The Courses - 2010

CORE COURSES (All three required)

Pillars of a Global City: Infrastructure, Society, Economy and Culture

(ECON 222/CENG 431) 1 credit McGinnis & Shackelford

In 2012 London will host the Summer Olympics and preparations for the games in 2010 will provide an on-going case study allowing us to explore topics in urban infrastructure, as well as economic and social policy from a variety of viewpoints including history, economy, society, and culture. The course will emphasize interrelationships between engineering, economics, sociology, geography, politics, and planning. Topics covered range from urban growth to sustainable development, and all form a critical part of urban and regional planning from both engineering and economic perspectives. On-going activities associated with the 2012 Olympics will provide many opportunities for field trips and guest speakers, including planners, politicians, and project managers.

Architecture and Art in London

(ART 215) 0.5 or 1 credit Conner

This course provides a background and context through which to view changes in British art, architecture and design from ancient to medieval, to modern. It will illustrate how technical, social, cultural and political developments are reflected in the practice and content of the arts. Each class session begins with a historical background/overview briefing with selected slides, followed by a walking tour of a museum, historical areas or nearby sites. This course satisfies a CLA humanities requirement and an Engineering humanities elective.

Theatre in London

(THEA 264) 0.5 or 1 credit (Co-listed as ENGL 217 Studies in Dramatic Literature) Sullivan

This course on one of the highlights of British cultural life introduces students to all aspects of the London Theater. Students will read several plays that complement the semester focus and will gain familiarity with the various aspects of production from staging, through designing sets, props, costumes, lighting and special effects, to acting, with "backstage" visits to Shakespeare's Globe and the National Theatre production facilities. Students will see one play each week, keep a theater journal of the plays attended and participate in and lead class discussions. Students will also write short essay examinations and complete a theater project that integrates aspects of their study and fieldwork in London. This course satisfies a CLA humanities requirement and an Engineering humanities elective.

ELECTIVE COURSES

Engineering Planning & ProjectManagement.

(CENG 490) 1 credit McGinnis

This W2 course is required for civil and environmental engineering students, but it is open to non-engineering students on a permission basis. Principles of engineering planning and project management are taught, and students apply these principles in a major group project. In small groups of three or four, students will conduct a study of an appropriate project in London/UK to assess the economic, environmental, political, social, and technical feasibility of their proposed alternative solutions. Students will learn the basic concepts of project management, engineering planning (feasibility analysis), engineering economics (time-value of money), project scheduling (critical path method), and optimization. Professional ethics will also be discussed. Field trips and guest speakers will be used extensively in the course to give students exposure to realworld project management.

The British Economy: Structures and Policy

(ECON 271) 1 credit Shackelford

This course examines the institutions, policies, and theories that guide and govern the British economy in the world today. Exploring topics that range in scope from finance and trade, to immigration, environmental, health, monetary and fiscal policies, the course examines the British economy within a global context as well as its role within the European Union. Readings, class lectures, and several guest UK economists provide background for discussions of current economic issues. Visits are planned to the historic financial district, the Bank of England, the Houses of Parliament, the Scottish Parliament and Canary Wharf. At each of these sites students will be able to observe and discuss current economic and political issues with those actively involved in day-to-day decision-making.

ADDITIONAL OPTIONS

Independent Study - Students may arrange independent study courses (contingent on faculty participation
and approval).

Internships - for course credit during the London semester in place of one of the elective courses. (Note: Internships are not considered to be an integral part of the program; they cannot be guaranteed. If students participate in an internship they will incur additional fees, including but not limited to a visa, as applicable.)