Study Abroad & Exchange Programme
This page provides information about 1) the Performing Arts in London module and 2) the Historic London module for Study Abroad and Exchange Programme students.
Performing Arts in London
This module provides an introduction to the Performing Arts in London relevant in particular for short-term visiting students.Students will learn to critically review performances and engage in developing transferable skills in the area of art analysis.
The course will also refer to the historical and cultural background of the performances and explore the variety of art forms on offer in the capital and where they can be seen and heard. How the arts are funded and the arts funding process is also considered.
The course begins with an overview of English-speaking theatre with the Tudor monarchy's relationship to theatre, Shakespeare and the Globe and then moves to contemporary times and modern interpretations of performance including dance, opera, musical shows and theatre. It discusses what is perceived as Art, and looks into the issue of High and Popular art.
Art forms discussed and analysed
- Theatre – history, development, influences and venues
- Dance (classic or modern) – development, movements and history
- Opera – history and development, from its origin up to musicals, including their similarities and differences.
Historic London
This module provides students with an insight intothe development of modern London through its history and its historical landmarks.Students learn to critically assess the historical influences which have shaped modern London through focusing upon a selection of districts which have contributed to the creation of the town. Students will develop their ability to interpret and analyse the historical influences and pressures on the city from a historical perspective.
Students will visit various sites linked to historical landmarks or symbols:
- The Square Mile (City of London) and the City of Westminster – influences and historical development
- The Great Fire of London and the Blitz – the impact of each of these disasters on growing autonomy and self-governance
- The financial centre of the City
- The legal and political systems and their associated historical locations
- The Globe Theatre, its historical background and the influence of Shakespeare.