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# Introduction

This free course addresses both the differences that are found in Wales and the connections that are forged across these differences. It explores differences of place, gender, ‘race’, class and work; and the connections of nationalism and the Welsh language, Labour traditions, political representation and cultural representations that bridge these differences. Exploring difference and connection, the course provides an authoritative and up-to-date account of the economy, society, politics and culture of contemporary Wales, using a wide-range of engaging case studies.

You will learn about what is distinctive about Wales and Welsh identity; how the National Assembly has transformed the democratic system in Wales; the meaning of the ‘clear red water’ that separates Welsh Labour from Labour at Westminster; how the Welsh economy has been restructured following the closure of coal mining; the significance of the Welsh language today; whether Wales is classless compared with the rest of the UK; and how television programmes like Dr Who and Gavin and Stacey represent important dimensions of contemporary Wales.

This OpenLearn course provides a sample of Level 1 study in Sociology.

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OpenLearn - Contemporary Wales
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