taken. These may include (according to preference) courses at either the Basic or Intermediate levels from the British Studies and/or North American Studies option.

As a programme, Area Studies and the Anglophone World brings together experts from a wide variety of fields. From within the uni-versity, these may include specialists from English Philology, Art Studies and Anthropology, History, Economics, Business Studies, the Institute of Geosciences, Computer Studies and other disciplines. Beyond Oulu, it includes Fulbright Professors, guest lecturers, as well as visiting exchange lecturers from partner universities abroad. In achieving this diversity of input, the organisers of the programme are most grateful for the continuing support of the American Center, the British Council and the Erasmus initiative.