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England

Courses and Academic Information

The England program takes place during the spring semester.

Students earn a total of 17 semester credits for the successful completion of the program.

Coursework
Contemporary British Literature (4 hrs.) 
Margaret Walters, a British academic and broadcaster, directs readings in and conducts discussion of recent British Literature. Many of the works reflect current concerns in the changing nature of British life. Recent course readings have included Haroun and the Sea Stories by Salmon Rushdie, Oranges are Not the Only Fruit by Jeanette Winterson and Reading in the Dark by Seamus Deane. 

Modern Drama (4 hrs.) 
Distinguished theatre critic Irving Wardle teaches this course. Students read and attend a wide variety of plays (including one of Shakespeare's performed at Stratford), write papers, and have discussions. Some of the plays attended by recent groups were Troilus and Cressida by the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, An Inspector Calls, Richard III, and An Ideal Husband. (Fulfills a Fine Arts General Education Requirement) 

Current British Politics (4 hrs.) 
This course is taught by Peter Rose, a professor at Queen Mary and Westfield College, London University. Students study British political institutions and current issues. The course includes guest speakers and readings include students' daily and weekly scanning of newspapers and journals. (Fulfills general education in Politics)

The Faculty Leader's Course (4 hrs.) 
This course depends on the Faculty Leader in any given year. 

Placements in London (1 hr.)
As well as taking the four courses, students work 4-6 hours each week as volunteers at a nearby social service agency suited to their individual interests. Through these service learning placements, students have the opportunity to view London and work with Londoners directly and personally. In recent years, students were involved with groups such as the Bayswater Families Center, Pimlico Toy Library, and the Home Store. Students then use this experience as the basis for papers discussing what the placement experience has taught them about British culture.

Cultural Excursions
The England Program includes group excursions to many places in England such as Canterbury, Bath, Stonehenge, Stratford, Cambridge, and Oxford. There also are local excursions and cultural events such as the theatre, concerts, museums, and the Houses of Parliament.