Improve your English language skills while exploring Magna Carta - the 800-year-old "great charter" that shaped the world.

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Magna Carta
  • Duration3 weeks
  • Weekly study3 hours
  • 100% onlineTry this course for free
  • Included in an ExpertTrackCourse 3 of 3
  • Get full ExpertTrack access$39/month
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How did a peace treaty signed by an English king in 1215 become such an important symbol of liberty and human rights around the world?

This course will start by looking at the events that led to the signing of Magna Carta in 1215, before examining the role the Magna Carta has played in shaping history – from American independence to liberation movements around the world.

Finally, we will look at the relevance of Magna Carta to the 21st century.

At each step of the course, you will be taken through each topic and introduced to a language focus, by looking at some examples of English in use in videos and texts.

Short quizzes will help you check your understanding and you’ll be asked to join discussions with other learners around the world.

What topics will you cover?

The Historical Context

  • Why do we still talk about Magna Carta?
  • 1215 - The Context for Magna Carta
  • Events which followed the signing of Magna Carta  

Magna Carta around the world

  • Magna Carta through the ages
  • The American Declaration of Independence
  • Universal Suffrage
  • Magna Carta and Liberation

Magna Carta today

  • Human Rights
  • Digital Rights
  • Democracy versus liberty

What will you achieve?

By the end of the course, you‘ll be able to...

  • Explore the events that led to the signing of Magna Carta in 1215.
  • Investigate the role Magna Carta has played in shaping history.
  • Evaluate the relevance of Magna Carta to the 21st century.
  • Reflect on language in use.
  • Develop language skills and practise using new language.
  • Contribute to discussions with other learners around the world.

Who is the course for?

The course is aimed at non-native English speakers at around intermediate level (approximately B1 on the CEFR) or above.

Who developed the course?

British Council

The British Council is on the ground in six continents and over 100 countries connecting the best of UK culture with a global audience and providing high-quality English language courses.

About this ExpertTrack

Improve your English language skills while discovering key aspects of British culture, from Shakespeare to live music, and more.

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  • Only pay while you’re learning; the subscription will cancel automatically when you finish
  • Complete online assessments to test your knowledge and prove your skills
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