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AIFS Study Abroad in London, England
Summer 2012
Course Descriptions |
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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. Session A (May 20 - June 8)| Art History and Art, Design and Media | | | Course Code and Credits: | ADM 106A (3) | | 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: | (100 level. Course number to be confirmed) | | Course Title: | Introduction to Painting | | Course Description: | | This course introduces students to the fundamental disciplines
of painting and includes the exploration of paint application, basic
color theory and pictorial composition through a number of set
projects in a hands-on practical approach. There is emphasis
placed on the relationship between drawing and painting and a
sketchbook is used to encourage and develop this. The course
also includes two museum visits as part of the aim to contextualize
the work produced in class within a broader framework. A
studio fee is levied on this course. | | | Course Code and Credits: | ARH 349A (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 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. | |
| Business Administration and Economics | | | Course Code and Credits: | FNN 304A (3) | | Course Title: | Money and Banking | | Course Description: | | The most significant recent developments are reviewed and
commented upon. The main emphasis is on money and its place
within the macro economy. The role of the commercial banks
and the central bank is studied from the viewpoint of the part
each plays in portfolio selection among economic agents. Some
of the controversies about the effectiveness of fiscal and monetary
policies are also reviewed. | | | Course Code and Credits: | INB 306A (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. | | | Course Code and Credits: | MKT 301A (3) | | Course Title: | Principles of Marketing | | Course Description: | | Introduces students to the principles and operations of marketing,
and the strategic role marketing plays in business from new
product development, marketing research and target marketing
to consumer behavior analysis, advertising and promotion and
personal selling activities. Studies the marketing mix and the
macro/micro business environment. Illustrated by case studies,
videos and practical exercises. | |
| 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. | | | Course Code and Credits: | HST 339A (3) | | Course Title: | U.S. and U.K. Comparative History | | Course Description: | | Focuses on shared themes from the 1880s to the present day,
using a variety of approaches to enable students from different
disciplines to participate in the course. Examines issues around
popular culture, gender and ethnicity, as well as peoples’ responses
to major events like the Depression and wars. Concepts
from economic history are used to analyze booms and slumps,
along with the resulting changes to both the U.S. and the U.K.
The decline of Britain as a world power and the parallel rise of
the U.S. is studied, putting into context the current debates on
the post Cold War world order and globalization. | |
| Literature and Communications | | | Course Code and Credits: | COM 338A (3) | | Course Title: | Gender in Film | | Course Description: | | Investigates the representation of gender in mainstream film by
examining the construction of images in half a century of film. | | | Course Code and Credits: | LIT/THR 337A (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. | | | 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. | |
| Music and Theater Arts | | | Course Code and Credits: | THR/LIT 337A (3) | | Course Title: | Shakespeare and His World | | Course Description: | | See LIT/THR 337A. | | | Course Code and Credits: | THR 316A (3) | | Course Title: | Screen Acting Techniques | | Course Description: | | Develops acting skills specifically relating to the camera - ie
for film and television. In a series of practical workshops and
lectures, students are introduced to the disciplines of acting for
the camera, and discover the basic differences between acting
for television and for film (as opposed to the theater) as well as
various styles of performance. Students learn how to develop
realistic, sincere and believable performances. They also become
practiced in dealing with the maintenance of performance under
adverse technical conditions. Students gain experience in the
rehearsal process, the development of a character, and shooting
procedures, They are also given exercises in interviewing for
screen work and screen testing. | | | Course Code and Credits: | THR 359A (3) | | Course Title: | Contemporary British Theater | | Course Description: | | A survey of the major developments in the British theater since
the 1950s. The writers’ theater movement at the Royal Court Theatre
and the work of John Osborne and Harold Pinter are studied,
as well as the work of major dramatists such as Peter Shaffer
and Tom Stoppard. Students see a number of experimental and
controversial productions and discuss current playwriting and acting
techniques. Visits require some travel and performance costs. | | | Course Code and Credits: | MSC/SCL 395A (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. | |
| 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 301A (3) | | Course Title: | Modern Britain: A Social Analysis | | Course Description: | | A general presentation of British society for students who arrive
in the country and are keen to know about its way of life, patterns
of thought, and socio-cultural background. Topics include:
the growth of urban and industrial Britain; British class structure
and social mobility; the welfare state, race, politics; and the
position of women. This course also examines Britain’s changing
status in the world and the effect this has had on socio-political
attitudes and behavior. | | | 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. | | | Course Code and Credits: | SCL/MSC 395A (3) | | Course Title: | Modern Popular Music | | Course Description: | | See MSC/SCL 395A. | |
Session B (June 10 - June 29)| Art History and Art, Design and Media | | | Course Code and Credits: | ADM 106B (3) | | Course Title: | Introduction to Photography | | Course Description: | | See ADM 106A. | | | Course Code and Credits: | (300 level. Course number to be confirmed) | | Course Title: | Drawing on London | | Course Description: | | This course is designed to give students a deeper understanding
of the role of drawing as an investigative process as well as an expressive
means of communication. London is used as the site for
both subject – in particular, the river Thames - and to provide the
rich research resources for students to study drawings at first hand
– especially in the specialist departments at the Victoria and Albert
and the British Museum. The course is equally divided between
being taught in the studios or on location in London. A sketchbook
is an essential aspect of the course in helping students to stimulate
and develop ideas. A studio fee is levied on this course. | | | Course Code and Credits: | ADM 323B (3) | | Course Title: | Photography: Theory and Practice | | Course Description: | | Intended for students with modest or no background in the
history, theory and practice of black and white photography. It is
designed to familiarize students with skills which combine visual
research, photographic composition, camera operation and printing,
together with conceptual ideas, especially those of narrative
photography. Students provide their own film and photographic
paper. The University has cameras for student use, although it is
recommended that students provide their own manual 35 mm
SLR camera. | | | 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. | | | Course Code and Credits: | ADM 340B (3) | | Course Title: | Communication Design: Type | | Course Description: | | This course focuses on the theory and practice of communication
design, with emphasis on type-based solutions. It introduces
students to the concept of graphic design as a social activity and
projects include book design, grid systems and poster design.
The course has an important theoretical component which
includes visual culture and graphic design criticism. | | | Course Code and Credits: | ARH 351B (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: | 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. | | | 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. | | | 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. | |
| 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 362B (3) | | Course Title: | Adaptations: Literature and Cinema | | Course Description: | | Deals with adaptations from literary texts, in the broad sense
- novels, plays and comic books - to cinema and television. It
engages with issues around the transition from one medium to
another, debating questions of authorship and the relative advantages
of different forms. Adaptations are discussed in terms
of their historical and cultural contexts and “faithful” versions
contrasted with “free” adaptations that retain the tone and spirit
of the original while deviating from the letter of the text. | | | 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: | COM 378B (3) | | Course Title: | Gender in Film | | Course Description: | | See COM 378A. | | | 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. | | | Course Code and Credits: | LIT/THR 337B (3) | | Course Title: | Shakespeare and His World | | Course Description: | | See LIT/THR 337A. | | | 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.
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| Music and Theater Arts | | | Course Code and Credits: | THR 320B (3) | | Course Title: | World Theater | | Course Description: | | Provides an overview of the theater of different non-European
countries. Mainly issue-driven writing is examined, especially drama
as a reaction to oppression. The course also identifies styles
that are specific to certain cultures in an aim to identify cultural
influences from one country to another. Students are encouraged
to contribute insights from their own individual countries. | | | Course Code and Credits: | THR/LIT 337B (3) | | Course Title: | Shakespeare and His World | | Course Description: | | See LIT/THR 337A. | |
| Social Sciences/International Relations | | | Course Code and Credits: | INR 306B (3) | | Course Title: | Human Rights | | Course Description: | | Examines international human rights as they are practiced in the
modern world. It draws from the related disciplines of international
law and international relations. It considers the principal
global and regional mechanisms as well as actual events, cases
and responses, in an attempt to understand the development of
universal human rights. | | | Course Code and Credits: | INR 310B (3) | | Course Title: | Globalization: Power, Networks and Identity in the New
World Order | | Course Description: | | Combining perspectives from anthropology, sociology, business
studies, and international relations, this interdisciplinary course
addresses the vitally important and complex phenomenon of
contemporary globalization. Topics for discussion include the
worldwide diffusion of political, economic, and cultural practices
and relations across continents and the organization of social
life on a global scale. The course will feature guest lectures and
presentations by recognised experts in various aspects of the
globalization process. | | | 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. | | | Course Code and Credits: | PLT 359B (3) | | Course Title: | The European Union in the New International System | | Course Description: | | This course examines the historical beginnings of the European
Union, its institutions and its economic performance. Studies the
Single European Act, the Euro and the European Central Bank,
social, political and economic aspects of integration and expansion
and foreign policy cooperation. | |
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: | (300 level. Course number to be confirmed) | | Course Title: | Intermediate Printmaking | | Course Description: | | This course is designed to give students a clear practical and
theoretical understanding of two processes central to printmaking:
relief and intaglio. The first part of the course is dedicated to
the production of a three-colour woodcut and the second to making
a drypoint etching with an emphasis on the importance of
line. A sketchbook is an essential aspect of the course in helping
students to stimulate and develop ideas. There are short in-class
lectures and one visit to the Print and Drawings Department at
the Victoria and Albert Museum to help contextualize the prints
made in class within a wider historical and theoretical framework.
A studio fee is levied on this course. | | | Course Code and Credits: | ADM 335C (3) | | Course Title: | Photojournalism and Publication Layout | | Course Description: | | Concentrates on the reportage area of photography using digital
equipment. Students learn about the history, nature and techniques
of photojournalism by studying the work of eminent
practitioners, and by designing, shooting, printing and laying out
a number of documentary style projects. A studio fee is levied on
this course. This course is recommended for communications,
journalism and social science majors. | | | Course Code and Credits: | ARH 349C (3) | | Course Title: | British Art and Architecture | | Course Description: | | See ARH 349A. | | | 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. | | | Course Code and Credits: | INB 306C (3) | | Course Title: | European Business Environment | | Course Description: | | See INB 306A. | |
| 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. | | | Course Code and Credits: | COM 461C (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. | | | Course Code and Credits: | LIT/THR 337C (3) | | Course Title: | Shakespeare and His World | | Course Description: | | See LIT/THR 337A. | | | 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 337A. | | | Course Code and Credits: | THR 359C (3) | | Course Title: | Contemporary British Theater | | Course Description: | | See THR 359A. | | | Course Code and Credits: | MSC/SCL 395C (3) | | Course Title: | Modern Popular Music | | Course Description: | | See MSC/SCL 395A. | |
| Social Sciences/International Relations | | | Course Code and Credits: | PLT 364C (3) | | Course Title: | British Politics: Inside Parliament | | Course Description: | | See PLT 301B. | | | Course Code and Credits: | PLT 301C (3) | | Course Title: | Religion, Identity and Power | | Course Description: | | This course explores the relationship between religion and political
identity and its expression between and across nation-state
borders. By focusing on a number of religious movements,
such as various Islamic revivals and the new Christian right, this
course examines the various ways in which religious traditions
are used as identity-building vehicles, particularly at times of
cultural transition and social change. It examines how the Internet
and other communication networks serve as mediums for
religious identity formation. | | | Course Code and Credits: | SLC/MSC 395C (3) | | Course Title: | Modern Popular Music | | Course Description: | | See SLC/MSC 395A. | |
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