Program Academics

Faculty: Dr. Jeff Johnson and Dr. Alex Moffett

For many immigrants who came to America from the 17th century onward, one of the most appealing elements of their new country was a seeming lack of a restrictive social class system. Most of the European countries from which these immigrants traveled retained a vestige of the social stratification that had dominated the West in the medieval period. This was especially the case in Britain, where aristocratic institutions such as the House of Lords retained a certain degree of political and social power well into the 20th century. The United States prided itself on eschewing such anti-democratic institutions; however, it was certainly not a classless society. The racial caste system of the postbellum South was the most apparent manifestation of social class, but many other ethnic and religious groups also experienced discrimination. Today, the markers of class are far more apparent to British people than they are to Americans; however, that doesn’t mean that those markers don’t exist.

In this course, we will be analyzing the concept of social class, in all of its various permutations. One of our primary focal points will be a comparison of the class systems in Britain and America. We’ll be thinking about ways in which the British upper classes defined themselves against the middle and working classes. We’ll also

be closely scrutinizing the claim that America is a “classless” society. As we consider these issues, we’ll be charting the rise of the labor movement in both Britain and America in the twentieth centuries. We will explore the intersections between social class and a variety of other topics, including race, language, economics, and what the French sociologist Pierre Bourdieu called habitus: the set of practices that constitute people’s response to the social world in which they move. And finally, we will be reading and discussing works of literature that explore these class tensions.

We will be taking advantage of our position in London to visit museums and other sites relevant to our scholarly inquiries. These sites include the Docklands Museum in London and The People’s History Museum in Manchester.

Faculty: Dr. Jeff Johnson

This course is an examination – with London as its classroom – of the relationship between material culture/artifacts/art, and memory. It will center on questions surrounding the ownership of the past, cultural imperialism, power, historic preservation, and more. London is one of the greatest museum cities in the world, after all. With priceless (and famous) collections from antiquity to the 21st century, it boasts some of the world’s preeminent institutions. Moreover, those materials are housed in London, so what might we make about significant Meso-American or Greek materials on display at the British Museum, for example? How do museums acquire and preserve collections? How are interpretive plans being executed? So, as we talk about the challenge of ownership of the past, imperial or otherwise, we will visit the British Museum to see not only the Elgin Marbles but discuss, too, the Egyptian collection, the Africa collections, the Rosetta Stone, and the Easter Island pieces.

This course, then, delves into the intricate relationship between public history and collective memory in the context of England and the notion of historical ownership of the past. Through an interdisciplinary approach, students will explore the ways in which historical narratives are constructed, contested, and commemorated in public spaces, institutions, and digital platforms. Students will critically analyze the role of public memory in shaping identities, cultural heritage, and national consciousness, with a focus on key events, figures, and sites in English history. Topics may include but are not limited to: Monuments and Memorials: Examination of public monuments, statues, and memorials as sites of historical memory and contested narratives, with case studies ranging from medieval to contemporary England.Museums and Exhibitions: Exploration of the role of museums, galleries, and heritage sites in interpreting and presenting historical narratives to diverse audiences, including discussions on representation, authenticity, and ethics. Public Commemoration and Rituals: Investigation into public commemorations, anniversaries, and rituals, and their significance in shaping collective memory, identity, and national narratives. Digital History and Memory: Analysis of the impact of digital technologies on the dissemination and reception of historical narratives, including discussions on digital archives, virtual exhibitions, and social media platforms. Through readings, discussions, site visits, and project-based assignments, students will develop critical thinking skills and engage in thoughtful dialogue surrounding the complexities of public history and memory in England. By the end of the course, students will gain a deeper understanding of the multifaceted nature of historical memory, public history, and its implications for contemporary society.

Faculty: Dr. Eric Bennett

Course description coming soon!