Program Details
Location
London & Edinburgh,
United Kingdom
Term
May Session
Housing
Apartment
Hotel
Languages Taught In
English
Program Eligibility
Student Type
UofM Students
Non UofM Students
Student Year
Freshmen
Sophomores
Juniors
Seniors
Graduate Students
GPA
2.5
About
Scientific knowledge about the human body and the process of death expanded hugely in the 19th Century, at the same time that increases in urban populations in England gave rise to the problem of what to do with all the bodies. Concurrently, English explorers in other parts of the world were finding evidence of “buried” civilizations, and construction workers for the Thames Embankment and the London Underground were digging through London’s own buried past. Death—and in particular, the dead body—became a nexus of anxiety: individual, social, scientific, and historical.
In this Global Seminar, we will trace a number of Victorian responses to these new kinds of knowledge: funeral practices, public dissections, anatomical museums, fears of premature burial, cremation, vampirism, armchair anthropology, and the particular problem posed by the dead female body. Our core text will be Bram Stoker's Dracula, with some accompanying short stories and poems.
Program Model
Housing & Meals
Live in shared housing with other program participants. Welcome and farewell meals are included in the program fee. Additional meals can be prepared in the housing or taken at local eateries.
Excursions
Excursions in London may include:
- Crossbones Cemetery
- Westminster Abbey
- High Gate Cemetery Tour
- Jack the Ripper Tour
- Old Operating Theater Museum
- Ossuary visit
- Discover Medical London tour
- Ghosts of London bus tour
- Tower of London
Excursions in Edinburgh may include:
- Anatomical Museum at the University of Edinburgh
- Blood and Guts: The Twists and Turns of Edinburgh's Medical History walking tour
- Mary King's Close
- Surgeon's Hall Museum
Flight
All program participants will take the coordinated group flight to and from the program site. The cost of the group flight is included in the program fee that will be posted to your student account. Do not book your own flight; you will receive information from the Learning Abroad Center about your seat on the group flight once your participation has been confirmed.
It might be possible to deviate your return flight. Inquire with your program contact if interested.
Learning Outcomes
- Develop independence by challenging yourself in a new environment
- Function as an effective team member by utilizing your personal strengths in a group setting
- Explore a specific topic through experiential and interdisciplinary approaches
Faculty & Staff
This Global Seminar is led by Ann Tandy-Treiber, Faculty in the Department of English at the University of Minnesota.
Program Structure
Program Level
3000 level coursework
Courseload
One 3-credit course
Global Seminars are 3-week study abroad programs led by University of Minnesota faculty and staff that feature:
- Intensive learning in a location that illuminates the topic
- Small groups of 15–25 students
- No prerequisites or language requirements
- Included excursions and cultural activities
- Instruction in English
Course Schedule
Students from other UofM campuses
There is an option to participate in the on-campus portion remotely. Please reach out to the program leaders to confirm. You will need to work with your academic adviser and campus enrollment office and do a Multi-I enrollment for this program. There may be additional or different tuition owed as part of the program fee.
Coursework
London and its vicinity provide an incredible range of sites to visit, many of which will also play roles in our readings and discussions. Our excursions will be grouped around two overlapping themes: The Dead in the City (visiting churches, tombs, and cemeteries); and Science and Medicine (attending talks and exhibitions at the Old Operating Theatre Museum, University College London, the Wellcome Collection). We will hear from experts on the role Victorian sites play in the modern experience of London, and we will use our literary readings to reflect on the landscape around us.
Your work for this class will involve informal writing, briefly presenting on historical subjects, and creating a "travel blog" as a class.
Sustainability
The Learning Abroad Center is committed to sustainability and incorporating this into our programs. This course can be tied to Sustainable Development Goals through course content and program activities including:
- #11 Sustainable Cities & Communities
This course program addresses the "Sustainable Cities and Communities" goal by discussing extensively the ongoing relationship between the living and the dead in areas with dense populations of both. This includes issues of public health and sanitation, equitable use of space, environmental impact, and preservation of historical sites.
Receive credit for: ENGL 3092
Liberal Education Fulfillment: Literature core
Death & Ritual in Victorian London Syllabus (PDF)
Academic Registration
If confirmed, you will be registered for your course by the Learning Abroad Center once registration opens for your term abroad. Make sure you have no holds that would prevent registration.
If you haven't already, communicate with your academic adviser(s) as applicable to review the course for your major, minor, or college requirements. University of Minnesota students should use the Academic Planning Form (PDF), located on your confirmation checklist.
Dates Details
Submit the online application and complete the assigned application checklist according to the appropriate deadline:
| Term | Program Dates | Priority Application Deadline | Final Application Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| May Session 2024 | May 12–June 2, 2024 | February 1, 2024 | March 1, 2024 |
Program dates are subject to change.
If the deadline falls on a weekend, submit your materials on the following business day.
Important Note: Enrollment on this program is limited to 25 students. Admission is granted on a rolling basis and applications are reviewed in the order they are completed. Some programs may fill to capacity prior to the application deadline, therefore applying early is recommended. Additionally, applying early will allow for more time to plan ahead and prepare for the program.
Information Sessions
Join in-person or over Zoom. Register and learn more about this and other events on our events page.
| Date | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Fri., Jan. 26 | 12:00 p.m. | Online (register for Zoom link) |
| Thurs., Feb. 1 | 12:30 p.m. | Online (register for Zoom link) |
| Thurs., Feb. 8 | 4–5pm | Hybrid (Pillsbury Hall 114 or join Zoom Link) |
Orientation Dates & Locations
Orientation will be conducted in 2 parts: an online orientation—which is mandatory—and in-person or online program-specific session with program leader(s). All meetings are required and failure to complete the online orientation will impact your ability to go abroad. The online orientation module is found on your application checklist and is due by your first orientation session.
You will be notified of the official date and time of required orientation sessions or will be contacted to send availability in order to schedule sessions. Reach out to your program leader directly for any concerns about orientation session date and times. You will receive applicable orientation materials from your program leader either in advance or after the orientation session(s).
Priority Deadline
If you apply by the priority deadline and confirm within the allotted time you will receive the published program fee. Applying after the priority deadline and/or not confirming within the allotted time means you may be subject to an airfare increase.
Fees
May 2024 Cost of Participation
Program fees can vary widely due to location, cost of living, airfare, and program inclusions. The program fee generally includes tuition, group flight airfare, airport transfers, in-country program related transportation, housing, some meals, entrances to course-related excursions and site visits, program administration, and international health insurance. You must also budget for passport and passport photos, some meals, textbooks, independent travel, and miscellaneous living expenses.
Recent increases in international airfare and accommodation costs have impacted all instructor-led program fees. The LAC strives to follow best practices to provide the lowest cost program while ensuring a quality academic experience.
If you do not see a budget estimate for the term you intend to go abroad, the fee has not yet been finalized. We strive to post fees for this program at least 30 days prior to the application deadline. The Learning Abroad Center will delay the posting of some fees until enrollments, inflation and exchange rates are determined. Note the average increase in fees will be 3–10%. Program fees are based on estimates and may change depending on international economic factors.
Billing & Payments
Visit Billing for information about the billing process for application fees, deposits, and program fees.
Financial Aid & Scholarships
Visit Financial Information for information on using financial aid and scholarships for study abroad.
Cancellation Policy
Before you apply to or confirm your participation on this program, review the Learning Abroad Center's Cancellation Policy to inform yourself of the timeline and financial obligations for canceling.
May Session 2024
Global Seminar: Death & Ritual in LondonMay Session 2024 |
|
|---|---|
Program Fee
|
|
| Non-refundable deposit | $400 |
| Tuition and educational costs | $4,972 |
| International health insurance | $50 |
| Housing and/or mealsShared housing in hotel and residence halls with kitchen facilities | $963 |
| Transportation (if required and included in program fee)group flight | $1,930 |
| Total Program Fee | $8,315 |
| Program discount for University of Minnesota and Big Ten students, if applicable | $-500 |
| Total Program Fee with discount, if applicable | $7,815 |
Estimated Additional Expenses
|
|
| Costs Typically Incurred Prior to Departure These costs may need to be paid before your financial aid is disbursed for your term abroad. | |
| Transportation to and from program site | $0 |
| Passport/photos | $150 |
| Visa/required documents | $0 |
| Travel clinic/immunizations*Consult with your provider or travel clinic for recommendations | $50 |
| Housing deposit | $0 |
| Total Estimated Cost Incurred Prior to Departure | $200 |
| Costs Typically Incurred After Arrival in Host Country | |
| Texts/materials | $50 |
| Housing and/or meals not included in program feebreakfast daily in Edinburgh (3 days) and welcome/farewell meal included | $900 |
| Essential daily living expensesphone charges, misc. transportation outside of program activities | $200 |
| Total Estimated Cost Incurred After Arrival in Host Country | $1,150 |
Total Estimated Cost of Participation
|
|
| Total Estimated Cost of Participation | $9,165 |
| Spending money and personal travel Not included in financial aid calculation | $400 |
| Additional Notes & Information | |
| * Immunizations Note: This estimate is based on approximate cost of travel-related vaccinations and medications required for entry or recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Your costs may be higher or lower depending on your travel clinic, the specific immunizations and medication prescribed, and your insurance coverage. | |
Prepare
Be aware: Learning Abroad Center programs require a $50 application fee. This fee will be charged to your student account upon submission of an online application.
COVID-19 Information
A COVID-19 vaccine & booster and negative COVID test before departure (own expense) may be required on arrival in country or at various venues in this location (based on current government and local policies). This may change before departure.
Participants are expected to follow local and governmental COVID-19 guidelines and requirements while abroad. Visit the CDC International Travel website and the LAC COVID Policies page for updated information.
US Consulate in the United Kingdom COVID-19 Information site (current updates on entry/exit and local requirements).
More information can be provided during advising sessions and pre-departure orientation with the program contact in the LAC.
Apply
The COVID-19 vaccine series is strongly recommended, pursuant to CDC guidelines, but not required for participation in this program.
You will be charged a $50 application fee for each application you submit.
Complete
After you submit your application, you will receive an email notification confirming that your application was received. Submitted applications are assigned an application checklist, which will include the following items:
- Application Essay
Detailed descriptions and instructions for submitting each checklist item are included on the application checklist assigned to you.
If you do not meet the GPA requirement for this program you will be required to submit an additional essay. It will be added to your checklist after you start your application, and you will be notified when it has been added.
Next Steps
- After you complete all required application checklist items, you will receive an automated email message indicating your application is ready to be reviewed.
- Your completed application will be reviewed by the Learning Abroad Center.
- If admitted, the Confirmation & Payment Agreement form will be added to your checklist. Complete this form to secure your spot on the program. By submitting the form, you also give your approval for the program deposit to be billed to your UofM student account.
- Complete the confirmation checklist, which include the following items in additional to program-specific forms:
- Passport Information
- Emergency Contacts
- Health Information Form
- Online Health & Safety Orientation
- Release & Waiver
- You will receive information about additional steps from the sponsoring college/department.
After You Apply
Before your program begins, review these resources.
Health & Safety
Learn more about staying healthy and safe abroad, including mental health and wellness, international travel insurance, and safety precautions.
Power of Attorney
Consider designating someone as your power of attorney to act as your legal representative while you’re abroad.
Student Identity
Consult our resources on student identities as you prepare for your abroad experience.
Travel Resources
Ready to go abroad? Our travel resources will help you pack and learn what to expect.
Program Contact
For further information or questions about this program, email
Jemma Lund at [email protected],
or call at
612.625.8827