Course: American and British Civilization

Instructor: Dr. Bennaa Youcef

Email: youcef.bennaa@univ-msila.dz

Course Duration: 7-8 weeks

Course Description: This course provides second-year EFL students in Algeria with an
overview of essential aspects of American civilization, including geography, political structures,
immigration history, and minority experiences. Students will enhance their English language
skills while exploring these critical topics.

Week 1: Introduction to American Civilization

 Course overview and expectations

 Geography of the United States

 Cultural diversity in the U.S.

Week 2: Political Framework

 The U.S. Constitution and its significance

 The three branches of government

 State and local government

Week 3: Immigration History (Part 1)

 Early immigration waves

 Immigration in the 19th century

Week 4: Immigration History (Part 2)

 Immigration in the 20th century

 Contemporary immigration issues

Week 5: Immigration and Identity

 Assimilation vs. multiculturalism

 The immigrant experience in literature and film

Week 6: African American History

 Slavery and abolition

 Civil Rights Movement

 Contemporary issues and achievements

Week 7: Hispanic and Latino Communities

 History and contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans

 Immigration experiences

 Cultural heritage and identity

Week 8: Asian American and Native American Communities

 History and contributions of Asian Americans

 Native American history and cultural diversity

 Challenges and contemporary issues

Week 9 (if applicable): Course Review and Final Assessment

 Review of key concepts and topics

 Final project or exam

 Course reflections and feedback

Assessment:

1. Class participation and Attendance: 05%

2. Oral assignments: 20%

3. Test (Week 5 or 6): 25%

4. Final exam: 30%

Resources:

An Illustrated History of America and American Civilization: An Introduction

1. No Reading from Papers: Students should not read their entire presentation from a
script or notes; instead, they should prepare concise speaking points or cue cards to guide
them through their presentation.

2. Maintain Eye Contact: Students should maintain eye contact with the audience. This
helps establish a connection and engagement with the listeners.

3. Use Correct English: Student must use correct grammar and pronunciation. Practice
pronunciation and fluency in advance.

4. Utilize Visual Aids (e.g., Datashow): Visual aids, such as slides on a datashow, can
enhance understanding. Students should use them to illustrate key points and engage the
audience visually.

5. Effective Use of Slides: If using slides, students should avoid overcrowded slides with
too much text. Use visuals, bullet points, and brief text for clarity.

6. Group Cooperation: In groups of 4 to 5 students, each member should contribute to the

7. Time Management: Students should respect the allocated time for their presentation.
Students should practice and time themselves to ensure they fit within the given time
frame. 15 to 20 minutes

8. Engage the Audience: students should engage the audience through questions, polls, or
interactive elements when appropriate.

9. Rehearse: students should rehearse their presentations multiple times before the actual
presentation day. Rehearsing helps improve confidence and reduce nervousness.

Grading: The oral presentations will account for 25% of their overall grade:

1. Content (40%):

 Accuracy and depth of information

 Clarity of message

 Relevance to the topic

2. Delivery (30%):

 Eye contact and engagement with the audience

 Confidence and enthusiasm

3. Organization (20%):

 Structure and flow of the presentation

 Effective use of visual aids (datashow)

 Time management

4. Engagement (10%):

 Interaction with the audience

 Ability to answer questions and engage in discussion

List of topics
Here is a list of topics for oral presentations with a focus on major historical events. Each topic
will be assigned to a group of 4 to 5 students for their oral presentations:

1. The American War of Independence (1775-1783)

 Overview of the causes and significance of the war

 Key figures and leaders of the American Revolution

 Major battles and turning points

 The Treaty of Paris and its consequences

2. The U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights

 The Constitutional Convention of 1787

 The drafting and ratification of the U.S. Constitution

 The Bill of Rights (Amendments 1-10) and its importance

3. The War of 1812

 Causes and background of the War of 1812

 Major battles and campaigns

4. Amendments 13, 14, and 15: The Civil War and Reconstruction Amendments

 Explanation of the 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments

 Their role in ending slavery and addressing civil rights

 The challenges of Reconstruction

5. Amendments 19 and 26: Expanding Voting Rights

 The 19th Amendment and women's suffrage

 The 26th Amendment and the lowering of the voting age

 The impact of these amendments on American democracy

6. Amendment 18 and Amendment 21: Prohibition and Repeal

 The 18th Amendment and the era of Prohibition

 The 21st Amendment and the repeal of Prohibition

 Social and cultural consequences of Prohibition

7. Amendment 2: The Second Amendment and Gun Rights

 The text and interpretation of the Second Amendment

 Historical context and debates surrounding gun rights

 Contemporary issues related to the Second Amendment

8. The Emancipation Proclamation and the Road to Civil Rights

 President Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation

 Its impact on enslaved people and the Civil Rights Movement

 The journey towards racial equality in the United States

9. The Great Depression and the New Deal

 Overview of the Great Depression and its causes

 President Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal programs

10. Amendment 26: Youth Voting Rights and the Vietnam Era

 The 26th Amendment and the enfranchisement of 18-year-olds

 The role of young people in activism during the Vietnam War era

 The significance of youth participation in democracy