• Art and Design / Theatre / Interdisciplinary

Experience London's Theatre, Art, Music, and Design

Course Description:
London is one of the most dynamic cities in the world, and home to centuries of theatre, visual art, music, and design. In this class you'll explore some of London's famous sites, but you'll spend even more time discovering unique destinations and experiences that are off the beaten path. You'll see street art and the great masterworks, hear classical and contemporary music, watch cutting edge theatre and productions of Shakespeare, eat traditional British food and try new flavors. You'll even meet and work with some of the artists themselves. You'll experience first-hand how it feels, looks, and sounds as all the arts come together on the vibrant streets of London!
Honors credit available.
Prerequisite: None
WKU Course: THEA 499
Dr. Carol Stewart | 3 Cr. Hrs. | U/H
 

• Literature

Tolkien's Medieval Rings

Course Description:
There are no better sites to explore England's rich medieval heritage than Westminster Abbey, The Tower of London, Canterbury Cathedral and Warwick Castle. These are just highlights among the tentative site visits in this course, which immerses you in the art, architecture and literature of medieval English society all the better to understand the cultural heritage that influenced the works of J.R.R. Tolkien. Studying medieval texts such as Beowulf and Dante's Inferno which inspired Tolkien, in addition to visiting sites in Oxford associated with him, will further enhance your understanding of what fired the creative imagination of the author of The Lord of the Rings.
The course is open to any students, regardless of major. You don't have to be an English major; the course content and discussion is geared to a general audience. The course may also be taken for credit in an Honors program or for Graduate credit.
Prerequisite: Completion of First Year Composition requirement
WKU Course: ENG 399 / ENG 597
Dr. Warren Edminster | 3 Cr. Hrs. | U/H/G
 

• Photography / Art and Design / Communication

Photography in London: England Through the Camera's Lens

Course Description:
Designed for anyone interested in exploring new places, this fun hands-on course meets photo students, beginners to advanced, at their individual level. By strengthening technical and design skills, the class helps each student create a unique personal portfolio including iconic sites and hidden gems. We’ll visit London’s photo galleries and museums, photograph Big Ben and the Thames from London’s Eye, explore scenic vistas at Kew Gardens, and peek into photography’s fascinating history at its birthplace in rural Wiltshire. Experience the vibrant culture and rich history of London while learning how composition, light, color, exposure, and focus help capture your experience.
Honors credit available.
Prerequisite: None
WKU Course: ART 496 / ART 496G
Prof. Laura Hartford | 3 Cr. Hrs. | U/H/G
 

• Psychology / Public Health / Nursing

Studying Psychology in London: Does “Crazy” Have an International Definition?

Course Description: This class explores how psychological abnormality and mental illness are defined using international criteria. Is there one way to define “the norm” or does that depend on values unique to a particular culture? By taking field trips in London to relevant sites, such as the Bethlem Museum of the Mind, Freud House Museum, and the Mental Health Museum, and by discussing mental health issues and treatment with British mental health practitioners, students will gain valuable historical and contemporary perspectives on diagnostic psychology. Pre-med students and psychology majors, or those with an interest in social welfare issues, will find the experiential learning in this class uniquely valuable. This class explores how psychological abnormality and mental illness are defined using international criteria. Is there one way to define “the norm” or does that depend on values unique to a particular culture?
Prerequisite: None
WKU Course: PSY 440
Dr. Savannah Campbell | 3 Cr. Hrs. | U