IFSA Study in London

You may select five electives.

Contemporary British Politics: Brexit and Beyond

This class introduces the government and contemporary politics of the UK. Students examine the UK’s central political institutions and consider the extent to which they have been affected by voter apathy, devolution, and the fragmentation of the party system. On this foundation, the class then delves into today’s most pressing political issues, such as the prospect of Scottish succession, the complexities of Brexit, and the economic pressures of globalization and inequality. Students will gain deeper insights into how the British system of government works and the major challenges it faces, as well as the wider implications of Brexit in Europe.

Fantasy in the Real World: Literature through the Sociological Lens

Fantasy literature has great power – but does it also have great responsibility? This course looks at mainstream and fringe fantasy literature from the past century and the power that it has in modern society at large. We will examine its creation, consumption, and its ability to impact the real world. Using works such as Harry Potter, His Dark Materials, The Lord of the Rings, and The Game of Thrones, as well as lesser-known writings, we will embrace the fantasy genre as a safe space to explore sociological topics that are difficult to clarify in the real world, such as race, gender, class, and political processes. Students will take advantage of our London location, exploring sites important to these works including the Harry Potter studio tour, and feature guest speakers who have worked on text adaptations.

Performing Arts and Social Change in London

From the Globe Theatre and the West End musicals, to Bollywood dance troupes and stand-up comedy in East End alleys, this class introduces students to London’s rich theatrical legacy and how its contemporary performing arts scene seeks to elevate the diverse voices of a multicultural urban center. To what extent have the arts historically addressed social justice themes, and how can they continue to drive change in our communities? Through visits to theaters, non-profits, and sprawling suburbs, students will gain a deeper understanding of how the arts influence culture, as well as the role that the London performing arts scene plays on the world stage. Note: This course will have a supplemental fee of $250 to cover the costs of theater tickets.

The Psychology of Crime and Justice in the UK

This class will follow the historical evolution of forensic psychology from Jack the Ripper to Julian Assange. Is a criminal mind born as such, or is the criminal a product of their environment? What role do governments and societies play in facing crime? Students will gain a foundation in relevant areas of psychology and psychoanalysis and then examine how that science interacts with real-world judicial systems. Additional topics will include punishment, treatment, and rehabilitation; assessment and intervention; and how dimensions of privilege can impact perceptions of crime and justice in both conscious and subconscious ways.

Trends Start Here: New Media and Behavior

As individuals increasingly consume news from sources of personal choice and become producers of news through social media engagement, this class investigates communication patterns and human action. The relationship between media reporting and its impact on the psyche and decision-making provides a basis for course discussions. How does social networking affect our views of ourselves and others? How does our personal selectivity in news media consumption impact our choices and communications behavior?

Urban Identities: Gender, Race, and Class in London

Drawing from anthropology and sociology, this course utilizes intercultural learning theories to foster awareness of one’s own perspectives as well as those of the myriad communities that comprise London. Multiple approaches to framing the multicultural city and appreciating common and contested spaces as inherent to urban diversity are included. This course will examine the role, function, and effects of identity as it relates to the lived experiences of Londoners. While case studies examine gender, race, and class specifically, the course will approach identity from the perspective of intersectionality, in which the dimensions of diversity are understood as the simultaneous interplay of multiple factors.

COMING FALL 2023 - Entrepreneurship: Creating a Plan of Action

Entrepreneurship is widely understood as engaging in a process to seek out or create opportunities for the purpose of starting a business; yet there is a gap between what entrepreneurs actually do to start a business and what some investors actually want prior to investing their money in entrepreneurs and their businesses. Therefore, the purpose of this course is to teach students how to do both: 1) think through and engage in the creation of a start-up and 2) develop and communicate a business plan to potential investors. In order to do the first, students will learn about and follow the “lean start-up” methodology, and to do the second, students will learn how to prepare a traditional business plan.

COMING FALL 2023 - Ethical Decision-Making

This class invites students to examine ethical issues revolving around the economic order by understanding the context in which business agents operate. This allows students to analyze the role and responsibilities of business enterprises, such as corporations. The aim of this class is to identify, clarify, and analyze some of the ethical issues in the area of commerce that leaders and managers face, to understand choices available, and actions taken. From empirical and normative perspectives, students engage with theory from moral philosophy, organizational behavior, economics and management, with cases that illustrate the ethical issues in the business environment.

COMING FALL 2023 - Global Politics of Health and Disease

This class will study the relationship between health and international relations. Students will develop a critical understanding of the current global health crisis and the political dilemmas faced by those responsible for the development and implementation of solutions to it. Topics will include people movement, infectious disease, the business of health, the consequences of war, inequality, health governance and health security. Throughout the class, students will participate in a range of global health events in London such as guest lecturers, visits to health industry businesses and political ministries, career events and film screenings.

COMING FALL 2023 - International Political Economy

Political and economic development are increasingly intertwined with international and global integration. In this class, students will explore theoretical issues and illustrative case studies related to international political economy. Students will read about and discuss the ways domestic and international politics affect relations between states by examining the role of government in the production, distribution, and consumption of resources. Trade policy, exchange rate policy, foreign investment policy, and migration are points of focus in this class which positions economics and politics as inextricably linked concepts.

COMING FALL 2023 - Intercultural Communication for the Global Workplace

Designed to improve students’ abilities to communicate effectively with people from diverse cultural backgrounds, this course utilizes intercultural theory, verbal and non-verbal communication, personal beliefs and values, and strategies for building cultural intelligence and adaptability. Examination of British and European work environments, professional practices, and business etiquette underpin the course. Guest speakers representing such areas as multicultural team leadership and international young professionals will augment the learning.

COMING FALL 2023 - Sustainability and the Global City

This class introduces urban sustainability from multiple disciplinary perspectives. It aims to provide students with the theoretical and methodological tools with which to evaluate potential for sustainable urbanism. Focusing on London alongside comparative global case studies, students will be exposed to urban planning and both natural and build environments in order to evaluate the common challenges and successes related to sustainability efforts. Through experiential learning opportunities, students will develop first-hand context as they examine various facets of sustainable urbanization in London.

COMING SPRING 2024 - Directed Research

This course offers a unique opportunity for undergraduates to delve deeply into meaningful research of their own design. The process of research and discovery is supported by the IFSA Global Flagship’s network of local experts, including social entrepreneurs, academics, artists, journalists, business leaders and policymakers who serve as our team of faculty guides. Students conducting independent research projects meet with faculty guides regularly to discuss the formation and execution of their research plans. At the end of the semester, students present a formal research paper and may have the opportunity of publication in a peer-reviewed journal.

ACADEMIC RESOURCES

As part of our academic support services, you will have the option for a semester-long affiliate membership to the University of London system’s Senate House Library and its extensive resources.

RELATED PROGRAM

You may also wish to check out the IFSA London Plus program. It offers all the same features of the IFSA London program, plus you may enroll in one elective class at a prestigious London institution.