 |
AIFS Study Abroad in London, England
Summer 2012
Course Descriptions |
| |
|
Courses are divided by session and then grouped by broad
academic discipline. Schedules are sent in early May. Please visit
www.aifsabroad.com for full course descriptions and prerequisites.
Art courses often meet in museums and galleries. Students incur
some travel and entrance expenses, which are outlined in the
syllabi.
A maximum of 15 students can register for each Art/Art History
class. Students are registered in the order of the date their application
is received. The Inside Parliament course is held at the House of Commons.
To allow traveling time, students should not register for another
course in the period immediately before or after this course.
Many courses have prerequisites, which are listed below. Download the prerequisite course descriptions. Session A (May 20 - June 8)| Art History and Art, Design and Media | | | Course Code and Credits: | ADM 106A (3) - FULL | | Course Title: | Introduction to Photography | | Course Description: | | This course concentrates on developing the student’s visual
intelligence via photography. Technically, students will learn to
use digital Single Lens Reflex cameras and Photoshop for image
workflow and editing. By looking at the work of a range of artists,
students will be introduced to some of the theories that underpin
photographic practice and consider photography’s place and role
in contemporary culture. Throughout the course students make
images which finally result in an edited portfolio of photographic
prints. | | | Course Code and Credits: | ARH 351A (3) | | Course Title: | Museums and Galleries of London: The Cultures of Display | | Course Description: | | Considers the nature of museums and art galleries and their
role and function in our society. Studies the workings of the art
market, conservation, restoration, the investment potential of
art and art world crime. Students visit many of the great London
collections as part of this course. Suitable for students majoring
in Art History or for those interested in careers in museum or gallery
work. Visits require some travel and entrance costs. | |
| History | | | Course Code and Credits: | HST 301A (3) | | Course Title: | History of London | | Course Description: | | From the creation of Londinium by the Romans to the great modern
metropolis, this course traces the growth and the changing
functions, institutions and architecture of London. Readings from
contemporary writers, describing the London they knew and
visits to selected monuments are an integral part of this course.
Visits require some travel and entrance costs. | |
| Literature and Communications | | | Course Code and Credits: | LIT 353A (3) | | Course Title: | The Reading and Writing of Short Stories | | Course Description: | | Explores various types of narrative structures and storytelling
techniques that are involved in the active reading of fiction. Students
will examine different kinds of narratives and consider the
theoretical debates produced by them. Although most examples
will be drawn from the modern and contemporary short story
genre, the use of narratives in other genres, including film, will
be included. Students will have the opportunity to write their
own story. (Prerequisite: ENG 115 or equivalent) | |
| Social Sciences/International Relations | | | Course Code and Credits: | RLG 300A (3) | | Course Title: | Comparative World Religions | | Course Description: | | Explores the monotheistic religions of the Near East (Judaism,
Christianity and Islam), those of India and the Far East (Hinduism,
Buddhism and Taoism) and the “new age” faiths. The history and
practice of each is studied. Special emphasis is laid on the philosophical
and psychological basis of each religion and common
themes such as the “self” and suffering. | | | Course Code and Credits: | SCL 372A (3) | | Course Title: | Sociology of Culture and Subculture | | Course Description: | | Introduces the field of cultural studies by examining various concepts of culture, the positions taken in cultural criticism, and the relationship between social and cultural transformation. Emphasis is placed on differences between US and UK culture and the theory of subcultures. Highlighted themes are celebrity and fan culture, and musical subcultures. Features visits to key subcultural locations such as Brick Lane, Camden Market to Primrose Hill, Waterloo embankment, and St. Catherine’s Dock in London. | |
Session B (June 10 - June 29)| Art History and Art, Design and Media | | | Course Code and Credits: | ADM 326B (3) | | Course Title: | Video Production | | Course Description: | | A “hands on” course for students new to video, involving most
aspects of production from camera work and sound recording
to editing and audio dubbing. The theory and practice of video
technology are taught through a series of group exercises and
out of class assignments. Students also study a range of classic
videos and films as a means of understanding the language of
the medium. | |
| Business Administration and Economics | | | Course Code and Credits: | ECN 353B (3) | | Course Title: | Economic Problems of Developing Countries | | Course Description: | | Discusses why the level of economic prosperity varies between
countries, how the difference should be measured, what the
range of measures is to improve the lot of the world’s poorest
inhabitants and the role organizations such as the IMF and the
World Bank take in this process. (Prerequisites: ECN 210, ECN 211 (or equivalents) | | | Course Code and Credits: | MKT 302B (3) | | Course Title: | Consumer Behavior | | Course Description: | | Focuses on the study of what it means to be a consumer in a
global, information-oriented culture. Examines behavioral science
concepts, processes, and approaches that inform marketing
strategy as to what, how, when, where and why people
consume. Provides a managerial-oriented understanding of the
ubiquity of consumption in post-modern life. Examines the influences
upon and the behavior of consumers, both in groups and
as individuals. (Prerequisite: MKT 301 or equivalent) | | | Course Code and Credits: | MKT 308B (3) | | Course Title: | Internet Marketing | | Course Description: | | Provides students with an insight into the techniques and
processes involved in creating and maintaining a marketing
presence on the Internet. New technologies have created some
radical changes in the way companies reach their markets. Students
have the opportunity to learn about electronic commerce
in action; the interplay between the technology and marketing
applications; the changing scope and uses of the Internet; and
current management issues facing business attempting to use
the World Wide Web. (Prerequisite: MKT 301 or equivalent) | |
| History | | | Course Code and Credits: | HST 301B (3) | | Course Title: | History of London | | Course Description: | | See HST 301A. | | | Course Code and Credits: | HST 328B (3) | | Course Title: | Roman and Medieval Europe | | Course Description: | | Introduces the student to the Middle Ages in Europe, a period
of a thousand years from the fall of the Roman Empire to the
Renaissance and the array of events and developments which
formed the basis for our modern world. Along with important
political, military, religious and artistic advances, the course
examines the everyday lives of women and men in this fascinating
era. | |
| Literature and Communications | | | Course Code and Credits: | COM 461B (3) | | Course Title: | Fashion and Media | | Course Description: | | This course traces the multiple connections between the fashion and media industries. It emphasizes the material realities, pragmatic and creative dynamisms, fantasy components, and essential visuality of fashion. It also highlights how London and cities in general function as creative agencies for fermenting style and fashion ideas and attitudes. The course will include visits to key fashion locations in London such as Camden Market, the Victoria and Albert Museum, the Wallace Collection and attendance at fashion events such as Graduate Fashion Week in June. | | | Course Code and Credits: | LIT 324B (3) | | Course Title: | Travel Writing | | Course Description: | | Exposes students to the scope and the power of modern travel
writing. It provides an intellectual framework for the understanding
and analysis of this genre and will introduce students to many
of the critical texts which will be drawn from Bryson, Raban and
Naipaul, among others. (Prerequisite: ENG 115 or equivalent) | | | Course Code and Credits: | LIT/THR 337B (3) | | Course Title: | Shakespeare and His World | | Course Description: | | Aimed at the novice and the experienced reader of Shakespeare,
this course provides a historical context to Shakespeare’s writing
and closely analyzes the poetic and dramatic aspects in his
drama. Shakespeare in performance is an integral part of the
course and students are expected to see productions of most
texts studied. A performance fee is levied on this course. (Prerequisites: Two 200-level literature courses or permission of advisor) | | | Course Code and Credits: | LIT 491 (3) | | Course Title: | Special Topics: British Fantasy Writing | | Course Description: | | This course explores the long standing, unique and vibrant tradition of Fantasy literature in Britain. It will focus on the major fantasies from the past 120 years and their filmed adaptations, including works by Bram Stoker, J.R.R. Tolkien, and J.K. Rowling. It will look at how these texts and their filmic counterparts revision older ideas for novel purposes. Where possible, appropriate trips to locales such as Strawberry Hill (the first Gothic home) or to join a Harry Potter London tour, will be arranged to supplement the course.
| |
| Music and Theater Arts | | | Course Code and Credits: | THR/LIT 337B (3) | | Course Title: | Shakespeare and His World | | Course Description: | | See LIT/THR 337B. | |
| Social Sciences/International Relations | | | Course Code and Credits: | PLT 301B (3) | | Course Title: | British Politics: Inside Parliament | | Course Description: | | An introduction to the political system of the United Kingdom,
employing both theoretical and comparative approaches, particularly
with reference to the political system of the USA. Topics
include: the constitution; concepts of democracy; the role of the
legislature; the Cabinet; the Head of State/Head of Government;
the electoral system, pressure and interest groups and party
political programs. Includes meetings at the House of Commons,
conducted by a Member of Parliament. Limited to 30 students. ( Prerequisite: PLT 150 or equivalent) | |
Session C (June 29 - July 21)| Art History and Art, Design and Media | | | Course Code and Credits: | ADM 106C (3) | | Course Title: | Introduction to Photography | | Course Description: | | See ADM 106A. | | | Course Code and Credits: | ARH 349C (3) | | Course Title: | British Art and Architecture | | Course Description: | | Considers British painting, sculpture, architecture and interior
design of the 18th and 19th centuries in their cultural, social
and political context. Includes Georgian architecture, gender
and representation; art and the Industrial Revolution, travel and
the expansion of empire; the country and the city. Supported
by regular visits to museums, galleries and buildings to discuss
works. Visits require some travel and entrance costs. | | | Course Code and Credits: | ARH 351C (3) | | Course Title: | Museums and Galleries of London: The Cultures of Display | | Course Description: | | See ARH 351A. | |
| Business Administration and Economics | | | Course Code and Credits: | FNN 301C (3) | | Course Title: | Corporate Finance | | Course Description: | | Examines the financial needs of corporations and the range of
mechanisms available to meet them. Different financial requirements
are examined with an emphasis on a comparison of
internal and external sources of funds and their relative availability
and cost. Topics include capital budgeting, cost of capital,
dividend policy, capital structure, current asset management and
portfolio theory. (Prerequisites: ACC 201, ACC 202,
MGT 205 or equivalents) | | | Course Code and Credits: | INB 306C (3) | | Course Title: | European Business Environment | | Course Description: | | Focuses on the economic, political and social environment for
business in Europe. Examines the institutional interplay with
the European Union, the contrasting structure of the European
economy compared to its major competitors, the single market,
the Euro, Foreign Direct Investment, the role of multinationals
and the expansion of the E.U. to include Central/Eastern European
members.(Prerequisites: MGT 100 and
ECN 211 or equivalents)
| |
| History | | | Course Code and Credits: | HST 301C (3) | | Course Title: | History of London | | Course Description: | | See HST 301A. | |
| Literature and Communications | | | Course Code and Credits: | COM 307C (3) | | Course Title: | Script Writing | | Course Description: | | Students are guided through the creative processes of writing
scenes for the stage, TV and film. The building of character and
plot is examined as well as the industry standard formats for
writing in these media. Group and team work are encouraged as
well as discussions, critique and analysis of the narrative techniques
used in existing stage plays and films. (Prerequisite: ENG 215 or equivalent) | | | Course Code and Credits: | LIT/THR 337C (3) | | Course Title: | Shakespeare and His World | | Course Description: | | See LIT/THR 337B. | | | Course Code and Credits: | LIT/THR 353C (3) | | Course Title: | The Reading and Writing of Short Stories | | Course Description: | | See LIT/THR 353A. | |
| Music and Theater Arts | | | Course Code and Credits: | THR/LIT 337C (3) | | Course Title: | Shakespeare and His World | | Course Description: | | See LIT/THR 337B. | | | Course Code and Credits: | MSC/SCL 395C (3) | | Course Title: | Modern Popular Music | | Course Description: | | An interdisciplinary course examining the historical, sociological,
aesthetic, technological, and commercial elements of contemporary
popular music. It deals specifically with the origins and
development of contemporary popular music; the relationship
between culture, subculture, style, and popular music; and the
production of marketing of the music. Audio-visual resources are
combined with lectures, and, where appropriate, field trips to
concerts in London. Students should allow approximately $150
for tickets to performances. (Prerequisite: SCL 150 or equivalent) | |
| Social Sciences/International Relations | | | Course Code and Credits: | SLC/MSC 395C (3) | | Course Title: | Modern Popular Music | | Course Description: | | See SLC/MSC 395C. | |
|
|
