Study Abroad in London: Courses
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Traditional Academic Program
In addition to over 900 courses from a wide range of academic areas, the program at Richmond provides the opportunity for students to select from a core of courses—the London Core—that make special use of the resources available in London. These courses offer students an exciting opportunity to learn about the history, art, architecture, culture, economics and politics of Britain while studying in the very country they are learning about. Many of these classes also satisfy major or general education requirements. To capitalize on opportunities at this unique multicultural university, study abroad students are encouraged to choose at least three of their five courses from the following London Core courses and select the remainder from Richmond’s regular degree course offerings. However this is not required and students are free to select any classes they want from Richmond’s regular degree course offerings, subject to meeting any prerequisites.
Individual faculty members determine the content of their own courses. However, co-curricular and extra-curricular activities are usually offered (sometimes for a nominal additional fee) to complement students’ classroom experiences, enhance their academic understanding and increase their cultural awareness. Typical activities, designed to complement the London Core courses, may include:
- Tour of Parliament and meeting with a Member of Parliament
- Visits to local art galleries, including the Tate Modern and Tate Britain
- Theater performances
- Visits to London museums including the British Museum, Imperial War Museum, National Gallery and Victoria and Albert Museum
- Tour of the Bank of England
- Visits to multinational companies
- Visiting lecture series—previous speakers have included representatives from world politics, international businesses, pressure groups and the theater/arts industry
Course codes that begin with a “3” are typically equivalent to 100-level courses, those that begin with a “4” to 200-level courses and those beginning with a “5” to 300-level.
London Core Courses
A sample and abbreviated summary of the 900 plus courses offered at Richmond are listed below. For a full list of courses, including prerequisites, please click here.
Courses eligible for the certificate in Fashion Management and Marketing Program are marked with an *.
ART, DESIGN AND MEDIA
ADM 5200 (3) Spring only | Video Production
A “hands-on” video course involving most aspects of production from camera work and sound recording to editing and audio dubbing. A studio fee is levied on this course.
ADM 5405 (3) Spring only | Photography: Theory and Practice
This course is designed to familiarize students with skills which combine visual research, photographic composition, analogue camera operation and printing. 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 35mm SLR camera.
ART HISTORY
AVC 5200 (3) Spring only | Museums and Galleries of London
Students study the workings of the art market and a variety of other topics that impinge upon it, such as conservation, restoration, the investment potential of art, and art world crime. Students visit many of the great London galleries and museums.
AVC 5400 (3) Spring only | British Art and Architecture
Considers British painting, sculpture, architecture, and interior design since the 1500s, in their historical, cultural, social and political contexts. Students make regular visits to buildings and museums with their rich intercultural collections, to discuss works on site.
AVC 5415 (3) Spring only | Art of Prehistoric Europe
Examines the art of prehistoric Europe in its social context, the history of archaeological thinking on the subject, and the representation of prehistoric art and society in museums, galleries and site-based heritage displays. The museums and galleries of London with their world-class collections will be used as a learning resource and the course will involve field trips.
AVC 5450 (3) Spring only | Art in Context
This course gives students the opportunity to critically engage with some of the major themes, methods, and approaches in contemporary art. Weekly visits to museums, galleries, and exhibitions provide an opportunity for students to test theories put forward in class in front of original art works.
BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION AND ECONOMICS
FNN 5200 (3) Fall and Spring | Corporate Finance
Examines the financial needs of corporations and the range of mechanisms available to meet them. Covers topics such as capital budgeting, cost of capital, dividend policy, capital structure, current asset management and portfolio theory.
MGT 5220 (3) Spring only | Legal and Ethical Concepts in Management
Concentrates on the legal framework within which most business takes place. Topics include corporate problems of raising and maintaining capital by shares; relationships of board of directors to shareholders; respective rights and obligations; relationships of companies to third parties; control and the principle of majority rule.
MGT 5400 (3) Fall and Spring | Organizational Behavior
This course explores the structure and nature of organizations and the contribution that communication and human behavior makes to organizational performance.
MGT 5405 (3)* Fall and Spring | Operations Management
Provides a theoretical and practical understanding of operations management, together with the ability to apply some of its major techniques to practical business problems.
MGT 6200 (3) Fall and Spring | Competition and Strategy
Focuses on strategic analysis and evaluation, long-range planning and policy implementation. It outlines the basic strategic analysis models and uses case study analysis to relate to both the firm’s internal operations and the environment in which it operates.
MKT 5200 (3) Fall and Spring | Principles of Marketing
The course introduces students to the principles and operations of marketing. Course work includes an in-depth analysis of the strategic role marketing plays in contemporary business from new product development, marketing research and target marketing to consumer behavior analysis, advertising and promotion and personal selling activities.
MKT 5205 (3) Spring only | Consumer Behavior
The course will focus on the study of consumers and their behavioral patterns in the consumption and purchase of product/services as well as the impact of information technology (social media, digital media) on consumer behavior.
MKT 5405 (3) Fall and Spring | Fashion Marketing and Retail
This course covers the fundamentals of fashion and the basic principles that govern all fashion movement and change. It examines the history, development, organization and operation of merchandising and marketing activities, trends in industries engaged in producing fashion, purchasing of fashion merchandise, foreign and domestic markets, and the distribution and promotion of fashion.
MKT 5410 (3) Fall and Spring | Psychology of Fashion and Luxury Goods
This course enables students to understand the importance of consumer behavior in the process of marketing fashion and luxury goods and services.
MKT 6215 (3) Fall and Spring | Global Marketing Strategy
Considers problems and issues encountered in market entry and standardization, contextualization and adaptation strategies. It assesses the appropriateness to new market situations.
MKT 6220 (3) Fall and Spring | Digital Marketing and Social Media
The course will provide insights into new marketing concepts, tools, technologies and business models to enhance the consumer value creation process.
COMMUNICATION
COM 5115 (3) Spring only | Sociology of Culture and Sub Culture
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.
COM 5218 (3) Spring only | Celebrity and Fan Culture
Charts the development and critical context of contemporary celebrity and fan cultures. Outlines key theoretical approaches. Explores the topic through a variety of media, from artists like Andy Warhol, Lady Gaga, Eminem, and Alison Jackson, to fanfic and other fan culture artifacts. Considers the creation and reception of celebrity texts: for example, around Harry Potter, and fanhood as a performative critique of celebrity.
COM 6200 (3) Spring only | New Media
This course traces the historical development of new media, emphasizing the social, political and cultural context of new media technologies. It introduces students to a number of contemporary theoretical debates for understanding the role of new media in contemporary democracies and their impact on identity formation processes.
COM 6400 (3)* Fall and Spring | Fashion and Media
This course traces the multiple connections between the fashion and media industries. Study Abroad students may take this course with the permission of the Richmond faculty advisor.
ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES
ENV 5100 (3) | Environmental Ethics: Green Principles
This course explores how we relate to the world around us and the things we do, through topics such as Conservation, Climate Change, Ecofeminism and Animal Rights.
FASHION
COM 6400 (3)* | Fashion and Media
This course traces the multiple connections between the fashion and media industries. Study Abroad students may take this course with the permission of the Richmond faculty advisor.
MKT 5405 (3)* | Fashion Marketing and Retail
This course covers the fundamentals of fashion and the basic principles that govern all fashion movement and change. It examines the history, development, organization and operation of merchandising and marketing activities, trends in industries engaged in producing fashion, purchasing of fashion merchandise, foreign and domestic markets, and the distribution and promotion of fashion.
MKT 5410 (3) Spring only | Psychology of Fashion and Luxury Goods
This course enables students to understand the importance of consumer behavior in the process of marketing fashion and luxury goods and services.
FILM
FLM 5200 (3) Spring only | Mainstream Cinema: Studies in Genre
This course investigates the development of genre films over a historical period. Specifically, through a study of film criticism and theory, students examine distinct genres from the 1920s to the present. In addition, the course provides an opportunity for students to examine and compare the perspectives of Hollywood and non-Hollywood genre films. Study abroad students may take this course with the permission of the Richmond faculty advisor.
FLM 5410 Fall and Spring | Gender in Film
This course explores key concepts that have shaped the study of gender in film in the past 50 years. It considers different spectators’ viewing positions and analyzes how historical and social changes in the construction of masculinities and femininities have shaped specific film genres. A variety of issues related to sexuality, race/ethnicity and non-western representations are also considered.
FLM 6230 (3) Fall and Spring | International Cinema
This course examines global cinema while considering the extent to which cultural, political, and historical contexts have influenced the form and grammar of film during the last century. During the semester, many international film “movements” are covered, which can include the French New Wave, the Chinese Sixth Generation, and Italian Neo-Realism. In addition, the representations of non-Western cultures from an “insider” and a “Hollywood” perspective are compared.
HISTORY
HST 5105 (3) Spring only | Rise of the Right: History of Fascisms
This course is a comparative study of various forms of fascisms from the end of the 19th century through to the modern period. The course concludes with a discussion about the “return” of fascism under “other names”.
HST 5400 (3) Fall and Spring | History of London
This course surveys the history of London from its early prehistoric origins to the modern cosmopolitan metropolis that it is today. Together with lectures, the students will visit important sites throughout the city that are perfect examples of the development of London. Note: Visits require some travel and entrance costs.
HST 5405 (3) Spring only | U.S. and U.K. Comparative History
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. Issues around popular culture, gender and ethnicity will be looked at, as well as peoples’ responses to major events like the Depression and wars.
HST 5440 (3) Spring only | Saxon and Viking Culture in England
The aim of this course is to examine Saxon and Viking Society in England following the first Saxon invasions and settlement after the Fall of Rome. It concludes with the Battle of Hastings in 1066. Where possible classes will be supported by field trips.
HST 6215 (3) Spring only | History on Film
This course examines the history of international film, its proactive role in society and its usefulness as a historical resource, with a focus on key moments and themes made important for aesthetic, economic, cultural, political, social and technological reasons.
HST 6225 (3) Fall and Spring | Culture, Power and Empire
This course examines the causes, consequences and significance of empires throughout history from a broad range of comparative and international perspectives. Where possible the course will make use of museums and collections within London.
INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND POLITICS
INR 5100 (3) Fall and Spring | Critical Globalization Studies
This interdisciplinary course addresses the vitally important and complex phenomenon of contemporary globalization. Political, social, economic and cultural aspects of globalization are discussed, and core themes of globalization debates are addressed, such as convergence, nationalism, and inequality.
PLT 5205 (3) Fall and Spring | British Politics: Inside Parliament
This course will introduce students to the main political institutions in the United Kingdom (the monarchy, the executive, parliament, political parties and electoral systems) and to important debates in contemporary British society. Classes are supplemented by 10 sessions in the House of Commons with a Member of Parliament.
LITERATURE
LIT 5400 (3) Spring only | Contemporary London Literature
Beginning with an overview of London’s historical myths and fictions, this class exposes students to a variety of writers committed to exploring the many lives of a city undergoing complex transformations. From postmodern obsessions to multicultural landscapes and post 9/11 anxieties, different voices and visions, provide insights into our understanding of contemporary London.
LIT 5405 (3) Spring only | British Fantasy Writing
The first half of the course will survey some of the major texts on which modern Fantasy literature draws, including Beowulf, Arthurian texts and selections from works by Shakespeare, Milton, Jane Austen and Lewis Carroll. The second half will focus more intensively on a few major fantasies from the past 120 years and their filmed adaptations, including works by Bram Stoker, J.R.R. Tolkien, and J.K. Rowling.
RELIGION
RLG 5810 (3) | Comparative World Religions
This course 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.
THEATER ARTS
THR 5210 (3) Spring only | Acting Skills
An intermediate performance skills course that focuses on developing the voice and body through group work consisting of improvisational exercises, the use of stage space, basic blocking, and the interpretation of character and text.
THR 5405 (3) (fall)/ THR 5410 (3) spring | Shakespeare and His World I/Shakespeare and His World II
This course provides historical and theoretical contexts to Shakespeare’s plays and approaches them with a variety of different critical methods. Shakespeare in performance is an integral part of the course and students are expected to see productions of most texts studied. An additional fee is required for outside trips.
Other Courses
Richmond offers a wide variety of courses, many more than can be listed here. For a full list of courses available in your chosen semester, please visit the Richmond website. You can also use the website to ensure that you have the required prerequisites or their equivalents.
ART, DESIGN AND MEDIA
ADM 6400 (3) Spring only | Drawing on London
Drawing is used as a basic exploratory tool to examine London as the site for both subject – in particular, the River Thames - and as a research resource for the practice of drawing, especially the specialist departments at the Victoria and Albert and the British Museum. A studio fee is levied on this course.
ADM 6405 (3) Spring only | Printmaking Workshop
Intended for students who have acquired graphic skills in drawing, illustration, and computer graphics or who have experience of photographic printing. It aims not so much to give in-depth knowledge of particular printmaking processes as to stimulate a creative response to all areas of image making that involve printing. A studio fee is levied on this course.
ADM 6430 (3) Spring only | Communication Design: Type
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.
ADM 6435 (3) Fall and Spring | Web Design
The course provides students with the core foundations and practical skills required to design a fully functional and interactive website. It offers a snapshot of the brief history and current status of the medium, and practitioners working within it.
ADM 6440 (3) Spring only | Communication Design: Image
This course focuses on the study and application of image within the practice of communication design. Typical works include identity and logo design, pictograms/signage and poster design.
AVC 4210 (3) Fall only | History of Photography
This course explores the relationship between photographs and the social, artistic and historical currents existing during their time of production. It also traces the evolution of the camera and the chemical and technological progress which enabled photography to advance. The course consists of lectures, discussions, visits to museums, galleries and collections which together will allow the student to explore the photographic image in terms of its style, subject, medium and authorship and to place it within its visual and social context.
AVC 6405 (3) Fall only | New Media and Visual Power Themes in Contemporary Visual Culture
This course complements the work undertaken in AVC 6XXX Visualising People and Place. Through theoretical and empirical insights into our image-based culture, this course deals with the multifariousness of contemporary visuality. Integrating traditional elements of visual analysis and visual methodologies with new media and transmedia approaches, the course enables students to develop a conceptual framework within which to evaluate the role of the visual in contemporary society and culture – moving from issues of production, image dissemination, to consumption (reception theory). The course is based around 4 broad themes: Practices of Looking (Research Methods); Reproduction and Commodification of Images; New Media Visions, Interactivity and the Cybermuseum; and Visual Power and Surveillance Culture. In a program of gallery visits and
Richmond, the American International University in London
December 2014
theoretical discussions, students learn about visual representation and various ways of encountering the complexity of imagery in the twentieth/twenty-first century.
ART HISTORY
GEP 3140 (3) Spring only | Creative Expression
This core course explores the ways we can interpret and appreciate different types of art across cultures.
AVC 5210 (3) Spring only | History of Design
This course examines the history of designed objects of all types and their place in material and visual culture studies.
AVC 5400 (3) Spring only | British Art and Architecture
Considers British painting, sculpture, architecture, and interior design, in their cultural, social and political contexts. Students make regular visits to buildings, museums, with their rich intercultural collections, to discuss works on site.
BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION AND ECONOMICS
ACC 4200 (3) Fall only | Financial Accounting
An introduction to the accounting model, the measurement and classification of data and terminology essential to effective interpretation and use of financial statements, balance sheets and income statements. Underlying concepts are stressed and they are made concrete with illustrations. While mechanical and procedural details are explored, measurement and communication of data to external parties are emphasized. This course provides a conceptual and applied foundation for future professional study and qualifications.
ACC 4205 (3) Fall only | Managerial Accounting
This course introduces students to the generation of cost data for the preparation of proper, representative financial statements, and for optimal planning and control of routine operations and long range organizational goals. It focuses on the uses of formal cost accounting systems and quantitative techniques to make managerial decisions. Topics include: direct absorption income statements, job and process costing, allocation and proration, pro-forma and capital budgeting. This course provides a conceptual and applied foundation for future professional study and qualifications.
ECN 4100 (3) Fall only | Intro to Econ of Development
Both global in its emphasis and multicultural in its outlook, the course addresses issues of developing countries from the perspective of elementary economics. The course introduces you to reasons for a lack of economic development. This could for example be the type of product that low income countries export, the climate or geography of the nation or its political situation. We will investigate indicators for economic development and look at the distribution of wealth across the globe. The course intends to teach students to critically appraise means by which the less well off countries could improve their living standards. We draw heavily on country cases to exemplify situations; the material used is current and draws on an interactive study approach for its dissemination to students.
ECN 4105 (3) Fall only | Intro to Microeconomics
An introduction to basic economic methodology. Within a framework of supply and demand analysis, the behaviour of producers and consumers is examined in the context of the efficient allocation of scarce resources in society.
ECN 4110 (3) Fall only | Intro to Macroeconomics
This Course introduces students to a theoretical treatment of national income and its key component parts. Macroeconomic models are used to examine policy issues and contemporary problems relating to output, income, spending and employment as well as inflation and growth.
ECN 5400 (3) Fall only | Managerial Economics
This Course involves the application of microeconomic decision tools to managerial problems of the firm. Objectives and the determinants of those objectives are studied, including profit, demand, production and cost analysis. Specific topics include managerial decision-making, decision theory, break-even analysis, and price determination.
ECN 5405 (3) Fall only | Economic Policy Analysis
To provide students with the opportunity to explore the way in which economic theory and evidence can be used to analyse important policy issues on the national, regional or global level.
ECN 5205 (3) Spring only | Economic Problems of Developing Countries
This course discusses issues of varied economic prosperity, its measurement and policies that can help improve living standards of the world’s poorest inhabitants.
ENT 4200 (3) Fall only | Introduction to Entrepreneurship
This course provides an introduction to the concept and practice of
entrepreneurship. The course intends to provide the ‘big picture’ on
entrepreneurship, but to also cover a number of key micro issues relating to the
more numerous small businesses that make up the majority of all business
activity in societies everywhere. The course readily acknowledges that there is no
single theory or model of entrepreneurship; but this lack of a distinct theoretical
spine provides the course with its strongest advantage as this provides for an
opportunity to present a multiplicity of case work and concepts. The emphasis is on
comparing the diversity of approaches found within the world of the entrepreneur.
ENT 5200 (3) Fall and Spring | Entrepreneurial Theory and Practice
The course will enable students to understand theories of entrepreneurial behavior, innovation and wider societal issues and enable them to relate such theories to practice.
FNN 5205 (3) Fall and Spring | Principles of Investment
Focusing on financial investment, the course familiarizes the student with a range of financial instruments and capital market operations, including new issues, trading, and the role of financial intermediaries in the investment market.
FNN 6200 (3) Fall and Spring | Money and Banking
This course focuses on the role of money and other financial instruments within the macro economy. The operations and behavior of commercial banks and other financial institutions is examined from a strategic viewpoint, along with the role of central banks and regulators.
FNN 6410 (3) Spring only | International Finance
Taking a global perspective, the course focuses on the basics of multinational financial management from an international finance perspective. The course also covers foreign exchange markets, multinational accounting, foreign exchange risk, strategies and tools for managing exchange rate exposure, import and export finance, and multinational financial management.
FNN 6210 (3) Fall only | Financial Institutions and Markets
This course introduces the student to the spectrum of financial institutions that operate in the global economy—depository, contractual and investment institutions—and the wide array of markets in which they trade. The economic roles of the financial institutions and major trends in the financial system are analyzed within the existing regulatory environment. Significant focus is devoted to operational issues in the financial system, particularly regarding risk: interest rate risk, liquidity risk, market risk, credit risk, operations risk, technology risk, as well as foreign exchange, political and sovereign risks. The course discusses key regulatory issues, as well as introducing Islamic finance.
INB 6200 (3) Spring only | Country Risk Analysis
This course provides students with an overview of the history, methods, strengths, and limitations of economic and political risk forecasting.
INB 6210 (3) Fall only | European Business Environment
Focuses on the economic, political, social environment for business in Europe within this field, it examines the institutional interplay with the European Union, the dynamics between the different Member States and the different policies with direct relevance to businesses operating in the European Union.
INB 6215 (3) Fall and Spring | Managing the Multinational Corporation
It provides a managerial perspective into managing the structure and operations of multinational corporations (MNCs) in the global business environment. Major managerial issues are studied from the MNC’s perspective and the problems of planning and executing business strategies on a global scale are analyzed.
INB 6220 (3) Spring only | International Business Law
The course provides an overview of the legal issues underpinning commercial transactions with a strong international component.
MGT 3200 (3) Fall only | Foundations of Business
An introductory survey course designed to introduce students to the principles and functions of a business. The various functional areas of business will be discussed, including economic systems, small business, management, human relations, marketing, accounting and finance. The course will also review the role of businesses in society and business ethics.
MGT 5415 (3) Fall and Spring | Governance and Sustainability
Provides students with an understanding of the concepts and key issues of corporate governance, corporate accountability, corporate social responsibility and corporate sustainability.
MKT 4100 (3) Fall only | Introduction to Marketing
The course focuses on Marketing as a core of an operating business. Marketing will be covered as an organizational philosophy and a set of guiding principles for interfacing with customers, competitors, collaborators, and the environment. This course covers concepts of Marketing that entail planning and executing the conception, pricing, promotion, and distribution of ideas, goods, and services. It covers mechanisms such as the observation of the market and identifying and measuring consumers' needs and wants, and gaps in the market. Marketing identifies the competitors and substitutions in the market and selects the most appropriate customer targets. The course also provides an introduction to the importance of negotiations and relationships and the development and implementation of marketing strategies.
MKT 6200 (3) Spring only | Advertising Management
The course provides an in depth study and application of advertising and its role in marketing strategies.
MKT 6210 (3) Spring only | Distribution and Retailing Management
The course addresses the roles and processes of physical distribution, channel management, and retailing.
MKT 6225 (3)* | Ethical Fashion and Sustainability
This course focuses on analyzing ethical considerations within the fashion industry, whilst also exploring changes in practice, communication and consumerism and the diversity of stakeholders in the supply-chain of this industry toward sustainability movements.
MKT 6300 (3)* | Fashion Buying and Merchandising
Seeks to produce creative learners who have a strong industry focus and awareness of contemporary issues, who can offer insight to the local, national and global market places with an entrepreneurial outlook and considered critical perspective. Emphasizes the practical relationship between creative ideas and commercial practice that is central to successful fashion retailing. Addresses the complexity of this subject and aims to develop knowledge and understanding of the fashion industry, providing an exposition of the principles of the buying and merchandising functions within a retail organization. It will also focus on the sourcing and range planning aspects in order to achieve the company’s positioning and budget objectives.
MKT 6305 (3)* Fall and Spring | Fashion Product Development
This course is designed to give students a systematic overview of product development and the trend cycle in fashion, its operation in relation to the industry’s specialist sectors, and to introduce the creative and commercial functions of the fashion forecasting process within the fashion industry.
MKT 6310 (3)* | Luxury Brand Management
Students will gain an insight into the structure of the luxury goods market and the impact that market change may have upon future prospects and opportunities. Considers the nature of the luxury product and the competitive advantage that it provides to the delivery of quality, design, image and distinctiveness. The luxury brand concept and definitions are critically examined in full and the various conceptual frameworks that link the luxury brand market to the market for normal goods is explored.
MKT 6415 (3)* | Fashion Marketing and Management
Examines the fundamentals of fashion and the basic principles that govern all fashion movement and change. Also covers the history, development, organization and operation of merchandising and marketing activities, trends in merchandise, foreign and domestic markets and the distribution and promotion of fashion.
COMMUNICATIONS AND LITERATURE
COM 3100 (3) Fall only | Foundations Mass Media Comm
This course provides an introduction to the study of mass media in contemporary
modern societies. The course will pay particular attention to the production and
consumption of mass media, including newspapers and magazines, television, film, radio,
and the internet. Thus the course will encourage students to critically analyse the
strategies of media giants, the impact of media ownership over democracy, the effects of
media over culture, identities and public opinion. Each topic of the course will be
examined with reference to contemporary examples of mass media.
COM 4115 (3) Spring only | Digital Society
Introduces students to critical studies of the digital society, and how it effects institutions, media, and audiences socially, culturally, and politically.
COM 4400 (3) Spring only | Introduction to Advertising Practice
This course explores the fundamental principles and tools involved in the professional practice of advertising.
COM 4405 (3) Spring only | Advertising, PR and the Media
The course explores public relations, advertising and journalism.
COM 5105 (3) Fall only | Modern Popular Music
An interdisciplinary course examining the historical, sociological, aesthetic, technological, and commercial elements of contemporary popular music. Audio-visual resources are combined with lectures, and where appropriate, field trips to concerts in London.
COM 5200 (3) Fall only | Mass Communications and Society
In this course, “mass communications” is taken in its broadest sense to include cinema, television, newspapers, magazines, comics, and the Internet, as well as fashion and merchandising. The course examines the relationship between texts and the people at various points during the 20th and 21st centuries, from various cultural and national perspectives.
COM 5205 (3) Fall and Spring | Cultural Theory
This course introduces key thinkers, topics, case studies and theoretical frameworks related to the field of cultural studies. Films, fashion, art, graphic design, video, music and other media objects will be analyzed.
COM 5220 (3) Spring only | Communications for PR and Advertising
This course examines the theory and practice of writing for PR and advertising. Students will have a variety of assignments where they will try their hand at writing PR materials and advertising copy as well as a persuasive business proposal.
COM 6205 (3)* | PR and Self-Presentation in Media
Examines the theory and practice of contemporary public relations. Topics include: planning, the selection and use of appropriate public relations tactics, evaluation, how to handle media interviews and self-presentation skills. Students will examine and evaluate a real PR campaign and develop, budget, propose tactics for, evaluate and present a theoretical public relations campaign.
CRW 5200 (3) Spring only | Script Writing
Students are guided through the creative processes of writing scenes for the stage, T.V., and film.
JRN 6205 (3) Spring only | Media Ethics and Law
This course examines the main legal and ethical issues which media practitioners of the digital age encounter in their working lives.
LIT 4200 (3) Fall only | Introduction to World Literature
This course explores the ways in which we experience the literature of our time.
Fiction, poetry and drama from a variety of different cultures are studied as we chart
the intertextual connections of texts across languages, territories and histories. We
will consider how texts circulate in print, in electronic forms and through audiovisual
adaptations and develop a broad awareness of how contemporary literature
moves across cultural and linguistic boundaries.
LIT 5400 (3) Spring only | Contemporary London Literature
Beginning with an overview of London’s historical myths and fictions, this class exposes students to a variety of writers committed to exploring the many lives of a city undergoing complex transformations. From postmodern obsessions to multicultural landscapes and post 9/11 anxieties, different voices and visions, provide insights into our understanding of contemporary London.
CRIMINOLOGY
CRM 5400 (3) Spring only | Terrorism and Counterterrorism
In the wake of 9-11 Islamist attack and the 22 July, 2011 Norway “lone wolf” radical right massacre, terrorism and counterterrorism have come to dominate political agendas and media discourse across the U.S. and Europe. Through a comparative analysis of the history of U.S. and EU responses to 21st-century terrorism this class studies the nature of the threats to Western security by examining types of terrorism and the development, strategies and theories surrounding terrorism. Given special attention in this class are: victims and perpetrators; processes of violent radicalization; typologies of terror (religious extremism, political violence, regional separatism, state-sponsored terror and animal rights/ecological activism); and what can be done to counter and/or limit terrorism (surveillance/policing/de-radicalization/education/social media); as well as how effective such practices are.
PSY 6215 (3) Spring only | Research in Criminology
Examines the psychological, biological, sociological, and environmental factors that are proposed to play a role in crime involvement. Using a developmental framework, the theoretical viewpoints to be covered will be arranged into individual vs. setting-level explanations of crime, and ultimately, be integrated. Thus psychological and biological factors will be examined as individual-level factors, while environmental and sociological factors will be studied in the context of setting-level factors. Other topics include: research methods in criminological research, longitudinal research in criminology, the roles of empathy, shame, and guilt in violence, as well as neurocriminology and crime intervention and prevention. Students will have the opportunity to do in-depth research on a topic of their choice and to think critically about criminological research and current topical criminological controversies.
ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES
ENV 3125 (3) Fall only | Foundations in Environmental Studies
A basic introduction to the major themes of Environmental Studies, this course covers basic ecology, environmental ethics, and environmental science. Well known environmental issues such as global warming, ozone depletion, acid rain, pollution, and population issues are addressed from scientific, economic, politico-sociological and ethical standpoints. An awareness and appreciation of global, local, and personal environmental problems are developed, together with the implications of possible solutions.
The concept of interrelatedness is a unifying theme throughout the course.
FILM
FLM 4200 (3) Fall only | Introduction to Film Studies
This course explores film as a medium across cultural and historical contexts. It covers
films in its varied form, from the first projections in the late 19th century to online
distribution today. Using examples of noteworthy films, it takes an introductory
examination of the most important film theories and concepts, in the process examining
how ideologies and meanings are imbedded in this vibrant medium.
FLM 5405 (3) Spring only | Adaptations: Literature and Cinema
Deals with adaptations from literary texts, in the broad sense – novels, plays and comic books – to cinema and television.
FLM 6230 (3) Spring only | International Cinema
This course examines global cinema while considering the extent to which cultural, political, and historical contexts have influenced the form and grammar of film during the last century. During the semester, many international film “movements” are covered, which can include the French New Wave, the Chinese Sixth Generation, and Italian Neo-Realism. In addition, the representations of non-Western cultures from an “insider” and a “Hollywood” perspective are compared.
FLM 6400 (3) Spring only | From Script to Screen
Explores the creative and practical aspects of script writing and advanced video production. The course is intended for students who have experience of video production and want to expand their knowledge and skills. Students will create and produce a video, starting from the inception of the idea through to the realization of the idea as a finished film to be screened at the end of the course. A studio fee is levied on this course.
HISTORY
AMS 6210 (3) Spring only | The Caribbean: Creoles, Conflicts and Conflict
This multidisciplinary and comparative course examines the development of Caribbean economies, politics and societies from 1492 up until the present day.
HST 3200 (3) Fall only | World Cultural History
This is a survey course that examines a variety ancient cultures of the Bronze and Iron
ages, across the world. It aims to introduce students to the diversity and parallels that
exist in human history. Students will learn about the interaction of politics, arts,
ideologies and the economy in shaping the various cultures under study. Material
culture and textual evidence will be used to explore how we can know about the past
and begin to understand how to read secondary sources in a critical manner. Key areas
of focus will be the development of early states, trade and economic development,
war and diplomacy, the diverse role and status of women in the ancient world. We
will explore the ideologies that acted as glue for these cultures and how they
represented themselves.
HST 3205 (3) Fall only | The Global Cold War
This course introduces students to the major events and themes of the Cold War,
demonstrating how it shaped the modern world system. In addition to providing
students with a foundational understanding of the major themes and events of the Cold
War, this course explores the interpretive controversies surrounding them. Students are
encouraged to engage the changing historiography of the multifaceted, multi-polar Cold
War from a variety of challenging perspectives, with particular emphasis given to its
global context. Students will examine the period in the light of changing
historiographical interpretations and with reference to its economic, cultural,
ideological, military, political and social dimensions.
HST 3706 (3) Fall only | London A History
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.
HST 4405 (3)* | History of Fashion
Analyzes the history of fashion from a sociological perspective – covering the period from the beginning of the modern period to the present. Relationships between dress, fashion, class, political power, ethnicity and gender are investigated. While the primary focus is upon the historical development of western fashion global interconnections are investigated throughout the course.
HST 5110 (3) Fall and Spring | Nationalism and Conflict
This course is intended to be a comparative study of the various forms of nationalism, dictatorship and democracy that evolved and emerged across Central/Eastern Europe (CEE) during the “short” 20th-century (1914-1990).
HST 5205 (3) Spring only | Rome and the East: Culture and Faith in late Antiquity
The course covers the areas of the Roman and Sasanian Empires, their adjoining regions and that of their successor states from 200 AD until 800 AD. The course looks at religious ideas that were rooted in these societies, polytheism, Zoroastrianism, Judaism and the newer religions of Christianity and Islam.
HST 6205 (3) Spring only | Pictures of Power: History, Image and Propaganda
The course aims to introduce students, by way of specific case-studies ranging from the ancient world to the modern day, to innovative methods of studying the past that utilize popular forms of visual culture and propaganda.
HST 6225 (3) Spring only | Culture, Power and Empire
This course examines the causes, consequences and significance of empires throughout history from a broad range of comparative and international perspectives. Where possible the course will make use of museums and collections within London.
HST 6400 (3) Spring only | Island to Empire: British History Since 1800
Surveys the history of modern Britain during its formative period of industrialization and empire building.
HST 6425 (3) Spring only | War and Society: Medieval to Modern
Explores the changing nature and history of warfare from the medieval era to the end of the twentieth century. The class will involve some visits to local museums and sites of relevance, and where possible/desirable, some overseas visits might be included.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNALISM AND MEDIA
JRN 5200 (3) Spring only | Feature Writing
This course focuses in consolidating and developing journalistic writing skills.
JRN 5400 (3) Spring only | Entertainment, Arts and the Media
It will outline the essential framework of criticism and the responsibilities and ethics of those who write it, and it will also provide context to help students understand that what they watch, read and listen to now is directly connected to everything that has gone on in the past.
JRN 6205 (3) Spring only | Media Ethics and Law
This course examines the main legal and ethical issues which media practitioners of the digital age encounter in their working lives.
INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS, POLITICS AND PHILOSOPHY
INR 4100 (3) Fall only | Introduction to International Relations
This course is a broad introductory survey of international relations. It acquaints students with the fundamental concepts and theories used in the discipline that help us make sense of our political world, and are crucial for further analysis of the field. The course gives students a taste of the theoretical debates and practical dynamics of global politics. It further examines some of the major challenges that humanity faces in the 21st century. Students get a chance to learn about and take part in the major debates of the discipline, for example concerning actors in the international system, the sources of insecurity, the relevance of economics to international politics, the importance of fighting poverty and underdevelopment, questions about how best to address environmental challenges, whether the state is still important and if globalization is a phenomena of the 20th century.
INR 4105 (3) Fall only | Evolution of International Systems
This course is designed to be a study of the evolution, and gradual development, of the
European ‘states’ system. It will provide a comparative cultural, economic, historical, and
political analysis of how international systems have evolved and functioned, illustrating the ways
in which ‘states’ interact with one another within systems. It will begin with the fall of the
Roman Empire in Western Europe, move through to the early European systems of the
medieval period, on to the wars of religion of the sixteenth century, the defeat of Napoleon in
1813, and end with the Paris Peace Conference of 1919. This course will analyse the
development of European international systems, the methods via which they were spread, and
examine the elaborate rules and practices that regulate them.
INR 6200 (3) Fall only | International Relations Theory
The theories of international relations are best introduced through a study of the classic texts and
debates in the discipline. This course examines most of the theories and approaches to international
politics, as well as their historic foundations. It begins with some philosophical debates regarding
the purpose of theorising, the importance of understanding ontological and epistemological
assumptions and the difference between ‘understanding’ and ‘explaining’ in international relations
theory. The course then critically evaluates the grand and middle range theories of IR, followed by a
multitude of multidisciplinary approaches to conceptualising global politics and the post-positivist
critiques. The course provides students with a set of conceptual and analytical tools in order to
acquire a deeper and more nuanced understanding of international relations and global politics.
INR 5400 (3) Spring only | U.S. Grand Strategy
This course examines the major issues that underlie the development of United States’ foreign policy.
INR 6405 (3) Spring only | International Human Rights
This course will cover the evolution of international human rights and of the various regional and international treaties and institutions designed for their protection.
INR 6410 (3) Spring only | Diplomatic Studies
This course offers an overview of the history and practice of contemporary diplomacy.
INR 6415 (3) Fall and Spring | Foreign Policy Analysis
Foreign Policy Analysis considers the manner in which a state arrives at its foreign policy decisions.
PHL 4100 (3) Fall only | Introduction to Philosophy
This course introduces students to discipline of philosophy. It examines various branches of philosophy including logic, epistemology, ontology, ethics, political and religious philosophy. It takes a topic-based rather than historical approach, and looks at set of problems such as the mind-body problem, empiricism versus rationalism, and subjectivism versus naturalism. To this end, various important Western philosophers will be considered including Aristotle, Descartes, Locke, Hume, Kant and Russell.
PLT 3100 (3) Fall only | Foundations of Politics
Introduces students to the study of politics by defining, exploring and evaluating the basic
concepts of politics through the analysis of modern and contemporary ideologies. It outlines
some of the central issues in the study of politics such as the nature of the political itself; power
and authority in the state; political obligation; the rights and duties of the citizen; liberty and
equality; economic systems and modes of production through the scope of central political
ideologies such as liberalism, Marxism, conservatism, feminism, multiculturalism and
environmentalism.
PLT 3105 (3) Fall only | Comparative Political Systems
Examines the political experience, institutions, behavior and processes of the major political
systems. Analyses major concepts, approaches and methods of political science in order to
produce comparative analyses of different states and governments and provide a critical
understanding of political decision-making processes in modern states.
PLT 4100 (3) Fall only | Major Political Thinkers
This course provides students with an introduction to political thought and political philosophy,
as it has developed in the Western World. The origins of modern political thought and political
ideologies are discovered and explored through the study of a range of major political thinkers,
such as Machiavelli, Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau, Burke, Wollstonecraft, Marx, Mill, and
Nietzsche.
PLT 5405 (3) Spring only | The EU in New International System
Examines the historical beginnings of the European Union, its institutions and its economic performance.
PLT 5410 (3) Spring only | Islam and the West
The aim of this course is to focus on the historical, political and religious relationships between Islam and the West.
PLT 5415 (3) Spring only | Politics of Sub-Saharan Africa
Follows the attempt to promote stability, economic development, and democratic systems of government in sub-Saharan Africa, and engages with the core issue of the relationship between the state, civil society, and external interests in the region.
PLT 5425 (3) Spring only | Modern China
Examines aspects of China’s history such as the Opium Wars, the downfall of the Empire in 1911, the growth of nationalism and the ensuing civil war, the rise and decline of Maoism and the role of China in world politics, with particular reference to its increasing economic importance.
PLT 6205 (3) Fall and Spring | Policy-Making in a Globalized World
This course investigates the process of policy-making in modern states. It explores how in the new globalized world governments “import” and “borrow” policy ideas from each other, while analyzing how the different actors – states, bureaucrats, think-tanks, policy-networks, lobby groups, citizens, etc – participate and influence the policy-making process.
PLT 6410 (3) Spring only | Politics of Environmentalism
Examines the political, economic, ideological, and social dilemmas associated with environmental
issues. The first section of the course addresses the historical roots of environmentalism, its key
concepts, and a range of key thinkers and paradigms for understanding environmentalism as an
ideology. The second section of the course explores the role of key actors engaged in
environmental policy making, and important issues in contemporary environmental politics.
Topics addressed include environmental movements and parties, global environmental regimes,
the impact of the media on environmental issues, and prospects for green technologies and
employment.
PLT 6425 (3) Spring only | Religion, Identity and Power
This course explores the relationship between religion, 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 will examine the various ways in which religious traditions are used as identity-building vehicles.
RLG 5100 (3) Fall only | Comparative World Religions
This course 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.
MATHEMATICS
GEP 3120 (3) Spring only | Quantitative Reasoning
This core course develops an understanding of basic mathematical concepts and their presence in a range of contexts and applications. Topics such as interest rates, interpreting graphs, probabilities associated with decision making and mathematics in the environment and the creative arts will be covered.
MTH 4120 (3) Spring only | Probability and Statistics I
An introductory course in probability primarily designed for business economics and psychology majors. The course coverage will include: descriptive statistics, elementary probability theory, random variables and expectations, discrete probability distributions (Binomial and Poisson distributions), continuous probability distribution (Normal distribution), linear regression analysis and correlations, elementary hypothesis testing and Chi-square tests, non-parametric methods and SPSS lab sessions targeting applications of statistical concepts to business, economics and psychology and interpretations of hardcopies. All practical work will be produced using SPSS statistical software.
MTH 5120 (3) Spring only | Probability and Statistics 2
Continuing MTH 4120, the course is concerned with inferential statistics. It covers sampling distributions, point estimations, interval estimations and estimating confidence intervals for populations and proportions, hypothesis and significance testing, goodness-of-fit test and Chi-square test, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), applications of non-parametric statistics, linear regression analysis. All practical work will be done on SPSS statistical software.
MTH 5130 (3) Spring only | Game Theory and Decision Making
This course provides an introduction to game theory and its relation to decision methods in business.
MTH 6120 (3) Spring only | Financial Mathematics
Covers: Essential mathematics (calculus, differential equations, linear algebra and elementary probability theory), mathematics in finance (Central Limit Theorem and Brownian motion, Stochastic calculus and random behavior, Markov Processes and Martingales, Wiener process, Monte Carlo simulation of pricing and simple trading models), Binomial and Black-Scholes Models and their significance in asset pricing and analysis of financial derivatives.
PSYCHOLOGY
PSY 3100 (3) Fall only | Foundations in Psychology
Introduces students to the major areas within the psychology discipline, through current
empirical research and theoretical debate. Topics include: scientific methodology; brain
functioning; sensation and perception; evolutionary theory; consciousness; development;
personality; social psychology; psychopathology; language; and learning. Students
discover how psychological research is conducted and how research findings can be
applied to understanding human behaviour.
PSY 3200 (3) Fall only | History of Childhood
This course investigates the notion of childhood as a historical and social construction.
Students will explore how childhood has been portrayed across different societies, at
different times, and will also have the opportunity to examine how children are
influenced by the cultures in which they live, learn and are cared for. Through the
study of historical and social constructions of childhood, students will develop a
fuller understanding of how ways of working with children can be shaped by external
influences.
PSY 4200 (3) Fall only | Beginning Human Science Research
Beginning Human Science Research introduces students to the study and interpretation of lived
experience. The course covers a range of qualitative models that govern human science
research, with a special emphasis on the common features that distinguish them from
natural science and quantitative research frameworks. One of the special features of the
course is its practical emphasis, whereby students are encouraged to generate human science
research questions, to carry out interviews and to complete a series of writing exercises that
stimulate their capacity to interpret lived experience. The course also covers the relationship
between writing and reflection, the value of narrative approaches, and research ethics in
qualitative research. Students will be expected to reflect deeply about the experiential
workshops, and to demonstrate their understanding by means of descriptive interpretations
and thematic analyses on key topics.
PSY 4205 (3) Fall only | Conceptual and Historical Issues in Psychology
This course engages students in an overview of the main philosophical, scientific and social ideas that formulated psychology as we know it today. We will cover conceptual and methodological positions underlying different paradigms and research trends in the study of human behaviour. We will examine the following questions: what is science and to what extend is psychology permeated by the characteristics of science; what is the extent of social and cultural construction in psychology; is or can psychology be morally or politically neutral; what can we learn from the history of psychology so far? In addition this course will address the issues involved in acquiring knowledge through various scientific methodologies, the critique of traditional methods in psychology, the relationship between facts and values and the significance of the standpoint from which values are understood. Finally, we will discuss ethical issues in psychology, their origins, the moral underpinnings of theory, research and practice and how psychologists construct ethically responsible practices within a social environment.
PSY 4210 (3) Fall only | Developmental Psychology
Developmental Psychology explores the child's developing experience of the world. Major
theories and issues in development from conception to adolescence are examined with a
particular emphasis on the nature-nurture issue and cross-cultural studies. Topics
covered include: fetal development, physical development, cognitive development, social
development and personality development. Students are encouraged to actively
participate in class discussion and use their own experiences to help understand
theoretical issues.
PSY 5100 (3) Fall only | Human Development
This course is designed to explore in detail the way in which socio-cultural contexts
influence the development of the self in infancy and childhood. Special emphasis will be
given to the development of the self-concept and self-esteem, interpersonal processes and
the application of psychoanalytic ideas to human development; including the work of Erik
Erikson, Anna Freud and D. W. Winnicott. The course will also focus on the role of family
processes on socialization, the effects of trauma in childhood, peer group dynamics and
children's friendships; as well as a wide variety of theoretical perspectives on adolescence,
and contemporary theories of the relationship between insecure attachment and
psychopathology. Students will have the opportunity to engage in independent research
projects examining a variety of topics, including the effects of parenting styles on the
developing child, the long-term effects of solitude, and the effects of inter-parental conflict
on the child’s sense of security.
PSY 5215 (3) Fall and Spring | Personality Individual Differences and Intelligence
The purpose of this course is to increase students’ awareness of the variety of theoretical viewpoints that exist regarding the nature of human individual differences and the factors that influence human behavior.
PSY 5400 (3) Spring only | Mind and Language
This is an interdisciplinary course that introduces students to current research and debates in the areas of language and communication.
PSY 5405 (3) Spring only | Psychopathology
Combines lectures, case studies, and audiovisual sessions to introduce students to the field of clinical psychology, psychiatry, and mental health work.
PSY 5425 (3) Fall only | Health Psychology
Although nowadays people live longer and are currently ‘healthier’ than in the past not everyone
has a sense of improved health or wellbeing. Health Psychology analyses the biopsychosocial
factors which contribute to, and, maintain illness/disease in contemporary society. Health
Psychology aims to improve wellbeing by applying psychological theories, methods and research
to the promotion of health; prevention and treatment of illness and disability; analysis and
improvement of the health care system and; health policy formation.
PSY 5430 (3) Spring only | Psychology of Education
The aim of this course is to investigate the applications of psychology in educational settings. Students will have the opportunity to gain an understanding of the ways psychology theories and research have influenced our understanding of child learning and teaching.
PSY 6205 (3) Fall only | Developmental Psychopathology
The course examines the psychological forces that divert development from its typical
channels and either sustain the deviation or foster a return to typical development. Using
a comparative developmental framework, the psychopathologies to be covered will be
arranged in chronological order from infancy to childhood and adolescence. Thus
autism, insecure attachment and oppositional-defiant disorder will be examined in
relation to typical development in infancy and early childhood, while ADHD and
learning disabilities will be studied in the context of the preschool years. Other topics
include: anxiety disorders in middle childhood, child and adolescent suicide, conduct and
eating disorders, as well as the risks incurred by brain damage, child maltreatment and
social victimization. The course will also cover alternative models of child
psychopathology, assessment procedures and approaches to intervention and prevention.
Students will have the opportunity to do in-depth research on a topic of their choice and
to think critically about case material.
PSY 6210 (3) Spring only | Cognitive Science
This course focuses on such issues, including: Is the mind a computer? How much of the mind is innate and how much is learned? Is the mind a unitary general purpose mechanism, or is it divided into specialized subsystems or courses? How do we represent the world in thought? Are human beings rational?
PSY 6215 (3) Spring only | Research in Criminology
Examines the psychological, biological, sociological, and environmental factors that are proposed to play a role in crime involvement. Using a developmental framework, the theoretical viewpoints to be covered will be arranged into individual vs. setting-level explanations of crime, and ultimately, be integrated. Thus psychological and biological factors will be examined as individual-level factors, while environmental and sociological factors will be studied in the context of setting-level factors. Other topics include: research methods in criminological research, longitudinal research in criminology, the roles of empathy, shame, and guilt in violence, as well as neurocriminology and crime intervention and prevention. Students will have the opportunity to do in-depth research on a topic of their choice and to think critically about criminological research and current topical criminological controversies.
PSY PSY 6400 (3) Fall only | Psychoanalysis
The course examines the development of psychoanalytic theory and practice from its
early beginnings in turn-of-the-century Vienna to contemporary practices. Beginning
with Freud’s early studies in hysteria, the course reviews Freud’s seminal ideas on the
unconscious, sexuality and the transference; as well as Klein’s contributions to child
analysis and psychoanalytic theory. The work of the Neo-Freudians is also covered. In
particular, the course examines Horney’s pioneering model of the structure of the
neuroses and Sullivan’s interpersonal critique of classical psychoanalysis. Finally, the
course considers the work of Fairbairn on the schizoid personality and his unique
reformulations of psychoanalytic theory and method. Students will have the opportunity
to do in-depth research on a psychoanalytic model of their choice and to think critically
about case material. Students will also have the opportunity to apply psychoanalytic
concepts to the interpretation of films.
PSY 6425 (3) Fall and Spring | Cognitive Neuroscience
Cognitive neuroscience aims to explain cognitive processes and behavior in terms of their underlying brain mechanisms. It is an exciting and rapidly developing field of research that straddles the traditional disciplines of psychology and biology.
PSY 6430 (3) Spring only | Psychology of Happiness and Wellbeing
This course focuses on the science of happiness and wellbeing, integrating findings from Positive Psychology studies and theories.
PSY 6435 (3) Spring only | Clinical Psychology
Modern Clinical Psychology implements evidence-based treatments to improve psychologically-based distress or dysfunction and to promote subjective and behavioral well-being and personal development.
RELIGION
HST 5205 (3) Spring only | Rome and the East: Culture and Faith in late Antiquity
The course covers the areas of the Roman and Sasanian Empires, their adjoining regions and that of their successor states from 200 AD until 800 AD. The course looks at religious ideas that were rooted in these societies, polytheism, Zoroastrianism, Judaism and the newer religions of Christianity and Islam.
PLT 5410 (3) Spring only | Islam and the West
The aim of this course is to focus on the historical, political and religious relationships between Islam and the West.
PLT 6425 (3) Spring only | Religion, Identity and Power
This course explores the relationship between religion, 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 will examine the various ways in which religious traditions are used as identity-building vehicles.
SOCIOLOGY
COM 5115 (3) Spring only | Sociology of Culture and Sub Culture
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.
DEV 4100 (3) Fall only | Rich World Poor World
Provides students with an introduction to development studies, seeking to explain both the
existence of and persistence of a Poor World from a political, sociological, historical and
economic perspective. The course addresses numerous issues as they affect the Poor World, and
studies relations both within and between Poor World and Rich World. Topics include
colonialism and post-colonialism, processes of industrialization, food security, inequality,
nationalism, aid, democratization, and conflict, as well as an introduction to theories of
development.
DEV 5100 (3) Fall only | Global Development Politics
Examines the global politics of development and of developing states, and various social,
economic and environmental themes surrounding post-war attempts to promote development.
The course will consider both development theory and practice in the context of globalization,
and provide an overview of the history of global development from economic miracles to failed
states. A range of contemporary development debates and issues are addressed.
DEV 6200 (3) Fall only | Sustainable Development
Examines the theoretical assumptions and practical outcomes of ‘sustainable development’. The course explicitly focuses on the political, social and economic complexity of managing environmental issues in developing states. The tension between developmental and environmental issues is often a determining factor in the formation and implementation of policy at both national and international level, and sustainable development has provided a framework for managing these tensions.
SCL 5400 (3) Spring only | Modern Britain: A Social Analysis
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. This course also examines Britain’s changing status in the world and the effect this has had on socio-political attitudes and behavior.
SCL 5445 (3) Spring only | Black London
Examines the history of the African Diaspora in London over approximately the last 300 years, paying particular attention to changes in the demographic background to this Diaspora and the ensuing debates around the various notions of Blackness. The context to the course is the growth of London as the hub of an imperial system underscored by notions of race, and the subsequent changes to the metropolis in the late 20th and early 21st centuries. A theoretical underpinning of the course is that London is one of the centers of a Black Atlantic, as understood through the works of Paul Gilroy. The course will open up social relations at the heart of Black London’s history, including class, gender and sexuality. London has a long history of ideological movements driven by the conditions of the Black Atlantic, such as: Abolitionism, anti-colonialism, Pan Africanism and anti-racist struggles within Britain; all of these will be within the parameters of the course. Finally, the cultural impact of the Black Atlantic on London will be looked at in all its diversity, including, but not restricted to: literature, religion, music, fashion, language, cuisine, etc.
SCL 5450 (3) Spring only | Contemporary British Culture
Aimed primarily at students participating in the International Internship Programme, this
course provides students with a comprehensive and detailed overview of contemporary
British culture.
THEATER ARTS
THR 5100 (3) Spring only | World Theater
Provides an overview of the theater of European and non European countries.
THR 5215 (3) Spring only | Screen Acting Techniques
Develops acting skills specifically relating to the camera - i.e. for film and television. Students are also given exercises in interviewing for screen work and screen testing.
THR 6200 (3) Spring only | Fire Over England
Examines the classical traditions in British theater, as they are perceived today.
Other Courses offered by Richmond
If you have not found the course you want, check the Richmond website.
Richmond offers many other courses each semester that AIFS students can take, over 900 each year. Please note that study abroad students are not permitted to take the independent study, senior project/senior essay, graduate level (course numbers starting with a 7) or Foundations Program courses listed on the Richmond website.
Download PDF with full program details on all AIFS England programs!
Download PDF with full program details on all AIFS England, London programs!
