Academic Overview & Policies

Academic credit for the program is awarded by Fairfield University. Fairfield University is a private Jesuit university founded in 1942 in Fairfield, Connecticut, well known for their commitment to international education. Fairfield is a fully accredited university and member of the New England Association of Schools and Colleges. In 2020 Fairfield and AIFS partnered to develop a school of record relationship that will allow academic credit to be available for both Fairfield and non-Fairfield students.

Attendance at all lectures and site visits is mandatory.

Grades No AIFS participant is permitted to take a course without receiving a grade. Pass/Fail grade options are not available.

Transcripts are issued by Fairfield University. An official transcript will be sent directly to the student’s home university on completion of the program.

Course Description

GEST/SOC/HST 285 (3)
LGBTQ+ Europe: History, Culture and Community

This course explores LGBTQ+ life in Europe from both a historical and contemporary viewpoint, with particular reference to London and Amsterda.  Topics covered on the course include: LGBTQ+ pride and protest; collecting and recording LGBTQ+ lives; issues affecting LGBTQ+ people in Europe; LGBTQ+ people and the law; LGBTQ+ people and milestones from the 18th century to today; representations of LGBTQ+ people in the media; LGBTQ+ places and spaces. The topics will be approached through formal lectures, film screenings and discussions, debate and analysis of primary and secondary sources. The course involves visits to a variety of cultural sites and firsthand experience of working with internationally important LGBTQ + archive collections. It is led by an expert in LGBTQ+ heritage.