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London: The Political Arts
June 9-July 7, 2008
London, England
Program Overview
The Political Arts program is a 4-week program based in London, England. The program will examine the political dimension of the arts in Britain, with a focus on the performative and dramatic arts; as well as the artistic dimension of politics in Britain, with a focus on political/legal rhetoric, ritual, and ceremony.
The Setting
London’s contributions to the arts and to politics have shaped our world. As a world city that is both the political capital and the cultural “capital” of a great nation, London is a unique resource to investigate the intersection of politics and performance. From the majestic House of Parliament to the meticulously recreated Globe Theatre, London is home to an unrivaled variety of cultural riches.
Academics
POSC-190 or THDA-110: London: The Political Arts
Students who successfully complete this program will earn one course credit (the equivalent of four semester hours). The program will count as POSC-190: Selected Topic in Political Science or as THDA-110: Theatre in London. The program also fulfills the Division I or II requirement. Students will receive a letter grade for the course.
The program will examine the degree to which politics in Britain pervades cultural institutions and practices, and the degree to which artistic modes of expression pervade British politics and law. A central focus of the course will be comparisons of the US and British experiences as it relates to the intersection of arts and politics/law.
Program Activities
The program will be substantially field-based, with daily excursions and research trips to various sites in London that are primarily politically focused. The evenings will be used for theatrical experiences tailored to reinforce and provide a counterpoint to the daily political activities. Most days of the program will consist of 8-10 contact hours, which include morning classes, afternoon field activities, and evening theatre. By using various means of transport – foot, bus, train, and boat - students will also have the opportunity to see the city and travel as Londoners travel. In addition, students will take a day trip to Oxford and an overnight trip to Stratford-Upon Avon, the birthplace of William Shakespeare.
Accommodations
For the duration of the program, students will be staying at the Arran Hotel, a bed and breakfast in the heart of the Literary Bloomsbury. Within a half hour walk from the hotel are many sites to see: the British Museum, Piccadilly Circus, Parliament, Westminster Abbey, the Inns of Court, the Oxford Street shopping area, and the West End theatres.
On-Site Administration
The program will be directed by Professors Todd Wronski of the Theatre and Dance Department and Harry Pohlman of the Political Science Department. Professor Wronski has conducted summer programs in London four previous times and has served as the Resident Director of Dickinson’s Norwich Humanities program. Professor Pohlman has served as a Fulbright Scholar in England.
Program Cost
The estimated comprehensive program fee will be approximately $5,200, which covers tuition, housing, daily full English breakfasts, a food stipend for other meals, site visit entrance and theatre fees, a planned excursion to Oxford and Stratford-Upon Avon, and a London Transport pass. Not included are medical and accident insurance purchased in the U.S., transportation costs to/from London, and all other incidental expenses.
For more information, contact
Professor Todd Wronski
Department of Theatre and Dance, Dickinson College
Tel: 717-245-1611
E-mail: wronski@dickinson.edu
Professor Harry PohlmanDepartment of Political Science, Dickinson CollegeTel: 717-245-1249
E-mail: pohlman@dickinson.edu
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