British Summer Institute in the Humanities

  England

• London: 
London
• Yorkshire & the Humber: 
York

Term: Summer 
Dates: June 4 - July 6, 2009

Description: British Summer Institute

The KU British Summer Institute in the Humanities provides a wonderful opportunity for its participants to combine study and travel in the context of an interdisciplinary academic environment.

In addition to the classroom lectures and discussions, reading and writing assignments and final examination, the program of study is enriched by visits to literary sites like the Bronte Parsonage in Haworth in the Yorkshire Dales, world-class museums like the National Gallery and the Tate Modern, historic sites like the Tower of London and Glencoe in the Scottish Highlands, as well as royal palaces and stately country homes. Every effort is made to integrate what the student learns in the classroom with what he/she experiences when visiting historic sites and buildings or viewing artistic masterpieces.
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Academic Program

All students will enroll in the following two courses for a total of six hours of credit.

English 315: British Literature in its Context
(3 hours credit) The course will explore British fiction, poetry, drama and nonfiction within the land and culture that inspired it. Besides reading novels from 19th and 20th century England and Scotland, students will see and study two plays, including a play by Shakespeare performed at the Globe Theatre and read poetry and essays specifically connected to the landscape and culture of London and Southern England, Yorkshire, and Scotland, from Edinburgh to the Scottish Highlands. The classes and excursions will not only enhance the readings but will actively integrate the literature with the art history in the accompanying course.

History of Art 305: The Art of the British Isles
(3 hours credit) This course will investigate British architecture, painting, and sculpture and the cultures that produced it. Additional attention will be paid to transnational artists whose works influenced or were influenced by the art of the British Isles. Along with reading current scholarly interpretations of specific works, students will visit several museums and monuments, including the National Gallery and the Tate Modern. The classes and excursions will actively integrate art history with the literature explored in the accompanying course.

Highlights: Itinerary

June 5 - 19 London: In London, members of the Institute will visit such well-known attractions as St. Paul's Cathedral and the new Globe Theatre as well as lesser-known attractions such as the Museum of London and Sir John Soane's Museum. The group will also attend a stage performance of Shakespeares Hamlet, staring Jude Law in the title role, at the Wyndhams Theatre. London will be the point of departure for all-day excursions to Oxford, one of the most famous college towns in the world, and to Salisbury, Bath and Stonehenge. Students will have a long (three-day) open weekend in London for independent travel and exploration.

June 19 - 22 York: York is known for its cathedral, medieval walls and the cobble-stoned streets of the Shambles.

June 22 - 24 Lake District: The group will spend two evenings in Penrith, northern gateway to the Lake District. Visits in the Lake District will include sites connected to Beatrix Potter, William Wordsworth and the Lake Poets.

June 24 - July 5 Edinburgh: Edinburgh, the old capital of Scotland and the seat of the newly reconstituted Scottish Parliament, is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. Walking tours will introduce Institute participants to the fascinating contrasts between the New and Old towns.

June 28 - 30 Highland Trip: This three-day trip will take in the sights of the Scottish Highlands, including Glencoe, the Isle of Skye, Eilean Donan Castle and Loch Ness.

July 5 - 6 Return to London: A return to London will mark the conclusion of the British Summer Institute with a gala farewell dinner in a traditional English restaurant or pub. The program ends on July 6.

Degree Level: Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

Cost in US$: Approximately $5,050

Tuition and Fees: Estimated tuition and fees for 6 credit hours (based on standard tuition rate): $1,239. *

*Actual expenses for KU students will vary by the students individual tuition compact. Non-KU students will pay the standard tuition rate listed above.

Estimated Additional Expenses: Airfare, most meals (students have kitchen access in the London flats), books, personal expenses, passport fees, and extracurricular excursions. An optional group flight will be organized for the convenience of participants.

Note:
All dates, costs, and program information are subject to change as necessary due to fluctuations in the exchange rate or other reasons.

Experience Required: yes

Open to undergraduate students from any accredited U.S. college or university. Minimum 2.5 GPA required (exceptions considered after submission of a petition).

Application Process Involves:

• Letters of Reference
• Transcript
• Written Application