Carol Stewart (More Info)

Explore the Arts in London: Theatre, Music, Art, and Design

London Summer Summer 2019

Available

TBA

Art & Design , Interdisciplinary , Theatre

London is one of the most dynamic cities in the world, and home to the work of all kinds of art and all kinds of artists. In this class you’ll explore some of London’s famous sites, but you’ll spend even more time discovering unique destinations and experiences that are off the beaten path. You’ll see graffiti art and the great masterworks, hear both classical and contemporary world music, watch productions of cutting edge theatre followed by Shakespeare at the Globe, eat traditional British food and try new flavors - you’ll even meet some of the artists themselves. You’ll experience first-hand how it feels, looks, and sounds as all the arts come together on the vibrant streets of London! This course offers a great connection with courses in Group B.

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On average: 3 miles of walking (some days might be 5, but that’s rare). Wear real shoes - the city streets of London are rugged in and of themselves; flip-flops, thin sandals, or ballet flats are not allowed on field trip events. We will spend time out in the weather, not just in moving from venue to venue. Some of our activities take place outside, and in whatever weather is happening that day. July in London is often sunny and even hot, but you’ll still need to bring an umbrella with you. You will also be engaged in making art in ways that might be messy. You should bring one set of appropriate clothing.

The focus of the class is on experiencing arts and design, and that focus will keep us out in the city itself rather than inside the classroom. You’ll see, hear, and even taste an incredibly diverse range of art within each discipline; Previous field trips have included:

Music at blues, swing, and jazz clubs; classical music at St. Martin in the Field; and upbeat contemporary music at the Royal Albert Hall; Theatre in the West End, the Globe, and the National Theatre, along with innovative new works from smaller, award-winning companies; Food and drink at restaurants and pubs featuring iconic British fare; Guided in-depth tours of fascinating and unusual collections of art and artifacts, Opportunities to make art and have conversations with working artists.

You’ll see “high-brow” and “low-brow” art across disciplines, both new art and classical. As we explore, we’ll ask questions like: How do we know something is art? Who is an artist? Are all arts creative? Can anyone be an artist? Can anyone be creative? You’ll visit some of the world-famous destinations in London as well as vibrant little corners of the city. The class is open to students in any field of study, and to students with all levels of experience with the arts (including no experience whatsoever). It’s the perfect course to use to fill a Fine Arts, Humanities, Interdisciplinary, or Liberal Studies requirement in the major or minor, and can also be taken as a Gen Ed or elective. This course can be taken for credit in an Honors program. The instructor is a specialist in theatre, the arts, and the humanities, and for the past 11 years has successfully introduced students from all fields of study to the arts in ways that are engaging, accessible, and fun. The primary assignments are an online journal/blog, and a series of hands-on projects that are designed to both deepen and document your experience of London. These assignments will leave you with written, visual, and audio postcards of your time in London as a memento for yourself, and as something you can share with your friends and family.