HL90 FU: British Soft Power from Shakespeare to Dua Lipa

Laura Quinton’s HL90, “British Soft Power from Shakespeare to Dua Lipa” returns, Wednesday 3-5: take a look!

What inspired you to teach this class?

I’m British, but I’ve lived in the U.S. for many years. I’m often struck by how fascinated Americans are with British culture – accents, TV shows, movies, musicians, the Premier League, Kate Middleton… the list goes on! American media coverage of British politics and culture is also considerable. In this course, we’ll explore the history of “Anglophilia” in and beyond the U.S. and examine a host of key British cultural products to think deeply about Britain’s past and present influence around the world, during and especially after empire.

What is something you’re excited to share with students?
I’m excited to hear the class’s thoughts on Christopher Nolan’s film Dunkirk (2017). A global box office hit, the movie stars Harry Styles, Cillian Murphy, Barry Keoghan, Tom Hardy, and many other famous actors. (Nolan’s latest film, Oppenheimer, swept the Oscars earlier this year.) We’ll talk about Nolan’s directorial choices as well as the extent to which the film upholds myths about Britain and the Second World War.

Are you doing any fun projects or assignments?

This year I’m asking students to embark on a British culture “scavenger hunt.” Over the course of the semester, they’ll write 3 short discussion posts on 3 separate moments when they encounter British culture in their daily lives. Did you eat fish and chips for dinner in Harvard Square? Drink tea at Lowell House or watch the Head of the Charles? Read a novel by a British author, listen to “Murder on the Dancefloor,” or watch Bridgerton or Ted Lasso? This is an open-ended, creative assignment – it should be a lot of fun!

What does your class help us understand about the present?

We’ll explore how international influence and power operate not only through formal politics, economics, and military endeavors, but also through subtle, less expected channels, like culture and art. These latter forces have helped Britain stay relevant in the world today.

How can students learn more?

Students are welcome to visit the course Canvas site or email me at lquinton@fas.harvard.edu.