London FYE students will take a total of four 4-credit courses and one 1-credit course, including a Scribner Seminar taught by one of Skidmore’s faculty directors. All courses will include cultural activities that tie directly to course content and make use of London’s valuable resources. All courses have been developed specifically for our students and will be offered at the IES London Center.
Skidmore’s Scribner Seminar forms an important foundation for success at Skidmore and introduces first-year students to a number of the College’s intellectual expectations and learning approaches. Faculty directors Robert Turner, Associate Professor of Government, and Paul Sattler, Associate Professor of Art, will each teach one the fall 2009 seminars.
All London FYE participants enroll in one of the following Scribner Seminars:
Participants also enroll in the following courses, each of which is taught by an IES London faculty member. "Understanding Britain" is required for all students, while each student enrolls in three of the remaining courses to complete their full course load.
JLID-151 Understanding Britain (1 credit )
Covers the development of the United Kingdom and its political system, the media, the welfare state, and Britain's ethnic composition, especially in London. Class discussions are supplemented by London field visits. Required for all students.
JLSO-251 The Ethnic Tapestry of Contemporary British Culture(4 credits) Sheds light on how Bristish national identity has been constructed and experienced over the last century, and what it means to be British in one of the worlds' most diverse countries. Topics include the role of the emoire; economic, political and cosial change since WWII; and immigration and race relations. Ethnic minorities to be studied include people from Africa, the Carribbean, Asia, as well as Islamic and Jewish immigrants. (Fulfills Social Science and Cultural Diversity requirements.)
JLGO-201 Globalization Studies(4 credits) Begins with Theoretical approaches to globalization, then covers economic, political, cultural, and sociological factors to the "shrinking world," and their impact on governments, corporations, and societies. Key questions include: Should we anticipate a more peaceful world because of globalization? Are multinational corporations destined to rule the world? (Fulfills Social Science requirement.)
JLHI-217C History of London: From the Tudors to the Blitz (4 credits) Course covers the social, political, economic and environmental influences that shaped London's development between the Medieval era nd 1945. Traces the expansion and contraction through the destruction of the metropolis in 1666 and the causes and consequences of London's subsequent expansion. London't economy, social structure, and government will also be examined. (Fulfills Social Science requirement.)
JLEN-229 Literature and Place (4 credits) Focuses on literature inspired by London, in history and imagination. In addition to Charles Dickens, and Conan Doyle, students will read a few less obvious choices, as well as gothic masterpieces, Wuthering Heights and Dracula. (Fulfills Humanities requirement.)
JLTH-103 Theatre in London: An Introduction (4 credits) Centered on visits to nine productions, smaller fringe venues and theatre companies are the focus, along with one at the Royal National Theatre, allowing students to see new, innovative work and classic revivals. In additional to seminars based upon the theater productions, lectures will provide a historical and cultural background and the artistic, financial, and professional structures that shape British theater. (Fulfills Humanities requirement.)
JLAH-251 British Art and Architechture: 1700-1900 (4 credits) Explores the evolution of painting and architechture in England during the 18th and 19th centuries. Will focus on the works of individual artists and architects as well as "the larger picture," including a look at the prevalent artistic movements, artistic theories, and social and historical influences. Students will visit London galleries and buildings of architectural importance. (Fulfills Humanities requirement.)
All IES faculty members are well-credentialed and teach at British universities as well as at IES. The IES London faculty consistently receive high marks from students. Professor Julian Putkowski, who teaches IES’s “History of London” course, was presented with the IES Outstanding Teaching Award for the 2003–2004 academic year. The award is given to the two most exemplary instructors from among all faculty members at all IES sites around the world.
Credits and grades from the First-Year Experience in London will be Skidmore credits and grades: students will receive Skidmore credits, and grades received will count toward their Skidmore GPA.
Skidmore’s Scribner Seminar forms an important foundation for success at Skidmore and introduces first-year students to a number of the College’s intellectual expectations and learning approaches. Faculty directors Robert Turner, Associate Professor of Government, and Paul Sattler, Associate Professor of Art, will each teach one the fall 2009 seminars. 