Le Monde.fr : Henry Moore et ses mythes grecs confrontés à Bourdelle - Culture
In my opinion the best British sculptor of the twentieth century, Henry Moore, has an exhibition in Paris at the moment. Read what Le Monde has to say about him.
...
Sunday, February 17, 2008
British Art Henry Moore et ses mythes grecs confrontés à Bourdelle - Culture
Le Monde.fr : Henry Moore et ses mythes grecs confrontés à Bourdelle - Culture
In my opinion the best British sculptor of the twentieth century, Henry Moore, has an exhibition in Paris at the moment. Read what Le Monde has to say about him.
British rap : Dizzee Rascal: I still get the bullshit that black boys get - People, News - Independent.co.uk
Dizzee Rascal: I still get the bullshit that black boys get - People, News - Independent.co.uk
The top British rapper, Dizzee Rascal, is interviewed in The Independent, a prestigious British newspaper. He talks about what it means to be a successful rapper in Britain today. Follow the link.
The top British rapper, Dizzee Rascal, is interviewed in The Independent, a prestigious British newspaper. He talks about what it means to be a successful rapper in Britain today. Follow the link.
Saturday, February 16, 2008
Option B 150 ans de musique populaire britannique
Brass Bands
(from the US, photos plus music)
British brass band from 1930s
Yorkshire brass band 2004
Un extrait d’un concours de fanfare. Notez qu’il s’agit dun fanfare d’entreprise - d’une banque. C’est rare d enos jours, mais cela existe encore
L1 Projet professionnel
Annonce importante. NOus avons confirmation de trois conférences de professionnels.
Les lundis à 18h en salle 226
25 février - une professionnel de la traduction
03 mars - une enseignante du secondaire
10 mars - un journaliste qui travaille à France Info.
D'autres intervenants seront annoncés ici dans quelques semaines.
JM
Les lundis à 18h en salle 226
25 février - une professionnel de la traduction
03 mars - une enseignante du secondaire
10 mars - un journaliste qui travaille à France Info.
D'autres intervenants seront annoncés ici dans quelques semaines.
JM
L1 Les groupes pour le projet professionnel
Voici les groupes que j'ai pour le projet professionnel à ce jour.
Si j'ai fait des erreurs, signalez-les en rajoutant un commentaire ou en m'envoyant un mail.
Lundi prochain je vous donnerai davantage dé détilas sur la forme du mémoire à rendre.
A
Mélany MILON
Audrey HAROS
Elise COSQUER
Les attachés de presse.
B
Mouna Bellaman,
Ugur Sakrak
Léonore Légitimus.
Les acteurs.
C
Stéphie-Rose Nyot Nyot.
Manise Basile,
Johanna Mafwata
Le journalisme international (à préciser)
D
Ludivine Pepe,
Nadia Lebni-Charles
Lucie Kundlova ?
Le métier de traductrice
E
Léo Lemercier,
Geneviève Dongoïda
Céline Defaux.
Professeur d'anglais dans lemilieu secondaire (collège et lycée).
F
Marie CAMIER
Céline DIVERRES
Jérémy MERCIER
JOURNALISME PRESSE ECRITE
G
LEDOYEN Anne Claude
MENARD Camille
TRIPS Marion
Professeur d’allemand au collège
H
RIO Maureen
PERALES Laura
BAUMANN Axel
Enseignant d’anglais collège/lycée
J
FAVALI Anaïs
BARBANEL Chloé
CREPON Claire
Personnel navigant commercial
K
BACHIMONT Noémie
LOUP Floriane
BOUDJEMIA Sofia
L
- Nicolas PARACLET (groupe 2 )
- Maxim KAMINSKI ( groupe 2 )
- NGUYEN Viet Dung ( groupe 2 )
Les métiers de la publicité
M
Professeur de langue à l'étranger
Jessica Dianingana L1 G4
Anémone Trysavath L1 G4
Jenna Géraud-Girard L1 G4
Thursday, February 14, 2008
L1 projet professionnel suite
27 étudiants m'ont donné les noms de leur groupe et leur thème de recherche.
La semaine prochaine, jeudi 21 février, à 13h30 salle PF803, je vous parlerai de la forme technique du mémoire et du contenu en détail.
N'oubliez pas que la première chose à faire quand vous avez formé un groupe est de chercher des personnes à interviewer. Cela prend un peu de temps. N'oubliez pas qu'il faut un interview par étudiant, pas un seul pour le groupe. Si le métier que vous avez choisi est très précis et vous avez du mal à trouver trois personnes qui acceptent de se faire interviewer, vous pouvez interviewer quelqu'un qui fait un métier annexe.
Pour ceux qui sont venus pour la première fois le 14 février, vous trouverez les directives détaillées, dans ce blog, il y a une dizaine de jours.
Les étudiants qui n'ont pas encore un group et un thème doivent en trouver avant la semaine prochaine.
JM
La semaine prochaine, jeudi 21 février, à 13h30 salle PF803, je vous parlerai de la forme technique du mémoire et du contenu en détail.
N'oubliez pas que la première chose à faire quand vous avez formé un groupe est de chercher des personnes à interviewer. Cela prend un peu de temps. N'oubliez pas qu'il faut un interview par étudiant, pas un seul pour le groupe. Si le métier que vous avez choisi est très précis et vous avez du mal à trouver trois personnes qui acceptent de se faire interviewer, vous pouvez interviewer quelqu'un qui fait un métier annexe.
Pour ceux qui sont venus pour la première fois le 14 février, vous trouverez les directives détaillées, dans ce blog, il y a une dizaine de jours.
Les étudiants qui n'ont pas encore un group et un thème doivent en trouver avant la semaine prochaine.
JM
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
L3 Contestation sociale - Captain Swing
This article is rather long, but it is in French, by a French intellectual writing about Hobsbawm's presentation of the rural revolts of Captain Swing. It allows you to think a little about how history is written.
BBC - Radio 4 - Britistanis
BBC - Radio 4 - Britistanis
Multiculturalism in Britain
This link takes you to a radio programme which talks about teenagers in Britain from Pakistani families. There are a number of interviews with young people.
Multiculturalism in Britain
This link takes you to a radio programme which talks about teenagers in Britain from Pakistani families. There are a number of interviews with young people.
Monday, February 11, 2008
L1 Grammar collective nouns gapfill game
collective nouns gapfill typing game english grammar
Here is a short, game-like exercise on collective nouns.
Sunday, February 10, 2008
L3 Contestation sociale The Luddites
The Luddites
Benjamin sent me this link from the Spartacus encyclopedia. This encyclopedia is written for secondary school students in Britain, but often has good informative articles.
And above is a contemporary picture of "the leader of the Luddites".
Option A cinema : Ken Loach
There is no shortage of information about Ken Loach on the web.
Here are three interviews he has given over the last few years :
Interview with Loach about My Name is Joe
Interview with Loach from 1996 about Land and Freedom
Interview with Loach from 1998
L1 Projet professionnel
La prochaine séance aura lieu jeudi prochain à 13h30 dans la salle PF803.
Si vous avez formé un groupe de trois personnes, et vous m'avez envoyé par mail votre proposition de sujet (john.mullen arobase wanadoo.fr) vous pouvez ne pas venir jeudi, mais il faut venir le jeudi suivant.
Votre sujet doit être validé par moi. Il faut un sujet un peu précis - par exemple "enseignant" n'est pas suffisamment précis, mais "enseignant du français à l'étranger" ou "professeur des écoles" le sont.
Si vous n'êtes pas venu jeudi dernier, vous devez absolument venir jeudi prochain.
Certaines des séances sont remplacées par des conférences données par des professionnels. Ces séances ont lieu le lundi à 18h en salle 226.
Le 3 Mars Une enseignante d'anglais en collège viendra nous parler
Le 10 mars un journaliste à la radio France-Info.
Si vous avez formé un groupe de trois personnes, et vous m'avez envoyé par mail votre proposition de sujet (john.mullen arobase wanadoo.fr) vous pouvez ne pas venir jeudi, mais il faut venir le jeudi suivant.
Votre sujet doit être validé par moi. Il faut un sujet un peu précis - par exemple "enseignant" n'est pas suffisamment précis, mais "enseignant du français à l'étranger" ou "professeur des écoles" le sont.
Si vous n'êtes pas venu jeudi dernier, vous devez absolument venir jeudi prochain.
Certaines des séances sont remplacées par des conférences données par des professionnels. Ces séances ont lieu le lundi à 18h en salle 226.
Le 3 Mars Une enseignante d'anglais en collège viendra nous parler
Le 10 mars un journaliste à la radio France-Info.
British current affairs - Walter Wolfgang: 'We saved the world' - People, News - Independent.co.uk
Walter Wolfgang: 'We saved the world' - People, News - Independent.co.uk
It is the fiftieth anniversary of a famous demonstration in Britain, at Aldermaston, against nuclear weapons. Here is an article from The Independent, where they interview someone who was there.
It is the fiftieth anniversary of a famous demonstration in Britain, at Aldermaston, against nuclear weapons. Here is an article from The Independent, where they interview someone who was there.
Saturday, February 09, 2008
Option A cinema Ken Loach: Still angry after all these years - People, News - Independent.co.uk
Ken Loach: Still angry after all these years - People, News - Independent.co.uk
Next week, we will be looking at an extract from one of Ken Loach's early films, "Kes". Here is an interview of the director in the daily newspaper, "The Independent".
Next week, we will be looking at an extract from one of Ken Loach's early films, "Kes". Here is an interview of the director in the daily newspaper, "The Independent".
Option A Cinema of the United Kingdom - Wikipedia
Cinema of the United Kingdom - Wikipedia
The wikipedia article (follow the link) on UK cinema may be useful. It does tend to consist rather too much of a list of films and rather too little of a consideration of what the film-makers were trying to do and why, but as background information can be handy.
The wikipedia article (follow the link) on UK cinema may be useful. It does tend to consist rather too much of a list of films and rather too little of a consideration of what the film-makers were trying to do and why, but as background information can be handy.
L3 Contestation sociale - Captain Swing
Vous êtes cordialement invité(e)s à écrire l'article wikipedia en français sur Captain Swing
Ce n'est pas obligatoire, ce n'est pas noté.
But it will allow you
- to revise easily what you know about the movement
- to learn how easy it is to write and change wikipedia articles
Ce n'est pas obligatoire, ce n'est pas noté.
But it will allow you
- to revise easily what you know about the movement
- to learn how easy it is to write and change wikipedia articles
Option B 150 ans de musique : la musique Folk
Ci-dessous vous trouverez quelques liens concernant la musique folk. Notez surtout toutes les possibilités de palimpseste et de réécriture.
Un des groupes les plus connus du folk irlandais des trente dernières années chantent une chanson traditionnelle au sujet du whiskey.
The Dubliners singing « Finnegan’s Wake »
Un amateur chante une chanson écrite par Ewan MacColl pour décrire la dure vie des pêcheurs de hareng
Ewan Maccoll’s Shoals of Herring (amateur performance)
Le groupe le plus connu du folk anglais chante une chanson traditionelle. La chanson « Matty Groves » raconte comment un paysan a couché avec la femme du Lord, avant que le lord revienne pour tuer les deux amants.
Fairport Convention « Matty Groves »
Un groupe de folk rock écossais, Runrig, chante la chanson traditionnelle très connue « Loch Lomond », une chanson d’amour
Runrig - Loch Lomond 2007
Dans une collaboration étonnante, deux groupes irlandais chantent « Irish Rover », chanson traditionelle qui traite de la vie des marins, et de la boisson. Il s’agit des Dubliners, pères fondateurs dans les années 1960 du revival folk, et de Pogues, groupe folk-punk bien plus récent.
The Pogues and The Dubliners
Irish Rover
Notez que les videos Youtube risquent de ne pas marcher sur le réseau de l’université.
Wednesday, February 06, 2008
Option B - History of British popular music
John Mullen - research blog - History of British popular music
Ce lien servira sans doute seulement aux étudiants qui sont vraiment passionnés par l'histoire de la musique populaires - c'est une liste de liens que j'ai trouvé pendant mon travail de recherche sur l'histoire de la musique populaire.
Ce lien servira sans doute seulement aux étudiants qui sont vraiment passionnés par l'histoire de la musique populaires - c'est une liste de liens que j'ai trouvé pendant mon travail de recherche sur l'histoire de la musique populaire.
Tuesday, February 05, 2008
L1 projet professionnel - changement d'horaire
Mon cours de projet professionnel aur lieu de 13h30 à 14h30 le jeudi, en salle PF 803.
Changement, donc, de salle et d'horaire.
N'hésitez pas à faire circuler l'information.
Merci
Changement, donc, de salle et d'horaire.
N'hésitez pas à faire circuler l'information.
Merci
Option A cinema - images of Britain in British films
A few days ago I put on this blog some links for students of option A cinema.
Today administrative information : the marking scheme.
For régime général
50% is based on the end of semester "contrôle final"
The other 50% is based half on a mid-semester test (no doubt a commentary on a film extract), and half on work you will do at home, comparing two films. I will be giving you a list of films from which you can choose.
L3 Civilization Programme
I gave out the programme in class, but if you missed it, or you are régimé dérogatoire, here it is :
British Civilisation L3 2008
Contestation politique et sociale 1819- 1928
Cours de M. Mullen
Information on the organization of the course
Key themes
Week 1
Overview - the context 1819- 1928. Key issues in the study of social and political movements
Week 2
Am I not a Man and a Brother? Abolishing slavery
Week 3
Signed on behalf of the whole
Agricultural riots and machine breaking
Ned Ludd and Captain Swing
Week 4
Perish the privileged orders
Chartism and parliamentary reform before 1842
The Charter
The Land Plan
Week 5 Chartism and parliamentary reform after 1842
Week 6
DST écrit : commentaire de texte
“An injury to one is an injury to all”
The First Trade Unions 1819-1880
The campaign against the New Poor Law
Week 7
Movements for women’s rights before 1900
The campaign against the Contagious Diseases Act
Married women and property
Week 8 A spectre haunting Europe
Owenism, Socialism, Marx, and Labour before 1901
Week 9
Movements for women’s rights 1900-1928
The suffragettes
Hunger strikes and window smashing
Tactical debates and splits
Different attitudes to the First world war
Week 10
It just went like tinder
From New Unionism to the End of the Great war 1880-1918
Matchgirls on strike
The Dockers Tanner
The Great War
Week 11
Research paper to be handed in
1919 - 1926
Strikes and mutinies
The Strike wave of 1919
The General Strike of 1926
Week 12
Left wing organizations 1901-1928
Development of the Labour Party
Defending homosexuals
Establishment of the Communist Party
The effect of the Russian Revolution
Poplarism
Week 13 Revision
Week 14 Contrôle final Commentaire de texte + rédaction argumentée.
The course is based on four elements
1) The history books:
Martin Steve et Phillips Trevor Britain's Slave Trade Channel 4 books 2000;
Laybourn Keith A History of British Trade Unionism Sutton History Paperbacks, Londres 1997
Briggs Asa Chartism Sutton Publishing, Londres 1998 ;
Foot Paul The Vote: How it was won and how it was undermined, Viking, Londres 2005 (Part One)
Mulvey Roberts Marie The militants, Routledge, Londres, 1994
Liddington, Jill One hand tied behind us : the rise of the women’s suffrage movement Virago,Londres 1984
In theory, all of these are available in the University Library. I am hoping students will cooperate and pass the library boosk around, not keep them at home so other students can’t get at them!
You will also consult other history books in French or English, and there is a list of websites in the booklet.
2) A booklet of historical documents which must be bought from the University bookshop. It is entitled “Contestation politique et sociale en Grande-Bretagne 1819-1928”
3) The classes (two each week)
4) Entries on my teaching blog ( http://johncmullen.blogspot.com/ ) Every week I will be adding links and documents connected with the week’s theme. All students must visit the blog every week. As you know, free internet access is available in the university.
Each class will begin with an explanation of some key questions in a given period. I will not be giving you basic chronology or basic facts. This information (who was prime minister, what were the most important laws, wars, public debates etc) you will know BEFORE the class in question.
The classes will also be used to work more intensively on “commentaire de texte” methodology
Focus documents - You should read these carefully (preferably with a dictionary) before the class. Some of them will be presented by the teacher, some will be presented and analyzed by students.
The marking scheme is based on the following elements
- An oral exposé “commentaire de texte” you will do in class on a date which will be fixed in the first class.
- A research paper, which will probably take the form of a commentary on a longer document, be handed in in week 11. You will be given, early in the course, the details of this work.
- A DST “commentaire de texte” in class in week 6
- And of course the “contrôle final” at the end of the semester.
All students registered as régime dérogatoire must contact me at the beginning of the semester.
john.mullen@wanadoo.fr
British Civilisation L3 2008
Contestation politique et sociale 1819- 1928
Cours de M. Mullen
Information on the organization of the course
Key themes
Week 1
Overview - the context 1819- 1928. Key issues in the study of social and political movements
Week 2
Am I not a Man and a Brother? Abolishing slavery
Week 3
Signed on behalf of the whole
Agricultural riots and machine breaking
Ned Ludd and Captain Swing
Week 4
Perish the privileged orders
Chartism and parliamentary reform before 1842
The Charter
The Land Plan
Week 5 Chartism and parliamentary reform after 1842
Week 6
DST écrit : commentaire de texte
“An injury to one is an injury to all”
The First Trade Unions 1819-1880
The campaign against the New Poor Law
Week 7
Movements for women’s rights before 1900
The campaign against the Contagious Diseases Act
Married women and property
Week 8 A spectre haunting Europe
Owenism, Socialism, Marx, and Labour before 1901
Week 9
Movements for women’s rights 1900-1928
The suffragettes
Hunger strikes and window smashing
Tactical debates and splits
Different attitudes to the First world war
Week 10
It just went like tinder
From New Unionism to the End of the Great war 1880-1918
Matchgirls on strike
The Dockers Tanner
The Great War
Week 11
Research paper to be handed in
1919 - 1926
Strikes and mutinies
The Strike wave of 1919
The General Strike of 1926
Week 12
Left wing organizations 1901-1928
Development of the Labour Party
Defending homosexuals
Establishment of the Communist Party
The effect of the Russian Revolution
Poplarism
Week 13 Revision
Week 14 Contrôle final Commentaire de texte + rédaction argumentée.
The course is based on four elements
1) The history books:
Martin Steve et Phillips Trevor Britain's Slave Trade Channel 4 books 2000;
Laybourn Keith A History of British Trade Unionism Sutton History Paperbacks, Londres 1997
Briggs Asa Chartism Sutton Publishing, Londres 1998 ;
Foot Paul The Vote: How it was won and how it was undermined, Viking, Londres 2005 (Part One)
Mulvey Roberts Marie The militants, Routledge, Londres, 1994
Liddington, Jill One hand tied behind us : the rise of the women’s suffrage movement Virago,Londres 1984
In theory, all of these are available in the University Library. I am hoping students will cooperate and pass the library boosk around, not keep them at home so other students can’t get at them!
You will also consult other history books in French or English, and there is a list of websites in the booklet.
2) A booklet of historical documents which must be bought from the University bookshop. It is entitled “Contestation politique et sociale en Grande-Bretagne 1819-1928”
3) The classes (two each week)
4) Entries on my teaching blog ( http://johncmullen.blogspot.com/ ) Every week I will be adding links and documents connected with the week’s theme. All students must visit the blog every week. As you know, free internet access is available in the university.
Each class will begin with an explanation of some key questions in a given period. I will not be giving you basic chronology or basic facts. This information (who was prime minister, what were the most important laws, wars, public debates etc) you will know BEFORE the class in question.
The classes will also be used to work more intensively on “commentaire de texte” methodology
Focus documents - You should read these carefully (preferably with a dictionary) before the class. Some of them will be presented by the teacher, some will be presented and analyzed by students.
The marking scheme is based on the following elements
- An oral exposé “commentaire de texte” you will do in class on a date which will be fixed in the first class.
- A research paper, which will probably take the form of a commentary on a longer document, be handed in in week 11. You will be given, early in the course, the details of this work.
- A DST “commentaire de texte” in class in week 6
- And of course the “contrôle final” at the end of the semester.
All students registered as régime dérogatoire must contact me at the beginning of the semester.
john.mullen@wanadoo.fr
Monday, February 04, 2008
L1 Projet professionnel
Les étudiants dans mon groupe pour le projet professionnel auront besoin de deux documents pour faire le travail demandé. Le premier document est ici.
Le deuxième document sera disponible sur ce blog dans quelques semaines. N'hésitez pas à poser des questions sur le blog si nécessaire.
La prmière tâche est de former des groupes de trois, et de choisir un métier ou un domaine à explorer. Pour vous aider à décider, voici une liste des thèmes choisis par les étudiants l'année dernière
Groupe A Communication en entreprise, tournée vers l’international.
Groupe B Doublage en français film/télé
Groupe C Enseignant d’anglais
Groupe D Métiers de l’Audiovisuel
Groupe E Journalisme (esp culturel)
Groupe F Attaché de presse
Groupe G Domaine commercial à l’international
Groupe H Secteur bancaire
Groupe I Enseignement d’anglais au lycée
Groupe J Interprète/traducteur
Groupe K Professeur d’anglais collège/lycée
Groupe L Professeur des écoles à l’étranger
Groupe M Domaine artistique (cinéma...)
Groupe N Journalisme/photojournalisme
Groupe O métiers aéroportuaires
Groupe P Métiers de la Communication
Groupe Q Professeur d’anglais colège/lycée
Groupe R Musées)
Groupe S Les métiers de l'Edition
Le deuxième document sera disponible sur ce blog dans quelques semaines. N'hésitez pas à poser des questions sur le blog si nécessaire.
La prmière tâche est de former des groupes de trois, et de choisir un métier ou un domaine à explorer. Pour vous aider à décider, voici une liste des thèmes choisis par les étudiants l'année dernière
Groupe A Communication en entreprise, tournée vers l’international.
Groupe B Doublage en français film/télé
Groupe C Enseignant d’anglais
Groupe D Métiers de l’Audiovisuel
Groupe E Journalisme (esp culturel)
Groupe F Attaché de presse
Groupe G Domaine commercial à l’international
Groupe H Secteur bancaire
Groupe I Enseignement d’anglais au lycée
Groupe J Interprète/traducteur
Groupe K Professeur d’anglais collège/lycée
Groupe L Professeur des écoles à l’étranger
Groupe M Domaine artistique (cinéma...)
Groupe N Journalisme/photojournalisme
Groupe O métiers aéroportuaires
Groupe P Métiers de la Communication
Groupe Q Professeur d’anglais colège/lycée
Groupe R Musées)
Groupe S Les métiers de l'Edition
First year grammar revision Reflexive pronouns - Grammar Exercises - Learning English
Reflexive pronouns - Grammar Exercises - Learning English
This exercise is for revision; it shouldn't be difficult.
Sunday, February 03, 2008
L3 abolishing slavery
Pageviewer
Many powerful people defended slavery. This link takes you to a book written to defend slavery, by a certain Gordon Turnbull. It makes chilling reading - you have been warned.
Many powerful people defended slavery. This link takes you to a book written to defend slavery, by a certain Gordon Turnbull. It makes chilling reading - you have been warned.
All students - [bnc] British National Corpus - help with vocabulary and grammar
[bnc] British National Corpus
English is quite complicated at time, and you might not be sure how a particular expression is used. Dictionaries and grammar books help of course, but this link takes you to another site which can help. It is a corpus - a collection of extracts from books, newspapers, magazines, radio interviews etc - in total a hundred million words of real English.
Use the search engine to "search the corpus" to see how expressions are used.
For example if you are not sure whether "comité scientifique" should be "scientific committee" or "scientific board", you can search for each of these expressions and see which one is really used.
Try searching to find the exact meaning in English (if any) of the words "planning" "parking" and "caravaning". You should find that "planning" and "timetable" are not the same thing, and that "a parking" is not English.
English is quite complicated at time, and you might not be sure how a particular expression is used. Dictionaries and grammar books help of course, but this link takes you to another site which can help. It is a corpus - a collection of extracts from books, newspapers, magazines, radio interviews etc - in total a hundred million words of real English.
Use the search engine to "search the corpus" to see how expressions are used.
For example if you are not sure whether "comité scientifique" should be "scientific committee" or "scientific board", you can search for each of these expressions and see which one is really used.
Try searching to find the exact meaning in English (if any) of the words "planning" "parking" and "caravaning". You should find that "planning" and "timetable" are not the same thing, and that "a parking" is not English.
Option A cinema Pride and Prejudice on Yahoo! Movies
Pride and Prejudice on Yahoo! Movies
We looked in class at a heritage film "Sense and Sensibility", based on a Jane Austen novel. Are these films all the same? Here are some links which will allow you to watch short extracts of other films which are normally considered as heritage films.
Click on this link to watch extracts from another film based on a Jane Austen novel, Pride and prejudice.
Click here to read reviews of "The English Patient"
Click here for the trailer of Elizabeth
Option B musique populaire - article de recherche
legitimacy
La musique populaire, dans son sens le plus large, du music hall au rap en passant par le rock ou le folk, a souvent été dénoncé ou au moins désapprouvé par l'élite culturelle. Dans cet article de recherche je retrace l'histoire de la légitimité de cette musique en Angleterre.
Saturday, February 02, 2008
L3 Wisbech & Fenland Museum
Wisbech & Fenland Museum
Thomas Clarkson was one of the leaders of the anti-slavery movement. In the local museum, in Wisbech, where he was born, there is an exhibition about him. In 1881 a statue to him was erected in the town.
Thomas Clarkson was one of the leaders of the anti-slavery movement. In the local museum, in Wisbech, where he was born, there is an exhibition about him. In 1881 a statue to him was erected in the town.
L3 Civilization - Talks on "Who really ended slavery"
In 1807 the slave trade was banned by the British parliament. In 1833 slavery was banned. 2007, then, was the two hundredth anniversary of the banning of the slave trade. This led to a certain number of books, events, museum exhibitions, television programmes etc on a subject which is not well-known and is little studied in school history books. This link will lead you to an MP3 file of a meeting in London on the question "Who really ended slavery". There are two speakers. One of them is Robin Blackburn, author of a number of books, but in particular of the (extremely long) classic history book "The overthrow of colonial slavery". The other speaker is Weyman Bennett, one of the organizers of the present-day campaign in Britain "Love Music Hate Racism." Each speaker speaks for about twenty minutes. Download the file, put it on your MP3 player, and educate yourself while on the bus!
L3 Civilisation - International Slavery Museum homepage
Liverpool museums - International Slavery Museum homepage
This link take syou to the home page of the international slavery museum in Liverpool.
There is some information online - in particular the section "Slaves' stories" is very interesting. Naturally the site is aimed at the general public, not at historians, but it remains useful.
L2 Civilisation britannique point TICE (Administrative information)
You probably remember that apart from the Civilization mark you get a TICE point for the technical quality of your Research paper. If you did not get this point, you have two options.
You can re-work your Research Paper (use an automatic spellchecker, correct all the typing mistakes, add a few footnotes, write the bibliography in exactly the form necessary). Hand it in to me again, and you will probably get your point.
Time Limit - two weeks from now.
Or you can wait till the June session and do the written TICE exam to get the point.
You can re-work your Research Paper (use an automatic spellchecker, correct all the typing mistakes, add a few footnotes, write the bibliography in exactly the form necessary). Hand it in to me again, and you will probably get your point.
Time Limit - two weeks from now.
Or you can wait till the June session and do the written TICE exam to get the point.
Thursday, January 31, 2008
L3 Other tools of the anti-slavery campaign
The movement invented many many ways of gettign its ideas out. This picture shows a collection of poems written against slavery. There were also thousands of pamphlets, many of which are held in museums and have never really been studied.
L3 Abolitionist sugar bowl
The campaigners against slavery did everything they could to get their views known. This is a sugar bowl made by campaigners. In this way you could show the people who visited your house that you were boycotting sugar made by slaves and only eating sugar made by free people. It is in some ways the equivalent of people today deciding to only drink Fair Trade coffee (commerce équitable).
L3 civilisation britannique - pro and anti slavery documents
This link takes you to a gallery where you can see a seried of images of anti-slavery political campaigns, and some proslavery ones. Notice in particular the extremely popular images with the slogan "Am I not a man and a brother?" and the feminine equivalent.
Are there any signs of the attitides of the abolitionists in these documents. Is there anything surprising about them ?
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
L3 Contestation sociale - Whiggish historiography - Wikipedia
Whiggish historiography - Wikipedia
One of the pitfalls we will be looking at on the course is that of a whiggish view of history. You may not know what this is : the wikipedia article on it is a fair introduction - follow the link.
Basically a whiggish view is to see history as inevitable progress...
One of the pitfalls we will be looking at on the course is that of a whiggish view of history. You may not know what this is : the wikipedia article on it is a fair introduction - follow the link.
Basically a whiggish view is to see history as inevitable progress...
William Blake The Marriage of Heaven and Hell
The Marriage of Heaven and Hell, copy F, 1794 (The Pierpont Morgan Library): electronic edition
Free online now - great English poetry and art from William Blake.
This link takes you to "The marriage of Heaven and Hell", a heretical poem from Blake.
The easiest place to begin with Blake's work is no doubt his "Songs of Innocence and Experience" which are available on the same website.
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
L3 Contestation sociale - Paul Gilroy - What really ended slavery?
YouTube - Paul Gilroy - What really ended slavery?
Recently there were celebrations of the anniversary of the abolition of slavery. Many debates and seminars were organized as part of this celebration. This youtube video shows Paul Gilroy speaking on the issue "What really ended slavery".
Recently there were celebrations of the anniversary of the abolition of slavery. Many debates and seminars were organized as part of this celebration. This youtube video shows Paul Gilroy speaking on the issue "What really ended slavery".
Monday, January 28, 2008
L1 Grammar Possessive Pronouns
410 Grammar: Possessive Pronouns
The L1 grammar class I am taking begins on Friday 1st February. Every week you will have in class some explanations of tricky grammar points, and some exercises on paper. But I will also be giving you on the blogs links for you to follow. These are usually exercises to do online.
This first link takes you to a short exercise written by staff at an American University, on possessive pronouns.
Actualité britannique : le racisme en GB aujourd'hui
Yasmin Alibhai-Brown: Why is racial abuse now considered acceptable? - Yasmin Alibhai-Brown, Commentators - Independent.co.uk
This article by a black journalist from The Independent gives her view on the continuing existence of everyday racism in Britain.
This article by a black journalist from The Independent gives her view on the continuing existence of everyday racism in Britain.
Sunday, January 27, 2008
Consultation de copies
Those of my students
L1 civilization
L2 civilization
L2 Thème
who would like to see their scripts from the "contrôle final" and pick up their research papers, can find me in my office 208 on Thursday 31 January at 1pm, and on Thursday 7 February at 2:30 pm.
You may keep the scripts.
I recommend people do come, because seeing what mistakes you may have made is very useful for the next stage in learning.
John Mullen
L1 civilization
L2 civilization
L2 Thème
who would like to see their scripts from the "contrôle final" and pick up their research papers, can find me in my office 208 on Thursday 31 January at 1pm, and on Thursday 7 February at 2:30 pm.
You may keep the scripts.
I recommend people do come, because seeing what mistakes you may have made is very useful for the next stage in learning.
John Mullen
Actualité britannique - les valeurs britanniques
World Tonight transcripts
Le gouvernement britannique a lancé un grand débat sur "les valeurs britanniques". Ce lien vous amène à une retranscription d'un débat radio sur la BBC concernant ce débat. Notamment présentes Neal Ascherson, historien réputé, et Salma Yaqoob, une des militantes musulmanes les plus connues en Angleterre.
Le gouvernement britannique a lancé un grand débat sur "les valeurs britanniques". Ce lien vous amène à une retranscription d'un débat radio sur la BBC concernant ce débat. Notamment présentes Neal Ascherson, historien réputé, et Salma Yaqoob, une des militantes musulmanes les plus connues en Angleterre.
Saturday, January 26, 2008
Option A cinema Sense and Sensibility (1995) a review
Sense and Sensibility (1995)
My Option A classes in cinema start this week. The classes will be partly made up of a chronological element : the history of British cinema, with particular emphasis on what images of Britain are presented in British cinema, by whom, when, and why.
The other part of the class will be an analysis of a number of extracts from British films which use images of Britain. This part of the class will have a thematic structure - we will be looking at
- images of "traditional" Britain
- images of "working class" Britain
- images of Britain as a "leading country" in the world
- images of a Britain of romantics and eccentrics
- images of "the immigrant experience in Britain".
All this probably in that order. So to start us off, follow this link to a review of Ang Lee's "traditional Britain" film "Sense and Sensibility".
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Option B
Les cours d'option B "150 ans de musique populaire britannique" débuteront le 7 février. Les jeudis de 16h à 18h sur 10 séances, la dernière séance étant consacrée à un contrôle de connaissances.
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Marks for L2 Thème régime général
The marks for my students in thème L2 régime général have now been posted outside my office Room 208.
L2 research papers
I have received research papers, or annotated bibliographies for the RD students, from the following people :
Clément R , Elsa S, Aurélie L, Margaux D, Karen B, Stéphanie P, Nabila B, Melody G, Laura P, Adrien M, Pauline G., Wendy R
You still have till tomorrow if you haven't handed it in yet.
JM
Clément R , Elsa S, Aurélie L, Margaux D, Karen B, Stéphanie P, Nabila B, Melody G, Laura P, Adrien M, Pauline G., Wendy R
You still have till tomorrow if you haven't handed it in yet.
JM
Friday, January 18, 2008
Civilisation britannique : Number 10
Number 10
This fascinating site is the official Prime minister's site ... for children. Set up by Tony Blair and now continued with Gordon Brown, it is aimed at explaining politics and government to children. Education for citizenship or establishement propaganda? Everyone will have their own opinion. Click on the link...
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Actualité britannique| Q&A: Identity card plans
BBC NEWS | UK | UK Politics | Q&A: Identity card plans
In Britain, the government would like to introduce identity cards, like in France. There have been no ID cards in Britain since 1952, and the question is extremely controversial. The government plans to introduce them very slowly, but it may be politically impossible to do so. This link takes you to the BBC story on this question.
Monday, January 14, 2008
Tutorat pour les étudiants inscrits en première année à Créteil
Pour mes étudiants dans le département d'anglais à l'université de Créteil :
Pendant toute la durée du deuxième semestre, il y a des séances de tutorat pour des étudiants de première année qui ont besoin d'un coup de main. Les tuteurs/tutrices sont le plus souvent des étudiant(e)s en master qui sont embauchés pour vous aider.
Quand une matière est très difficile, ne restez pas dans votre coin!
Les séances de tutorat de deuxième semestre auront lieu aux horaires suivants.
lundi 12h30-15h30 salle 258
mardi 13h-15h salle 268
jeudi 9h-11h salle 268
Pendant toute la durée du deuxième semestre, il y a des séances de tutorat pour des étudiants de première année qui ont besoin d'un coup de main. Les tuteurs/tutrices sont le plus souvent des étudiant(e)s en master qui sont embauchés pour vous aider.
Quand une matière est très difficile, ne restez pas dans votre coin!
Les séances de tutorat de deuxième semestre auront lieu aux horaires suivants.
lundi 12h30-15h30 salle 258
mardi 13h-15h salle 268
jeudi 9h-11h salle 268
Notes à Créteil
Marks for students work in the first semester will be posted in front of my office (Room 208) as and when they become available. Do be patient - there are a lot of scripts to get through.
Sunday, January 13, 2008
Video: Sir Edmund Hillary conquers Everest | News | guardian.co.uk
Video: Sir Edmund Hillary conquers Everest | News | guardian.co.uk
Edmund Hillary has just died. In 1953, he was one of the first two men to conquer Everest. This link shows a video of him at the time, with his colleague Tenzing.
Edmund Hillary has just died. In 1953, he was one of the first two men to conquer Everest. This link shows a video of him at the time, with his colleague Tenzing.
British Cinema - interview of Stephen Frears
BBC - Radio Homepage |
I know students are still finishing or recovering from exams, but if you are planning on taking my option "Images d'angleterre dans le cinéma britannique" in the second semester, or if you are interested in general in British cinema, this link will take you to an interview on BBc radio with Stephen Frears, one of the most well-known British cinema directors. He directed a series of films such as "The Snapper" and "The Van" and "Secrets and Lies", which aimed to present different aspects of English and Irish society, in particular working class society, and recently had a smash hit with "The Queen", a surprising film in that films are normally made about British monarchs only after they are dead...
Wednesday, January 02, 2008
Thème L2 Revision
L2 Thème revision
A little later than promised, here is the text of the December test, and a suggested translation. You need to go through your script with the suggested translation, to be sure you understand each mistake. Remember that for the Final test in January, and indeed for the whole of second year thème, grammar is the central point.
Here is the test and the suggested translation :
Université Paris 12 Val de Marne
UFR de Lettres et de Sciences Humaines, Département d’anglais
L2S2 Thème John Mullen Devoir sur table décembre 2007
Aucun document n’est autorisé.
Traduisez en anglais. Faites attention à la ponctuation.
C’était le Maigret maussade, aux mains derrière le dos, à la pipe vissée entre les dents, qui se tenait dans un coin de la cellule. Il avait prévenu les autorités qu’il ne s’occupait pas officiellement de l’enquête et qu’il ne suivait celle-ci qu’en curieux.
Plusieurs personnes lui avaient décrit le télégraphiste et l’image qu’il s’en était faite répondait trait pour trait au garçon qu’il avait sous les yeux.
Un grand jeune homme maigre, au complet correct, encore que fripé, au visage grave et timide à la fois de premier de classe.
Il avait sursauté quand la porte s’était ouverte. Il était resté un bon moment très loin de la jeune fille qui s’avançait. Elle avait dû se jeter dans ses bras, littéralement, y rester de force, tandis qu’il lançait des regards éperdus.
« Marie !... Qui est-ce qui ?... Comment ?... »
Il était troublé au plus haut degré. Mais ce n’était pas l’homme à s’agiter.
« Il ne fallait pas venir... »
Et il épiait Maigret qu’il ne connaissait pas, puis fixait la porte restée entrouverte.
« Est-ce que ma mère ? ...
- Elle n’est pas venue ! Mais elle ne croit pas non plus que tu sois coupable... »
Ils se regardaient et ils ne savaient que dire, ils cherchaient leurs mots. Alors Marie désigna Maigret.
« C’est un ami de Jorissen. Il accepte de nous aider... »
Le jeune homme hésita à tendre la main, n’osa pas le faire.
From Au rendez-vous des Terre-Neuvas de Georges Simenon
Suggested translation
Université Paris 12 Val de Marne
UFR de Lettres et de Sciences Humaines, Département d’anglais
L2S2 Thème John Mullen Devoir sur table décembre 2007
Aucun document n’est autorisé.
Traduisez en anglais. Faites attention à la ponctuation.
It was a sad-looking Maigret who was standing in the corner of the cell, his hands behind his back and his pipe firmly fixed between his teeth. He had warned the authorities that he was not following the enquiry in an official capacity, but only out fo curiosity.
Several people had described the telegram boy to him, and the image he had built up of the boy corresponded in every detail to the young man who was sitting in front of him.
It was a tall, thin man, wearing a reasonably smart, if crumpled, suit. He had that serious, shy face of a boy who had always been top of the class.
He had started when the door had opened. For several moments he had stayed away from the girl who was moving towards him. She had had to throw herself literally into his arms and stay there by force, while the young man looked around him desperately.
“Marie... Who ?... How ? “ He was very much troubled, but was not the sort of man to get worked up. “ You shouldn’t have come. “
And he looked over at Maigret, whom he did not know, then gazed at the door, which had been left ajar.
“Has my mother ?...”
“She hasn’t come ! But she doesn’t think you are guilty either.”
They looked at each other, lost for words. Each was trying to think of something to say. Then Marie introduced Maigret
“This is a friend of Jorissen’s.He has agreed to help us.”
The young man wondered whether to shake hands or not, but did not dare to do so.
From Au rendez-vous des Terre-Neuves de Georges Simenon
A little later than promised, here is the text of the December test, and a suggested translation. You need to go through your script with the suggested translation, to be sure you understand each mistake. Remember that for the Final test in January, and indeed for the whole of second year thème, grammar is the central point.
Here is the test and the suggested translation :
Université Paris 12 Val de Marne
UFR de Lettres et de Sciences Humaines, Département d’anglais
L2S2 Thème John Mullen Devoir sur table décembre 2007
Aucun document n’est autorisé.
Traduisez en anglais. Faites attention à la ponctuation.
C’était le Maigret maussade, aux mains derrière le dos, à la pipe vissée entre les dents, qui se tenait dans un coin de la cellule. Il avait prévenu les autorités qu’il ne s’occupait pas officiellement de l’enquête et qu’il ne suivait celle-ci qu’en curieux.
Plusieurs personnes lui avaient décrit le télégraphiste et l’image qu’il s’en était faite répondait trait pour trait au garçon qu’il avait sous les yeux.
Un grand jeune homme maigre, au complet correct, encore que fripé, au visage grave et timide à la fois de premier de classe.
Il avait sursauté quand la porte s’était ouverte. Il était resté un bon moment très loin de la jeune fille qui s’avançait. Elle avait dû se jeter dans ses bras, littéralement, y rester de force, tandis qu’il lançait des regards éperdus.
« Marie !... Qui est-ce qui ?... Comment ?... »
Il était troublé au plus haut degré. Mais ce n’était pas l’homme à s’agiter.
« Il ne fallait pas venir... »
Et il épiait Maigret qu’il ne connaissait pas, puis fixait la porte restée entrouverte.
« Est-ce que ma mère ? ...
- Elle n’est pas venue ! Mais elle ne croit pas non plus que tu sois coupable... »
Ils se regardaient et ils ne savaient que dire, ils cherchaient leurs mots. Alors Marie désigna Maigret.
« C’est un ami de Jorissen. Il accepte de nous aider... »
Le jeune homme hésita à tendre la main, n’osa pas le faire.
From Au rendez-vous des Terre-Neuvas de Georges Simenon
Suggested translation
Université Paris 12 Val de Marne
UFR de Lettres et de Sciences Humaines, Département d’anglais
L2S2 Thème John Mullen Devoir sur table décembre 2007
Aucun document n’est autorisé.
Traduisez en anglais. Faites attention à la ponctuation.
It was a sad-looking Maigret who was standing in the corner of the cell, his hands behind his back and his pipe firmly fixed between his teeth. He had warned the authorities that he was not following the enquiry in an official capacity, but only out fo curiosity.
Several people had described the telegram boy to him, and the image he had built up of the boy corresponded in every detail to the young man who was sitting in front of him.
It was a tall, thin man, wearing a reasonably smart, if crumpled, suit. He had that serious, shy face of a boy who had always been top of the class.
He had started when the door had opened. For several moments he had stayed away from the girl who was moving towards him. She had had to throw herself literally into his arms and stay there by force, while the young man looked around him desperately.
“Marie... Who ?... How ? “ He was very much troubled, but was not the sort of man to get worked up. “ You shouldn’t have come. “
And he looked over at Maigret, whom he did not know, then gazed at the door, which had been left ajar.
“Has my mother ?...”
“She hasn’t come ! But she doesn’t think you are guilty either.”
They looked at each other, lost for words. Each was trying to think of something to say. Then Marie introduced Maigret
“This is a friend of Jorissen’s.He has agreed to help us.”
The young man wondered whether to shake hands or not, but did not dare to do so.
From Au rendez-vous des Terre-Neuves de Georges Simenon
Tuesday, January 01, 2008
Last bit of holiday fun The Breakfast Sketch Part 2
YouTube - The Breakfast Sketch Part 2
No doubt by now, all my students are hard at work. Here is a last bit of holiday fun. Morecambe and Wise, an important comedy duo who were together for forty years, but were perhaps typical of the seventies.
If you are interested in other classic British comedy on Youtube, try searching for Tommy Cooper or the Two Ronnies, as well as Monty Python of course. To be watched in short breaks between studying !
Civilisation GB L2 Régime dérogatoire
Here is the information about the oral exams for L2 British Civilization Régime dérogatoire. This information will also be posted around the tenth of January on noticeboards at the University.
Just to remind everyone : if you are in régime général, you have marks from classroom tests, exposés, research project and a "contrôle final" on the 11th January.
If you are in régime dérogatoire, you have two exams - a written on Tuesday 22nd January, and an oral on Wednesday 23rd January. Here are the detailed instructions for the oral. All of the documents can of course be found in the booklet of documents ("brochure") for the course.
E.C. 31.21 / 41.21
Civilisation britannique DEUG 2
Session de janvier 2008 mercredi 23 janvier 14h salle 208
ORAL pour étudiants en régime dérogatoire
For your oral exam you are required to prepare ALL of the following texts. On the day of the oral, you will be given one of these texts to present to an examiner. You will have 15 minutes to prepare the text and 15 minutes to present it (you are allowed to use your notes and the textbook). All texts are in the brochure.
1. Emmeline Pankhurst, My own story, 1914
2. The Great Pinnacle of Sacrifice, speech by Lloyd George, 1914
3. The Carthaginian Peace, J M Keynes 1919
4. A seditious Middle Temple lawyer, Winston Churchill 1931
5. Let us face the future Labour Manifesto, 19455
6. Naked into the conference chamber, Aneuran Bevan 1957
7. The White Heat of Technology, Harold Wilson 1963
8. The Left attacks Thatcherism, Arthur Scargill 1987
9. Crossing the Rubicon, Gerry Adams 2000
L2 Revision BBC - History - The Welfare State - Never Ending Reform
BBC - History - The Welfare State - Never Ending Reform
This BBC History site is useful revision -_in a few pages, it summarizes the history of the "welfare state".
L1 Civilization Revision - The Levellers
The Levellers
This Spartacus site gives interesting information about the Levellers and other radicals during the English Civil War. Useful for revision.
YouTube - New Year Fireworks 2008 from London - BBC One
YouTube - New Year Fireworks 2008 from London - BBC One
Happy New Year!
This link will show you the fireworks from London to bring in the new year 2008.
Sunday, December 30, 2007
Police anger at Commons march 'ban' | Politics | The Observer
Police anger at Commons march 'ban' | Politics | The Observer
The British police are planning a major protest to demand higher wages. This would be the biggest police protest since 1919, when the police went on strike.
Saturday, December 29, 2007
L2 civilisation britannique, régime dérogatoire
Si vous êtes en régime dérogatoire vos épreuves sont différentes de celles des autres étudiants. L'UE de civilisation britannique pour vous comporte trois épreuves.
1) Une épreuve écrite de trois heures - un commentaire de texte et une dissertation sur des thèmes "Britain in the Twentieth Century" (1900- 2007). Elle aura lieu le 22 janvier en amphi jaune de 14h à 17h.
2) Une épreuve orale. Vous présenterez un commentaire de texte à l'oral. Le texte sera choisi au hasard, lors de l'épreuve, d'une liste de dix textes extraits de la brochure de l'UE. Vous aurez quinze minutes pour préparer le commentaire sur place, et quinze minutes pour le présenter (bien évidemment vous aurez préparé chez vous les dix textes!) Vous pouvez vous servir de notes prises chez vous, mais vous ne devez pas simplement lire les notes.
Cette épreuve orale aura lieu le mercredi 23 janvier à partir de 14h (contrairement à l'affichage, où on lit que c'est le matin). Nous fixerons l'horaire de passage de chacun le 22 janvier, lors de l'épreuve écrite.
La liste des dix textes en question sera affichée le 11 janvier à la fac, mais je le mettrai auparavant sur ce blog (d'ici deux ou trois jours).
3) Pour le point TICE (nouvelles technologies), vous devez rendre un travail fait à la maison - une bibliographie annotée. Pour les instructions détaillées, envoyez-moi un mail dès que possible : john.mullen @ wanadoo.fr
1) Une épreuve écrite de trois heures - un commentaire de texte et une dissertation sur des thèmes "Britain in the Twentieth Century" (1900- 2007). Elle aura lieu le 22 janvier en amphi jaune de 14h à 17h.
2) Une épreuve orale. Vous présenterez un commentaire de texte à l'oral. Le texte sera choisi au hasard, lors de l'épreuve, d'une liste de dix textes extraits de la brochure de l'UE. Vous aurez quinze minutes pour préparer le commentaire sur place, et quinze minutes pour le présenter (bien évidemment vous aurez préparé chez vous les dix textes!) Vous pouvez vous servir de notes prises chez vous, mais vous ne devez pas simplement lire les notes.
Cette épreuve orale aura lieu le mercredi 23 janvier à partir de 14h (contrairement à l'affichage, où on lit que c'est le matin). Nous fixerons l'horaire de passage de chacun le 22 janvier, lors de l'épreuve écrite.
La liste des dix textes en question sera affichée le 11 janvier à la fac, mais je le mettrai auparavant sur ce blog (d'ici deux ou trois jours).
3) Pour le point TICE (nouvelles technologies), vous devez rendre un travail fait à la maison - une bibliographie annotée. Pour les instructions détaillées, envoyez-moi un mail dès que possible : john.mullen @ wanadoo.fr
L2 civi Rivers of Blood speech - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Rivers of Blood speech - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The wikipedia article on the racist speech of Enoch Powell is 1968 is very good. Note in particular the popularity of Enoch Powell among wide sections of the population after his speech.
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
Oxford Dictionary of National Biography
Oxford Dictionary of National Biography
If your passion is British history, this website will interest you. And you can sign up to get in your email a biography every day of some important person from British history. The biographies are of a very high standard.
If your passion is British history, this website will interest you. And you can sign up to get in your email a biography every day of some important person from British history. The biographies are of a very high standard.
Monday, December 24, 2007
YouTube - Flanders & Swann
YouTube - Flanders & Swann
As part of a short series of holiday entertainment, here is a youtube video of a classic duo - Flanders and Swan, from some thirty or forty years back.
Sunday, December 23, 2007
L2 Civilisation britannique - last year's contrôle final
To help you prepare, here is last year's Contrôle Final
Université Paris 12 Val-de- Marne , Faculté des Lettres, Département d’anglais
Partiel Civilisation britannique L2 janvier 2007 Etudiants en régime général uniquement
o Aucun document n’est autorisé
Section A : Write a text commentary on the following passage. Be sure to explain any references, and to show that you are familiar with events before and after the date of the document which help us to understand its importance. (10 points)
o Key elements of the 1980s trade union reforms to stay
There must be minimum standards for the individual at work, including a minimum wage, within a flexible labour market. We need a sensible balance in industrial relations law - rights and duties go together.
The key elements of the trade union legislation of the 1980s will stay - on ballots, picketing and industrial action. People should be free to join or not to join a union. Where they do decide to join, and where a majority of the relevant workforce vote in a ballot for the union to represent them, the union should be recognised. This promotes stable and orderly industrial relations. There will be full consultation on the most effective means of implementing this proposal.
Partnership at work
The best companies recognise their employees as partners in the enterprise. Employees whose conditions are good are more committed to their companies and are more productive. Many unions and employers are embracing partnership in place of conflict. Government should welcome this.
We are keen to encourage a variety of forms of partnership and enterprise, spreading ownership and encouraging more employees to become owners through Employee Share Ownership Plans and co-operatives. We support too the Social Chapter of the EU, but will deploy our influence in Europe to ensure that it develops so as to promote employability and competitiveness, not inflexibility.
A sensibly set national minimum wage
There should be a statutory level beneath which pay should not fall - with the minimum wage decided not on the basis of a rigid formula but according to the economic circumstances of the time and with the advice of an independent low pay commission, whose membership will include representatives of employers, including small business, and employees.
There are over one million fewer jobs in Britain than in 1990. One in five families has no one working. One million single mothers are trapped on benefits. There is a wider gap between rich and poor than for generations.
We are determined not to continue down the road of a permanent have-not class, unemployed and disaffected from society. Our long-term objective is high and stable levels of employment. This is the true meaning of a stakeholder economy - where everyone has a stake in society and owes responsibilities to it.
Extract from the Labour Party manifesto 1997.
Section B. Write a short essay on ONE of the following TWO subjects (10 points)
A) “British foreign policy since World War Two has been much the same under Labour or under the Conservatives.” Discuss with examples.
B) What have been the most important changes in the lives of young people in Britain over the last fifty years ? Give specific examples.
Administrative information for January
L2 Thème My L2 students in thème (RG) will have their contrôle final on Friday January 11th in the usual room (115) at 08h30. Régime dérogatoire students have theirs on Wednesday 23rd January in the afternoon (see posters for place).
L2 Civilisation
My L2 British civilization students (RG) will have their contrôle final on Friday 11th January in room 318 at 13h. (Contrary to some information which has been circulating). The Régimé dérogatoire students wil have theirs on the 22nd January in the afternoon.
RG students who have not been able to do their "exposé" in class must come to room 208 at 12h on Wednesday 23rd January.
Régime dérogatoire students have their oral exam on Wednesday 23rd January at 10h (Rendezvous room 208)
RG students must hand in their Research Paper on January 11th. Before you ask, you may not hand this work in in electronic form by email.
TICE The TICE mark for RG students will depend on the technical qualities of your research paper - in particular there will be no typing errors.
RD students (civi GB L2) should contact me immediately by mail to get information about the TICE work.
L1 Civilization GB
L1 Civilization students will have their contrôle final on Friday the 11th of January at 11h in room 318. Régime général students will have to check the noticeboards for the date of their exam.
You will remember that for all students, those who do not get through in January have the opportunity to take another exam at the second session in June.
L2 Civilisation
My L2 British civilization students (RG) will have their contrôle final on Friday 11th January in room 318 at 13h. (Contrary to some information which has been circulating). The Régimé dérogatoire students wil have theirs on the 22nd January in the afternoon.
RG students who have not been able to do their "exposé" in class must come to room 208 at 12h on Wednesday 23rd January.
Régime dérogatoire students have their oral exam on Wednesday 23rd January at 10h (Rendezvous room 208)
RG students must hand in their Research Paper on January 11th. Before you ask, you may not hand this work in in electronic form by email.
TICE The TICE mark for RG students will depend on the technical qualities of your research paper - in particular there will be no typing errors.
RD students (civi GB L2) should contact me immediately by mail to get information about the TICE work.
L1 Civilization GB
L1 Civilization students will have their contrôle final on Friday the 11th of January at 11h in room 318. Régime général students will have to check the noticeboards for the date of their exam.
You will remember that for all students, those who do not get through in January have the opportunity to take another exam at the second session in June.
L2 Libertés et devoirs syndicaux de Thatcher à Blair
Libertés et devoirs syndicaux de Thatcher à Blair
Cet article, en français, décrit et analyse les lois introduites par Thatcher et ensuite par Blair concernant l'activité syndicale.
The Queen ... on Youtube
Starkey dubs YouTube Queen an 'uneducated housewife' - Independent Online Edition > This Britain
Is the Queen becoming a modern monarch ?
Is the Queen becoming a modern monarch ?
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
BBC - Radio - Podcasts - Grammar Challenge (Learn English)
BBC - Radio - Podcasts - Grammar Challenge (Learn English)
On the BBC website, these radio programmes could be useful revision. Let me know what you think.
On the BBC website, these radio programmes could be useful revision. Let me know what you think.
Monday, December 17, 2007
L2 British Rail - Wikipedia
British Rail - Wikipedia
Just as in the 19th century the railway was the key to the Industrial Revolution, the railways in the Twentieth century have reflected political and social history. Nationalized, along with many other industries in the Keynesian wave of the post-war boom, the railways were privatized in Britain in the 1990s by the Conservative government. The Labour government has not wanted to renationalize them, and they have become a potent symbol of the privatization/nationalization debate. The wikipedia article on British Rail gives a useful introduction to the history of British Rail.
Sunday, December 16, 2007
L2 YouTube - Images from the 1984 Miners Strike UK
YouTube - Strike84 Images from the 1984 Miners Strike UK
The miners' strike of 1984 was perhaps the key moment for Margaret Thatcher's government. The strike lasted twelve months, and the strikers had tremendous difficulty finding money to buy food and pay rents. This youtube video shows some of the photos of the strike.
The miners' strike of 1984 was perhaps the key moment for Margaret Thatcher's government. The strike lasted twelve months, and the strikers had tremendous difficulty finding money to buy food and pay rents. This youtube video shows some of the photos of the strike.
L2 Thatcher Speech to Conservative Party Conference (‘the lady’s not for turning’) [audio] | Margaret Thatcher Foundation
Speech to Conservative Party Conference (‘the lady’s not for turning’) [audio] | Margaret Thatcher Foundation
On this site you can find hundreds of speeches by Margaret Thatcher. But here is one useful example from her early years as Prime Minister.
L2 comments on your Classroom test
Some notes on a text commentary.
Several students did not know who was prime minister, who won the election and by how much. More reading is the solution to that one. Otherwise here are some of the things you could have said in your text commentary. If you said half of these things, that would probably have been enough. This is given in note form, not as a structured commentary.
Who produced this document ?
The Labour Party, after it had expelled Macdonald and a few other leading members, who had formed a new government in alliance with the Conservatives and Liberals. The party had become by this time the main opposition to the Conservatives, and had formed two governments, one in 1924 and one in 1929 which collapsed in August 1931.
When was it produced ?
For the election of November 1931, after Macdonald and the National government had been in office for almost three months.
The context of the document include :
- the economic crisis
- mass unemployment
- mass movements of protest : hunger marches of the unemployed ; other protests such as Invergordon (two months before the election). In general a situation of huge social and political crisis. Soon both the Communist party and fascist forces will be gaining influence in Britain.
What does the document say (short summary) ?
The manifesto attacks capitalism as the cause of mass misery. It says that the Labour government was replaced by the National government purely in the interest of « Bankers and Financiers ». This government is presented as an unstable failure. The Labour party suggests instead to nationalize industries and replace the power of the market with a planned economy.
What references need explaining ?
Line 1 . The 1929 Wall Street Crash showed the great difficulties of capitalism in the country where everyone though it had been the greatest success, the United States. The economy of Germany, the other powerful industrial country in Europe, is in a state of total collapse.
Lines 6-9 It was the decision, under the pressure of the bankers to cut the amount of money received by unemployed people which led to the collapse of the Labour government and Macdonald’s decision to build a new coalition, leading to his expulsion from the Labour Party.
Lines 14-16 The National government had decided to abandon the link between the British currency and the price of gold
Line 23 The Labour party says in its manifesto that it is confident. In fact, it will suffer an extremely heavy defeat, and will have only 52 Members of Parliament in the new parliament (288 in the old). This terrible defeat will have a huge influence on future debates inside the Labour party.
lines 26 - 32
It is worth noting that this manifesto is much more anticapitalist in tone than most Labour manifestoes. One could explain this both by the fact that the departure of that section of Labour ( around Macdonald) who were not anticapitalist and believed in the very gradual repalcement of capitalisme by means of education left a more radical Labour party. But also the terrible severity of the social crisis made it difficult to suggest moderate-sounding solutions.
The idea of the planned economy is both a socialist and a Keynesian idea. The nationalization of industries and the much greater involvement of government in the economy will be established after world war two, in particular by the next Labour government of 1945, who will establish most element sof the welfares state and nationalize a large number of industries.
Several students did not know who was prime minister, who won the election and by how much. More reading is the solution to that one. Otherwise here are some of the things you could have said in your text commentary. If you said half of these things, that would probably have been enough. This is given in note form, not as a structured commentary.
Who produced this document ?
The Labour Party, after it had expelled Macdonald and a few other leading members, who had formed a new government in alliance with the Conservatives and Liberals. The party had become by this time the main opposition to the Conservatives, and had formed two governments, one in 1924 and one in 1929 which collapsed in August 1931.
When was it produced ?
For the election of November 1931, after Macdonald and the National government had been in office for almost three months.
The context of the document include :
- the economic crisis
- mass unemployment
- mass movements of protest : hunger marches of the unemployed ; other protests such as Invergordon (two months before the election). In general a situation of huge social and political crisis. Soon both the Communist party and fascist forces will be gaining influence in Britain.
What does the document say (short summary) ?
The manifesto attacks capitalism as the cause of mass misery. It says that the Labour government was replaced by the National government purely in the interest of « Bankers and Financiers ». This government is presented as an unstable failure. The Labour party suggests instead to nationalize industries and replace the power of the market with a planned economy.
What references need explaining ?
Line 1 . The 1929 Wall Street Crash showed the great difficulties of capitalism in the country where everyone though it had been the greatest success, the United States. The economy of Germany, the other powerful industrial country in Europe, is in a state of total collapse.
Lines 6-9 It was the decision, under the pressure of the bankers to cut the amount of money received by unemployed people which led to the collapse of the Labour government and Macdonald’s decision to build a new coalition, leading to his expulsion from the Labour Party.
Lines 14-16 The National government had decided to abandon the link between the British currency and the price of gold
Line 23 The Labour party says in its manifesto that it is confident. In fact, it will suffer an extremely heavy defeat, and will have only 52 Members of Parliament in the new parliament (288 in the old). This terrible defeat will have a huge influence on future debates inside the Labour party.
lines 26 - 32
It is worth noting that this manifesto is much more anticapitalist in tone than most Labour manifestoes. One could explain this both by the fact that the departure of that section of Labour ( around Macdonald) who were not anticapitalist and believed in the very gradual repalcement of capitalisme by means of education left a more radical Labour party. But also the terrible severity of the social crisis made it difficult to suggest moderate-sounding solutions.
The idea of the planned economy is both a socialist and a Keynesian idea. The nationalization of industries and the much greater involvement of government in the economy will be established after world war two, in particular by the next Labour government of 1945, who will establish most element sof the welfares state and nationalize a large number of industries.
Saturday, December 15, 2007
L1 William of Orange remembered in Northern Ireland
This mural in Northern ireland shows on the Left William of Orange, a hero of protestant extremists in Ireland today .
YouTube - Margaret Thatcher enters 10 Downing Street
YouTube - Margaret Thatcher enters 10 Downing Street
It is important to see the main characters of twentieth century history. This video shows Margaret Thatcher just after she has won the election and is arriving at Downing Street.
NB Youtube videos will not play on the university network.
It is important to see the main characters of twentieth century history. This video shows Margaret Thatcher just after she has won the election and is arriving at Downing Street.
NB Youtube videos will not play on the university network.
Monday, December 10, 2007
All students French News National and Regional News from France - News France
French News National and Regional News from France - News France
To keep improving your English it is essential to read a lot, and newspapers are ideal - short articles, often entertaining. But British or American newspapers can be difficult to understand if you don't read them every day.
This site give you news in English about France. It is rather a Conservative newspaper. It is often easy to understand because you may already have heard the news on the French TV or radio, or read it in a French newspaper.
L2 Thème - The genitive
The genitive - intermediate and advanced
How do you translate "Dans un coin de la cellule"? - Is it in a corner of the cell or in the cell's corner?
To get this sort of question correct you have to be sure you have absorbed correctly the grammar of the genitive. This link takes you to an interesting quiz on this subject.
Popular music : Led Zeppelin reunion tests ticket touts | Rock | Guardian Unlimited Music
Led Zeppelin reunion tests ticket touts Rock Guardian Unlimited Music
In the news right now, a leading rock group from the nineteen seventies are giving a reunion concert ...
In the news right now, a leading rock group from the nineteen seventies are giving a reunion concert ...
Sunday, December 09, 2007
L2 British Economics and Trade Union politics 1973-1974
News British Economics and Trade Union politics 1973-1974
The early 1970s saw some of the biggest strikes since the 1920s. The government fell after one of these. This link takes you to a summary of the crisis of 1973-1974. The Conservative government was determined to show it ruled the country and could control the trade unions. The trade unions were determined that living standards should continue to rise, despite the fact that it was more difficult for companie sto make big profits than it had been in the sixties.
The early 1970s saw some of the biggest strikes since the 1920s. The government fell after one of these. This link takes you to a summary of the crisis of 1973-1974. The Conservative government was determined to show it ruled the country and could control the trade unions. The trade unions were determined that living standards should continue to rise, despite the fact that it was more difficult for companie sto make big profits than it had been in the sixties.
The photograph shows a monument to the memory of Mick McGahey, one of the miners' union leaders, famous for his rôle in the seventies' strikes, who died in 1999.
Irregular Verbs Quiz 1
Irregular Verbs Quiz 1
At the university, I don't teach irregular verbs. This is something which is taught at High school. But, if you still have some little difficulties, this link takes you to a fun quiz. For L2 students, 100% correct is the minimum score acceptable :=)
At the university, I don't teach irregular verbs. This is something which is taught at High school. But, if you still have some little difficulties, this link takes you to a fun quiz. For L2 students, 100% correct is the minimum score acceptable :=)
Wednesday, December 05, 2007
L2 1967 - Anti Vietnam War Peace March
YouTube - 1967 - Anti Vietnam War Peace March
Towards the end of the nineteen sixties, the Vietnam war was the biggest political question in America, but also in Britain, where the Labour government support for the USA was highly controversial. Britain did not send troops to Vietnam (and this is very significant), but provided essential political support internationally. This youtube video shows some of the atmosphere in the US demonstrations. Similar if smaller demonstrations were taking place in London, Rome and elsewhere.
NB Youtube videos will not play on the university network.
Towards the end of the nineteen sixties, the Vietnam war was the biggest political question in America, but also in Britain, where the Labour government support for the USA was highly controversial. Britain did not send troops to Vietnam (and this is very significant), but provided essential political support internationally. This youtube video shows some of the atmosphere in the US demonstrations. Similar if smaller demonstrations were taking place in London, Rome and elsewhere.
NB Youtube videos will not play on the university network.
Tuesday, December 04, 2007
L2 BBC - Radio 4 - This Sceptred Isle -
BBC - Radio 4 - This Sceptred Isle - The Suez Crisis
This BBC link tells you a little about the Suez Crisis, but it also contains a quiz to test your knowledge of British history...
This BBC link tells you a little about the Suez Crisis, but it also contains a quiz to test your knowledge of British history...
Modern Art - Praise for Turner jury as prize goes to war protest - Independent Online Edition > This Britain
Praise for Turner jury as prize goes to war protest - Independent Online Edition > This Britain
Every year the Turner prize is given to a modern artist. This year it was won by an artists who is famous for his extremely original protest against the war in Iraq.
Every year the Turner prize is given to a modern artist. This year it was won by an artists who is famous for his extremely original protest against the war in Iraq.
L1 English Civil War - revision
English Civil War
This website can be useful to revise what you know about the civil war ( the test is on Friday!)
The section "events, issues and organization" on the site is the most important one.
This website can be useful to revise what you know about the civil war ( the test is on Friday!)
The section "events, issues and organization" on the site is the most important one.
All students BBC - Radio - Podcasts - File on 4
BBC - Radio - Podcasts - File on 4
It is essential to practice listening to English. The BBC website offers a series of free programmes to download, including music, documentaries, and comedy (though comedy on the radio can be difficult for non-native speakers).
This link takes you to "File on Four" which is a weekly documentary. This week they look at cancer, and why, they say, treatment of cancer in Britain is not as effective as it is in other countries in Europe.
You always have to be a little careful with this kind of documentary - it can be a little sensationalist, and the desire to make "good radio" is evident. Nevertheless, you learn something, and of course you practice your listening skills.
If you right click and save, you can then transfer it onto an MP3 player and listen to it on the metro...
It is essential to practice listening to English. The BBC website offers a series of free programmes to download, including music, documentaries, and comedy (though comedy on the radio can be difficult for non-native speakers).
This link takes you to "File on Four" which is a weekly documentary. This week they look at cancer, and why, they say, treatment of cancer in Britain is not as effective as it is in other countries in Europe.
You always have to be a little careful with this kind of documentary - it can be a little sensationalist, and the desire to make "good radio" is evident. Nevertheless, you learn something, and of course you practice your listening skills.
If you right click and save, you can then transfer it onto an MP3 player and listen to it on the metro...
Monday, November 26, 2007
L2 - Beatles 1964_UK Variety Club Awards
YouTube - Beatles 1964_UK Variety Club Awards
In 1964 the Beatles were at the height of their career. This video from Youtube gives some of the atmosphere of the time. Notice that Harold Wilson, prime minister of the time, wanted to be seen on TV with the Beatles. This was very much a new approach at the time for a politician. More recently, however, Tony Blair made a point of being seen with Blur.
NB Youtube videos may not play on university network computers.
In 1964 the Beatles were at the height of their career. This video from Youtube gives some of the atmosphere of the time. Notice that Harold Wilson, prime minister of the time, wanted to be seen on TV with the Beatles. This was very much a new approach at the time for a politician. More recently, however, Tony Blair made a point of being seen with Blur.
NB Youtube videos may not play on university network computers.
Sunday, November 25, 2007
YouTube - Groovie Movie (1944). Funny jitterbug instructional video.
YouTube - Groovie Movie (1944). Funny jitterbug instructional video.
For anybody - this video from the USA in 1944 teaches you how to do the Jitterbug dance!
For anybody - this video from the USA in 1944 teaches you how to do the Jitterbug dance!
Friday, November 23, 2007
L2 Council Housing
Council housing in Lincoln
I explained in class how council housing was an important social reform in the 1950s. This short article on a local government website explains the history of council housing in one medium sized town.
The next couple of weeks
Thursday and Friday of next week (29th and 30th) I will be at a conference in Caen.
The following Thursday there will be an L2 civi replacement class at 2pm in room 222, and (finally) a TICE class at 6pm in the multimedia room.
On Friday 7th the L2 Thème class will be a test - a translation of a literary passage.
The L1 civilization class will include a test on the civil war (causes events and consequences).
The L2 civilization class will include a test (a written text commentary on a document from before 1945).
JM
The following Thursday there will be an L2 civi replacement class at 2pm in room 222, and (finally) a TICE class at 6pm in the multimedia room.
On Friday 7th the L2 Thème class will be a test - a translation of a literary passage.
The L1 civilization class will include a test on the civil war (causes events and consequences).
The L2 civilization class will include a test (a written text commentary on a document from before 1945).
JM
Thursday, November 22, 2007
Transports
Je suis arrivé à Créteil. Le cours de 14h aura lieu comme prévu. Le cours de 18h est annulé à cause des transports.
Je partirai tôt de Paris pour tout faire pour être à l'heure pour vendredi 8h30
Je partirai tôt de Paris pour tout faire pour être à l'heure pour vendredi 8h30
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
L2 History - struggle for independence in Kenya
History - struggle for independence
This Kenyan website tells the history of the struggle for independence from Britain, from the point of view of the Kenyans.
This Kenyan website tells the history of the struggle for independence from Britain, from the point of view of the Kenyans.
L2 Mau-Mau (Le Monde diplomatique)
Mau-Mau (Le Monde diplomatique)
A short introduction in French to the important "Mau Mau" movement for independence from Britain.
A short introduction in French to the important "Mau Mau" movement for independence from Britain.
The photo shows "Mau Mau" fighters from 1952.
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