Fall 2007 Program

Faculty

Professor Jeff Bowen, Physics
jbowen@bucknell.edu
Professor Bowen teaches a variety of theoretical physics courses, as well as hands-on classes in personal use of energy, game theory seminars, and introductory physics lectures.

Professor Jean Shackelford
jshackel@bucknell.edu
Professor Shackelford teaches courses in economics as well as a foundation seminar on empire and a capstone on the history of capitalism.

Program Highlights

London will be your classroom as you:

  • Visit historic sites and museums to understand Britain's cultural, religious, and political past.

  • Gain entrance to special museum collections and displays not open to the general public

  • Experience British theatre, art, architecture

  • Study British and European Union economics from Europe's most important financial center

  • Enjoy the vibrant life of central London

  • Participate in overnight trips to other noteworthy cities in England such as Bath and York

  • Participate in a trip to explore the still charming and medievalesque Belgian "wool towns" Brugge and Mechelen, cities that were central to late-medieval and Tudor-era English economic and foreign policy

  • Earn Bucknell credit while studying abroad at Bucknell tuition and dorm rates (most financial aid applies)

CORE COURSES

Markets, Metrics and Mavens: British Science, Technology and Economic Thought – Bowen & Shackelford (ECON 222/ UNIV 244 [all students], CAPS 479 [seniors only], 1 Credit)

Britain's entry into the world as an empire rests on the legacy of intellectual giants of British science and economics. Their contributions paved the way for critical advances in transportation, communications and production, leading to economic growth, industrialization, expanded trade and a global reach. We will look at some of the great thinkers in physics and economics, with the primary focus on key scientific advances and the science behind innovations that led to market expansion and engaged the focus of economic theorists. From the array of topics to study, we currently plan to examine the science behind systems that expand economic output, improve living standards, and further empire.

This course satisfies a CLA natural science requirement, a CLA natural and fabricated world’s requirement and is a W2.

British Culture:Art, Architecture and Society in London – Connor (Art 215, 0.5 or 1.0 Credit)
The course explores themes reflected in the art and architecture on view in London. Themes include: factors which have shaped the structure of London (the Roman invasion, the Great Fire, the Blitz of 1940, the regeneration of docklands); Britain’s changing relationships with (ex-)colonies, notably India, and with Europe; ‘cultural imperialism’ 9collecting, rescuing or looting?), and the interplay between artistic and social ideals from William Hogarth to William Morris. After introductory walking tours in the first two weeks, the sessions begin with slides and a discussion of the week’s topic, followed by a visit to a historical site/exhibition/gallery.

Special Studies in Theatre: The London Stage - Sullivan (THEA 264 or ENGL 217, 0.5 or 1.0 Credit)
All aspects of London theatre are integrated into this course including aspects of staging, designing sets, props, costumes, lighting and special effects, and acting in "backstage" visits to Shakespeare’s Globe, the National Theatre production facilities, and the Museum of Theatre’s costume and make-up shops. Classes will focus on contemporary as well as historic plays and playwrights including some that complement both the theatre course and the semester focus. Students will see at least one play each week (from the best of West End, National and "Off-West End" theatre), keep a theater journal of the plays attended, participate and lead class discussions.

This course satisfies a CLA humanities requirement.

ELECTIVE COURSES

The Science of Time - Bowen (PHYS 161/261: 1 Credit, Lab Science)
The consideration of the nature of time has been a central intellectual and practical endeavor throughout history and even pre-history, and Britain has been the setting for some of the most significant advances in the human understanding of time. This course will examine both the history of timekeeping, and the science of the nature of time. We will look at various candidates for clocks and calendars, and evaluate their use as scientific standards. What does it mean to say that one kind of clock keeps "better time" than another? What is the relation among calendars that use the sun's or the moon's apparent motions? What is the present scientific standard for time and why was it chosen? The course will also include on-site visits to Stonehenge, Greenwich Observatory, and several London museums.

This course satisfies the CLA laboratory science requirement.

The British Economy: Institutions, Policy and Theory - Shackelford (ECON 271 1 credit)

The British economy functions within both a global and regional context and this course examines the institutions, policies, and theories that guide and govern this economy in the world today. As a founding member of the ECC in the 1950s, Britain continues to play an important role in the development of the European Union and its pillars. This trading block makes up the largest market in the world, and despite its many successes, faces enormous challenges as expansion proceeds. The course explores topics in finance, trade, and technology, as well as examining immigration, environmental, health, monetary and fiscal policies.

Readings, class lectures, discussions, and several guest UK economists provide our 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 Warf.