This course explores the history, culture, and mythology of the United Kingdom within the context of Pokemon and the Galar region (the newest Pokemon region featured in the Pokemon Sword and Shield game, and the Pokemon Journeys TV series). This class is not a comprehensive overview of the British Isles - its focus is on where the history, mythology, and culture overlap with Pokemon. Students who have played the Pokemon Sword and Shield game will particularly enjoy this class, but any Pokemon fan is sure to enjoy the content even if they haven't personally played the game.

The class is arranged in a timeline format, starting with the Neolithic Era and ending with modern day. Each part of the timeline discusses the history of that time period and also the mythology (when it overlaps with Pokemon). Once we arrive at the "Modern Day" section, we will also explore the culture of the United Kingdom and how it is featured in Pokemon, including cities and landmarks, food, language, plants and animals, sports, and entertainment. By the end of the course, students will have a thorough appreciation for the ubiquitous British references included in the Pokemon game and TV series.

Part 1 (30 minute recording)

• Introduction to the Galar Region and the British Isles

• What these terms mean: British Isles, Great Britain, United Kingdom

• Introduction to the timeline of the history of the British Isles

• The Neolithic Era: Stonehenge, Geoglyphs

• The Celts and Celtic mythology

• Roman Invasion: the Roman militay, Roman ruins including baths and the London wall

Part 2 (31 minute recording)

• The Anglo-Saxons: The resistance, King Arthur and related folklore

• The Vikings and their influence on British culture

• The British Monarchy: what a monarchy is, British folklore from this time period

Part 3 (19 minute recording)

• The British Empire: colonialism in India and China, the fight for tea and porcelain,

• The Industrial revolution (with a focus on steam power and coal mining)

Part 4 (36 minute recording)

• Modern Day:

  • Cities and Landmarks

  • Plants and Animals

  • Food

  • Language

  • Sports and Entertainment