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Spring Quarter in London Spring 2017

Tower Bridge at night, London
Tower Bridge, London
Program Dates: 
March 22, 2017 to June 3, 2017
Application Deadline: 
November 15, 2016

Program Information

Description

During Spring Quarter 2017 the Department of English will offer a quarter-length version of its highly successful program of study in London. We have found that by keeping our program size to 30, by tailoring our courses to what is immediately capable of being seen in London and in England, and by asking students to participate actively, everyone emerges feeling that the experience was richer for them, as students, as tourists, as people.

The program consists of four courses totaling 20 credits: London’s Contemporary Theater, taught by Professor John Webster of the UW Department of English, Representing London: Writing and the Experience of Place, taught by Professor Anis Bawarshi of the UW Department of English, Contemporary Britain, taught by Professor Michael Fosdal, and Art, Architecture, and Society taught by Professor Peter Buckroyd. Professors Buckroyd and Fosdal are both British faculty who are experienced teachers of American students. (Students will normally enroll for 15 of the available 20 credits.)

Students in the program will maintain their UW residency and any financial aid eligibility already established. Credits earned will be recorded on students’ UW transcripts and apply directly to UW graduation requirements. Credits earned in the English courses may be used to satisfy requirements for the English major.

Housing and 2 meals a day (breakfasts and dinners) for students will be arranged with families in London. Janet Dunlop has been our London Homestay Coordinator since 1986: 30 years. She screens prospective homestay families for our program, and matches students up with London families. Homestays are an integral part of the program giving students a unique opportunity to live like a Londoner, a cultural experience that dorms and apartments just don't provide. Janet Dunlop lives in London, and she is available to assist students throughout the program.

London is a large city. Few people can afford to live in the very center of town, and commuting is a way of life. Students should expect a commute to and from class of about 35-45 minutes, via The Underground or bus. All students will receive a London Transport Pass, good on underground trains, over ground rail, and busses between the homestay zone and central London (included in the program fee.)

Excursions and Group Trips

Some excursions and group trips are included. Transportation for field trips will be via chartered bus with professional drivers. During overnight trips, students are housed in established hotels or bed and breakfasts. Some typical destinations include Stratford-Upon-Avon, Warwick Castle, Stonehenge, St. Paul's Cathedral, museums, and historic London pub tours, but please note that the Spring 2017 excursions have not yet been finalized.

Eligibility

The London program values diversity. Any UW student from any campus is eligible to apply to the program. It is recommended (though not required) that applicants have successfully completed a 200-level literature course at the UW prior to participation. We try to provide as much information as possible on this site and in our printed materials, but that is no substitute for human interaction. We strongly recommend that interested students attend an Information Session or meet individually with Professor Webster.

The application includes

  • Personal Statement,
  • 3 short answer questions,
  • 2 Faculty recommendations** and
  • Electronic signature documents related to University policies and 
    expectations for study abroad.

**In most cases, we require that letters of recommendation come from UW Faculty or Teaching Assistants. However, if you are a new transfer student we will accept letters from faculty from your transfer school(s) in lieu of (or in addition to) UW Faculty recommendations. Letters from family friends, employers, high school counselors, or high school teachers generally will not meet the requirement. If you have any questions about this or any other part of your application, you are more than welcome to contact Nancy Sisko.

Enrollment is limited to 30 students. Depending on the applications submitted, we may maintain a waiting list for the program. Following the online application process, students may be contacted by the Program Director for an in-person interview.

Contact Information: 

Professor John Webster
London Program Director
(206) 543-6203
cicero@uw.edu

Nancy Sisko
Academic Adviser
(206) 543-2634

Program Status: 
Inactive/Archived
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