London College of General Studies Program

Students in enroll in these courses:

CGS BC 201 British Culture and Identity (3 credits)

This course will compare British and American experiences of culture, the differences, similarities and cross-influences. The course will aim to make the maximum use of London as a primary source, from its libraries and collections, to its spaces of work and leisure. Weight.

CGS HU 201 Humanities III (4)

History of Western Ethical Philosophy is a rigorous course in the history of Western ethical thought from Socrates through Nietzsche. The course also includes selected films and literary works that embody philosophical ideas or dramatize ethical dilemmas. Excerpts from primary texts are used throughout. Sullivan. Syllabus

CGS NS 201 Biological Science I (4)

The Origin and Evolution: There is probably no question more fundamental than ‘what is the origin of life’? In this course we look at the theory of chemical evolution and how it fits in to the broader theory of organic evolution and biodiversity. We will examine the properties of the major macromolecules such as lipids, proteins, carbohydrates and nucleic acids (DNA and RNA) and discuss why these properties are important in relation to evolution. Finally, we will consider how energy is transformed in living systems and utilised to drive the processes, which underpin life as we know it. By understanding the theory of chemical evolution you will be in a better position to evaluate alternative theories of the origin of life. Thompson.

CGS SS 201 Social Science III (4)

Social Change and Modernization builds on the conceptual and historical materials of the freshman experience. The course centres on two case studies in rapid modernization: Russia and China. Russia, and the Soviet Union are considered as an example of revolutionary economic and social change, attention being paid to the way in which Marxist theories were translated into practise. This serves as the basis for a comparison with the problems of modernization in contemporary China. The roots of industrialism, the culture of non-Western peoples as it affects their responses to it, and the dramatic complexities of social change combine to challenge the students’ grasp of the problems facing the modern world. Tomes.

CAS AH 381 London Architecture and Urbanism (4 credits)

This course provides an introduction to the history of London and its buildings. It is aimed at a wide audience, not architectural specialists, although some familiarity with British history is helpful. London’s architecture and urban development will be explored through the themes that shaped the physical characteristics of London as a world city, including mapping the city, the city as representation of national identity, navigating the ever-changing city, and a review of recent developments. The intention is to encourage students to develop their own historical map of the city’s architecture based upon their own experience. Donnellan. 4 cr.

CAS PO/IR 335 Britain and Europe – A New Beginning (4)

(Choose PO or IR credit) This invaluable elective is offered five times a year as Elective A and B Options, running in both the Core and Placement phases in the Fall and Spring and the Core phase in the Summer semesters. This course takes an in-depth investigation into the changes that have been taking place in Britain as the new century approaches, and concentrates on the effect the European Union is having on the United Kingdom and its people. One of the goals of this course is to chart the routes Britain and Europe have taken to reach this point, placing change into a historical framework. The course will examine the changing social, cultural, political and economic structures of Britain at the end of the 20th Century and at the dawn of the age of the European Union. Students will be encouraged to consider the implications and consequences of these changes for the future of Britain. Cousins.

CAS EN 357 Modern British Drama: A Critic’s Perspective (4)

($60 course fee) This course will provide a broad study of the major developments in British drama over the past 60 years; relate drama to the changes in British society; examine the work of specific writers in detail; stimulate critical analysis through written work and discussion; give practical information about how to write theatre reviews. Sierz.

CAS EN 368 Seminar in Shakespeare Studies (4)

This course aims to provide the student with an appreciation of the nature of Shakespeare’s achievement through the study of four plays in class. Students will have the opportunity to gain an intimate understanding of the verbal and dramatic qualities of Shakespeare’s genius, and of the myriad ways in which meanings are expressed through the language, imagery, structure and dramatic possibilities of the works themselves through close critical reading of various sections of the plays studied. Allen.

CAS HI 320 Cultural Capital: The History of Popular Culture in London (4)

(Prerequisite as of Fall 2010: one undergraduate level History course.) Traces the development of popular culture in London from the late eighteenth century to the present. Concerned with popular cultural “texts” as well as popular cultural sites. Organized chronologically, from the early origins of modern culture to the present. Peplar.

CAS PO 358 Issues in Contemporary Politics (4)

This course aims to examine some of the most important and controversial issues in contemporary politics. It will focus on the origins of these issues and will analyse the diverse methodological and theoretical positions taken in explaining and understanding them. On successful completion of the course you should be able to demonstrate a good knowledge and understanding of some of the vocabulary of politics and the languages of political debate and confrontation. You should be able to analyse critically a range of theories, concepts, and methods employed in the discipline and evidence judged by these perspectives. You should, in addition, be able to engage in an informed assessment and criticism of these positions. Above all, you should be able to adopt an independent, critical and reflective approach to important political issues confronting contemporary societies. Sullivan.

COM FT 317 British Cinema and Society (4)

This course offers a combined social history and technological survey of British film making since World War II. The selected films provide vivid points of departure for an understanding of how British society has evolved. The course surveys the changing nature of modern British culture and society, using the products of the British movie industry as the main source of evidence. Most films fall outside of the category of British films that have made an impact in the United States market. Students will witness the cinematic version of the “other side” of Britain. One of the main themes of this “other side” is social class, which sets the agenda for most of the themes explored in the class. Special attention is also given to the differences between cinematic and historical versions of such themes. Dodson.

Patrick Tuck, Program Manager

Overseas Staff

• Robert Cumming, Chair of the Executive Board
• Alison Campbell, Director of British Programs
• Michael Peplar, PhD, Director of Studies
• Sarah Farrow, Assistant Director, Academic Affairs
• Michael Oliver, Associate Director, Student Life

Faculty

• Mark Allen
• Paul Cousins, PhD
• Mo Dodson, PhD
• Caroline Donnellan
• Michael Peplar, PhD, Director of Studies
• Aleks Sierz, PhD
• Terry Sullivan
• Julie Thompson, PhD
• Jason Tomes, PhD
• Richard Weight