Technology, Humanities, and the Arts in London and Scotland

May 29 – June 27, 2024

St. Paul's Cathedral
“St. Paul’s Cathedral Long Exposure” courtesy of Flickr user Davide D’Amico

Application deadline: February 15, 2024! EXTENDED to March 1, 2024
Applications are also accepted on a rolling basis

All classes in this program count toward the Citizen Scholars program.

Learn more about a scholarship opportunity specifically for students in this program!

At the beginning of summer (June), students will explore changes in the arts & humanities by immersing themselves in the culture of London and of Scotland, two the creative capitals of the world. This program includes hands-on workshops and the ability to view plays, performances, museums, and galleries. This experience is an exciting way to earn a general education requirement and fulfill electives toward the Digital Humanities minor.

See the 2022 itinerary to get a better idea of the program, and check out this list of top 10 reasons to go on the program!

Explore changes in the arts and humanities by immersing yourself in the culture of London and Scotland (Edinburgh specifically), two of the creative capitals of the world.

  • hands-on workshops
  • plays and performances
  • museums and galleries
  • spend the last two weeks in Scotland, based out of Edinburgh, with a day trip to Glasgow and a day trip to a loch

Courses

The program requires that all students take 2 courses for 7 credits total:

  • DH 491 – Culture: Physical and Digital [3 credits] (see the 2022 syllabus)
  • And one of the following (see the 2022 syllabi):
    • IAH 241E – Art, Technology, and Politics [4 credits]*
    • AL 491 – Art, Society, and Technological Change [4 credits]

*Students who do not have the pre-requisite for a second-level IAH course can receive an override to enroll in this program.

Both courses can count towards the Digital Studies in the Arts and Humanities minor (formerly called the “Digital Humanities” minor). Students that participate in the study abroad program would only need two additional Digital Studies classes and a capstone or internship to complete the minor. Find out more about the minor.

The first half of the program (2 weeks; 3 weekends) will be based in London, and the second half (2 weeks; 1 weekend) will be based in Edinburgh, Scotland. Living in two cities over the course of the program gives students the opportunity to explore the cities as tourists and as residents, and to be able to understand some of the similarities and differences in daily life across the UK.

Classes will almost entirely be held on-site (at museums, plays, galleries, etc); however, there will also be a few sessions taught in classrooms with student services support based out of ACCENT offices in London (located just behind the British Museum and across from the University College London). 10 Reasons to Enroll in the Tech, Humanities & the Arts in London and Scotland Study Abroad Program

Satellite image of southern England at night showing lights and population
The Lights of London” courtesy of Flickr user NASA on The Commons

Housing

In London, students will be housed in apartments with their classmates. All apartments are located within zones 1 and 2 of London’s underground metro system. In Edinburgh, students will be housed in student housing (likely apartment-style) with their classmates near the center of the city. Specific locations will be assigned in the Spring. All housing will have kitchens, and students are encouraged to explore London and Edinburgh’s markets and grocery stores as a part of their experience.

Instructor

Kristen Mapes
Assistant Director of Digital Humanities | kmapes@msu.edu

Cost Breakdown

Program fee: $4825

What it covers:

  • Housing for the entire trip, including a shared apartment in London and housing in Edinburgh
  • Transportation within the UK–including an unlimited Oyster card for public transport in zones 1 and 2 of the Underground train and local transport to and in Scotland
  • Admission to all museums, galleries, archives, etc that are part of the class
  • Theater tickets to required performances
  • Group meals–over the course of the program, there will be several group meals (usually dinners) for students and the instructor

Scholarship and Financial Aid

Digital Studies Study Abroad Scholarship – $1000 – Due by noon, Monday, March 4, 2024

Available to two students enrolled in the Digital Studies in the Arts and Humanities minor (formerly called the Digital Humanities minor) at MSU. The Digital Humanities Program will contribute $1000 toward the Program Fee. This scholarship looks for particularly strong experience or interest in Digital Studies. Involvement in the Digital Studies/Humanities community at MSU and beyond as well as an awareness of the emerging field are traits highly valued by the Scholarship Committee.

The application requires a personal statement from the student (100-300 words). The student must have applied to the study abroad program in order to be considered for the scholarship.