Great Britain in the Modern World: Art   (3) Professor, Margaret Rahaim 

This interdisciplinary course will focus on the West in the modern world, from the time period of the late 19^th century to the present.  Students will study important intellectual, social and cultural developments of this period, particularly as they are related to Great Britain.  They will examine the origins and contexts of issues facing the contemporary world, and reflect on their moral dimension.  Since there will be an emphasis on understanding the modern world through the lens of art history, this course will take full advantage of London’s outstanding art museums. 

Art in the Reformation: Patronage and Propaganda   (3) Professor, Margaret Rahaim 

This course will investigate the role of the visual arts in the Protestant Reformation.  There will be a focus on the historical and theological backgrounds, and students will gain a strong knowledge of the differing formal and conceptual qualities of artworks associated with the movement.  Students will have abundant opportunities for critical encounter with course subject matter in art museums, as well as relevant architectural and historical sites, for example, the Tower of London.  Students will develop analytical and critical techniques in writing about art through regular informal writing assignments and through two researched writing assignments, one of which will investigate the work of a particular artist or architect and how his or her work relates conceptually to the goals of either the Protestant Reformation or the Catholic Counter Reformation.

English 3150:  World Literature:  Popular Views of Christians & Muslims in the Middle Ages & Beyond (3) Professor Carolyn Anderson [CH, G]

 This course introduces some popular literature of the medieval West, focusing on texts by or about Christians and Muslims. We will trace literary, political, and religious ideas that made the European medieval world into part of the modern one. We will read a variety of texts, such as triumphalist crusader narratives, chronicles, medieval romances of the East, Arabic views of Christian crusaders, Arthurian romance, Hebrew travelogues, theological materials, novels, and films by writers and filmmakers from Western and  non-Western perspectives. These texts will serve as a basis for historical and cultural discussion, and they provide a starting point for a variety of assignments. By the end of the semester, you should understand some of the shifts in the long relationship between Islam and the West and be able to place these works within their social, historical, and cultural context. Assignments will include class discussion papers, 1 research paper (12 pages), 2 reaction papers (1 page each), a midterm and final.

English 2240:  Arthurian Legend (3) Prof. Carolyn Anderson

 This course is an introduction to both Arthurian romance and history and writing about literature. We will trace the Arthurian legend from its beginnings in Welsh histories and mythology, through its development in Old French, Middle High German, Old Norse, English revival, and to some of its modern adaptations. These texts will serve as a basis for historical and cultural discussion, and provide a staring point for a variety of assignments. By the end of the semester, you should be able to discuss the major literary genres and conventions authors employ, place these works within their social, historical, and cultural context, employ various research techniques, and write about literature clearly and analytically.

A&S 2200:  British Life and Culture (3) Required of all students [G]

This course offers students the opportunity to learn about British life and culture in three interrelated ways:  by hearing and visiting with the weekly lecturers, by living in the capital and experiencing the excitement and diversity of one of the oldest cities in Europe, and by fieldtrips in London and to major sites and cities in the south of England where you can compare and contrast conditions and lifestyles.  Topics include the History of London, Monarchy and the Royal Family, European Union, Social Class and British Sport.

Survey of Twentieth-Century English Literature (3) Professor José Lanters, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee

This course provides an overview of British literature written since 1900 through a close reading of fiction, drama and poetry. Placing the texts in a social and historical context, we will consider how the definition of “Englishness” has shifted in the course of the twentieth century and has become more inclusive, and how the changing position of Britain in the world is reflected in the literature.

Provisional Reading List
Anthology (tba)
Two novels (tba)

Assessment
Papers
Exam
London-based research project

Contemporary British and Irish Drama (3) Professor José Lanters, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee 

In this course we will focus on works – ranging from enchanting to hilarious to shocking – by some of the most exciting and provocative playwrights writing in Britain and Ireland (both North and South) today. Playwrights will include Tom Stoppard, Caryl Churchill, Mark Ravenhill, Martin McDonagh, Marina Carr, and others. Theatre visits will be included and encouraged.

Reading List
TBA

Assessment
Papers
Exam
Theatre review/response paper

One of the following two courses will most likely be offered:

ECON 4710:  Comparative Systems (Comparative Economic Systems) (3)  British Faculty

Comparative Economic Systems considers how capitalism works in Europe, the United States, Latin America and Asia. What is Central Planning? For countries moving from central planning to capitalism, what are the problems of transition? How do law, legality, corruption, moral hazard, market contestability, regulation and government failures affect economic systems? Students will use case studies to compare and contrast different economic systems, with an emphasis on UK Vs US perspective.

POLS 2200:  Politics of Europe and the European Union (Britain and the European Union)  (3)  British Faculty

This course is an introduction to the political system of the United Kingdom. As such it will offer an opportunity to explore some of the main themes in British politics. This course employs both theoretical and comparative approaches, particularly with reference to the USA and different European countries. The main topics of the course are the British Constitution, the Monarchy, Parliament, Cabinet and the role of the prime minister, the electoral systems of the United Kingdom, political parties, and also sociological aspects such as the multicultural character of British society, pressure and interest groups, and the media.  

Please Note:  In addition, some students have found it useful to arrange an Independent Study course with a UW faculty member. These arrangements must be made prior to departure.