Penn-in-London, England

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Delve into the world of British theatre, literature, and film in this ancient yet very modern metropolis.

All courses in the intensive 5-week summer program offer University of Pennsylvania credits. In addition to the many theatre shows, the program includes group excursions to cultural sites. Program-arranged housing and classes are located in the Notting Hill neighborhood of central London.

Program Calendar 2012

Course Information

All students register for a total of two course units (CUs). Course registration is completed by the Penn Summer Abroad office for students who confirm their intent to enroll and submit required pre-departure documents.

Note for Visiting Students: One CU is generally considered to be equivalent to three semester hours when Penn coursework is transferred to another institution.

Courses 

The English Novel: Urban Spectacles
ENGLISH 060 (1 CU)
This course satisfies sectors IV or V of the English major. It also can be taken as a 200-level seminar with additional readings and assignments
Taught by Michael Gamer, University of Pennsylvania

In this five-week course we'll study the history of the British novel through its representations of Britain's central city, London. We will read five novels in five weeks and will also read a few accounts of the novel's history and characteristics. In addition, we'll visit many of the sites (and sights) that the novels themselves represent, from East London and London Bridge to Greenwich, Tyburn Tree, Sadler's Wells and Vauxhall, Mayfair, Picadilly, and Covent Garden. Our aim will be to understand the symbiotic relationships existing between London and the novel, and to trace how the growth of the former--and its habit of remaking itself into a series of spectacles and shows.

London Theatre
ENGLISH 068 / THEATRE ARTS 068 (1 CU)
Fulfills Sector 6 of the English Major and elective credit in the Theatre Arts major or Theatre Arts minor
Taught by David Espey, University of Pennsylvania and Michael Billington, The Guardian

London is one of the most exciting theatre centers in the world, and the focus of this course will be on live performance. The “London Theatre Experience” will provide an incomparable opportunity to learn about a wide range of dramatic forms, acting styles, theatrical conventions, and performance spaces. We will attend three performances each week, produced by companies such as the Royal National, the Royal Court, and Shakespeare’s Globe; we will also see a diverse selection of pieces staged in the historic theatres of the West End (London’s equivalent of Broadway) and in Fringe Theatres, smaller and sometimes “converted” spaces in pubs, warehouses, and even out-of-doors (London’s version of “off”—and “off-off” Broadway). Class meetings will consist primarily of discussions about the productions we have seen; once each week, Michael Billington, distinguished theatre critic for the Guardian newspaper, will lead the conversation. Readings for the class will include select plays and contextual material to prepare us for theatre viewing; written work will consist of responses to performances. Class field trips are likely to include a backstage tour of the Royal National Theatre and a visit to the theatre collection at the Victoria and Albert Museum. (Note: Tickets and tours will be arranged in advance; costs are covered by program fee.)

Jane Austen
ENGLISH 101 (1 CU)
This course satisfies the Arts and Literature sector of the College's General Requirement
Taught by Michael Gamer, University of Pennsylvania

At once acutely aware of popular culture and a product of it, Jane Austen read and wrote in popular forms, from epistolary fiction to Gothic horror to realism to raucous satire to popular theater. We'll survey her in all these guises, reading five of Austen's novels during our time in London, including Sense and Sensibility, Pride and Prejudice, and Emma. On the way, we'll pay special attention to Austen's achievement as an innovator within the larger history of the novel. To that end, we'll focus on her experiments with form, voice, genre, and geography. Among our activities outside the classroom will be a Jane Austen London excursion and a country walk either to Box Hill or (weather permitting) to Chawton House in Hampshire, where Austen wrote most of her fiction.

Documentary Writing: George Orwell and London
ENGLISH 155 (1 CU)
Fulfills English major or minor elective, Creative Writing requirement
Taught by Paul Hendrickson, University of Pennsylvania

Students will study journalism and non-fiction by British and American writers and do field research on a topic related to British society and culture. As preparation for writing a final paper, students will keep a journal, read each other’s drafts, and work individually with the instructor to find and develop a topic.

Housing

Students are housed at a private student hostel located in the attractive neighborhood of Notting Hill on the northwest corner of Kensington Gardens.

Tuition & Fees

Tuition and fees are subject to the approval of the Board of Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania and may change without notice.

• Tuition for Summer 2012: $6,700
• Program Fee for London 2012: $2,600
  Includes accommodation with weekday breakfast, theatre tickets, cultural activities organized by the program and administrative costs.

• Download estimated cost sheet for London 2012

Information Session

• Thursday, January 19 at 5:00pm (Fisher Bennett Hall 135)

Apply

Applications for Summer 2012 are now open!

• Rolling admissions after Jan 24 until the program is full.

Contact Information

Program Director
for details about the program, courses, or location including academic advising, travel dates, housing and orientation

David Espey (profile)
Department of English
University of Pennsylvania
E-mail: despey@gmail.com
Tel: 215-898-7346

Penn Summer Abroad Office
for assistance with application, financial questions, pre-departure, or other general information

Penn Summer Abroad
College of Liberal & Professional Studies (LPS)
University of Pennsylvania
3440 Market Street, Suite 100
Philadelphia, PA 19104-3335
Tel: 215-573-7537
Fax: 215-573-2053
E-mail: summerabroad@sas.upenn.edu