1st entry... the program and the classes

So I suppose I should explain exactly what the trip I'm about to take is all about.

I independently arranged a trip to London for three months through the program Global Learning Semesters; a study abroad organization based out of Oregon. GLS has connected me and two other US students I have yet to meet with the University of Westminster in London.

UoW Wiki
UoW Homepage

Below is a link to the google maps page linking one of the University's buildings with the residence hall I will be staying at:
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=University+of+Westminster,+London,+United+Kingdom&daddr=Nido+Kings+Cross,+Pentonville+Road,+City+of+London,+United+Kingdom&hl=en&geocode=FdoYEgMdOFT9_yEubcPavmh8KA%3BFWxNEgMdtzT-_yF-cQv76rCigQ&abauth=f3300a19:v0zJ9F097LHTkc0rYIzD4dbfVFk&vps=3&ei=h1pmTuPMNMemiQLqvsmZCA&jsv=362b&sll=51.523644,-0.146255&sspn=0.030386,0.070896&vpsrc=0&mra=ls&num=10

Heres the site for my accomidations at "Nido Kings Cross".

www.nidostudentliving.com/KingsCross

Global Learning Semesters has been wonderful in keeping me organized, and has arranged an exciting itinerary to help me get a full experience out of the city and the University.

ITINERARY:

Arrive at Heathrow 9/17:  I will be met by Kostas, the GLS coordinator for the London programs. This first week I'll have to explore the city and attend a few orientation events at the different campuses. There will be a scavenger hunt of sorts around the city this week, and the winner will win a free "UK outing"... so thats cool. 

Classes Start 9/26: (see below for my module schedule).

Thames Boat Party 9/29: The study abroad office at UoW has planned a boat party on the Thames this evening. I was so excited to learn I was going to be able to get a chance to the city from the water at night.

London 10/8: From what I understand they've included a ride on the London Eye (that giant ferris wheel in the middle of the city). I knew that the Eye was pretty expensive so I wasn't really planning on hopping on at any point, but I'll be ecstatic if we do get a complimentary ride... we'll have to see if its included.

Stonehenge/Bath 10/22: "Building a henge are we? thats a fantastic idea!"
Weekend in Dublin 11/26-27: This is exciting. I'm not sure how much other traveling i'll do while i'm there... I think i'm more concerned with taking the time really experience everything I can in London, so the chance to see Dublin is pretty exciting. Not sure where we'll be staying that night.
Oxford day trip 12/3: Excited to see this old prestigious school north of London, and the former stomping ground of Dr. Rick Kemp.
Farewell Gala 12/15: UoW sure is gonna give its internat'l students the royal treatment!
Depart 12/18: Bid a tearful goodbye to the city i'm sure i'll have fallen in love with by this time and promise to return sometime.

So i've just logged on to the University of Westminster student website and found exactly what courses, or "modules" I've been placed in (based on a list of 8 I chose). I'm supposing this is the most responsible and academic way of ending the first blog entry... For the most part these modules are very specific to London and the British Isles. Along with the site seeing that has been planned by Global Learning Semesters, I'm going to learn quite a lot about both the city and the country durring my 3 months here. Courses are as follows:

LONDON THEATRE IN PERFORMANCE
No discription is offered other than the fact that there will be a 150 pound fee for the tickets. From what I've gathered we'll see two shows, one a west end production and another on off the west end. It seems I can anticipate two papers and two presentations of the productions. I'm particularly excited about this class.


MODERN BRITISH THEATRE: PLAYS, PERFORMANCES AND PRACTICES
           "This module examines the development of British theatre from the 1960s to the present by analysing specific plays, performances, and exploring the institutional and theoretical context of modern British theatre and performance."


I'm quite excited about this class as well. I think it will compliment the previous one very nicely.




TRAGEDY: ANCIENT TO MODERN
            "Through the analysis of key texts in its history, this module traces the development of tragedy as a genre, from its origins in Ancient Greek religious ritual through to its revival in the Renaissance and its much-disputed 'crisis' in modernity."


This seems to be my one module that is not specifically tailored to the United Kingdom, which is nice, though i'm sure the discussion on the Renaissance period will deal significantly with Marlow and Shakespeare (at least I hope it will). I consider dramatic acting one of my strengths, so i'm hoping to be able to hone some skills and understanding with this course of study.




ENGLISHES OF THE BRITISH ISLES: SCOTS AND OTHER REGIONAL AND ETHNIC VARIETIES:
            "Scots and other non-standard regional and ethnic Englishes of the British Isles, including their educational, social, cultural and political implications. The origin and history of the varieties; their linguistic and socio-linguistic features, cultural and literary manifestations, language attitudes and ethnolinguistic vitality, social and cultural value."


Well this one wasn't on my top 4. Though it does seem the perfect enviromnet and time to take such a course, i'm thinking it looks a little... dry. I'll keep optimistic, but weigh the possibilities of trying to get into a more relevant course to my theatrical interests.


Well thanks to anyone who's read the blog thus far. If anyones got any suggestions on what to see while i'm there i'd love to hear from you. Once I arrive i'm sure the blog will be much more interesting and filled with wonderful pictures of my adventures!