Program Overview

Introduction to the Semester in London Program

The Semester in London academic program is a unique opportunity for students to study in London, with courses that include weekly outings to explore the city. The program also offers an optional internship program for upperclassmen, allowing them to gain practical experience in their field of study.

Curriculum

The Semester in London program includes a variety of courses that meet in the classroom and then take students on outings to relevant locations in London. These outings include visits to museums, galleries, theatre performances, historical and political sites, and other relevant locations. Students can join most classes on their weekly outings, even if they are not enrolled in that class. Many of the courses are cross-listed, allowing students to select the best option to fulfill major, minor, General Education, or elective credit.

While abroad, students take 16 credits in the fall or spring semesters or 13 credits in the summer semester. All students enroll in UNST 390: Special Studies in University Studies - The London Experience, a 1-credit course that allows students to reflect on the meaning of their study abroad experience and its relation to their academic, professional, and personal development goals. Interested students can also earn substantial credit toward a minor in British Communication and Media, which is only available to Semester in London students. ### Course Requirements for the Minor in British Communications The minor requires at least 18 credit hours, chosen from courses offered both at JMU and in London. Students may double-count a maximum of 6 credit hours towards both a major and this minor. The minor is open to all students. ### Courses Offered in the Semester in London Program The following courses are offered in the Semester in London program: - ARTH 316: Experiencing Art in London: This course offers an introduction to art in London via site visits to visual arts venues, monuments, and museums. Credits: 3, Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer - ENG 412N / HUM 200L / THEA 449: The London Theater: Study of London theatre, with consideration given to current productions of classic and contemporary works. Credits: 3, Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer - SMAD 360L / SCOM 360L / HUM 251L / WRTC 360L: British Media and Society / Modern Perspectives: British Media and Society: Study the history, nature, and impact of mass media in the United Kingdom. Credits: 3, Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer - POSC 371L / SCOM 472L / SMAD 472L: Topics in Comparative Politics: British Media and Politics: A study of the media's role in political campaigns, concentrating on past/present elections. Credits: 3, Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer - SCOM 347L: Communication, Diversity & Popular Culture: Study of the rhetorical dimension of communication practices and texts found in popular culture. Credits: 3, Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer - SMAD 301L / SCOM 351 / WRTC 351L / ARTH 389: Culture by Design (Visual Rhetoric): Study of how mediated communication molds perception and influences cultural change. Credits: 3, Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer - SMAD 463L / ENG 463L / SCOM 395: Film Adaptations: The study of the process of adapting literature into feature films. Credits: 3, Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer - IDLS 486: Field Internship: This internship and seminar provides students with opportunities to experience life in London from the perspective of an individual working within an organization. Credits: 3 or 6, Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer - UNST 390: Special Studies in University Studies: This 1-credit course encourages critical engagement with London and the broader UK environments. Credits: 1, Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer - WRTC 103: Critical Reading and Writing: Fosters reflective, critical reading, writing, and research in public discourse, culture, humanities, technology, and science. Credits: 3, Offered: Fall - Independent Study: Students may take an independent study in their major, under the supervision of a JMU faculty member and with the approval of the Semester in London Program Director. Credits: 3, Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer

Internships in London

The Semester in London program offers upperclassmen the unique opportunity to complete an internship overseas, partnered with Anglo Educational Services (AES). Students can earn three or six internship credits during the fall and spring semesters or three credits in the summer semester. The internship allows students to build essential life and career skills while experiencing the British lifestyle firsthand.

Minor in British Communications

The interdisciplinary British Communication and Media Minor enables students to expand their knowledge of communication and media in Great Britain and enhance their appreciation of the impact culture has on communication and media. Students must participate in JMU's Semester or Summer in London program to complete this minor. The minor requires at least 18 credit hours, chosen from courses offered both at JMU and in London. Students may double-count a maximum of 6 credit hours towards both a major and this minor. The minor is open to all students.