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AIFS Study Abroad in London, England
Fall Semester 2010 and Spring Semester 2011
Course Descriptions |
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Most courses carry 3 credits per semester. A normal course load is five courses (15 credits) each semester.
Study abroad students are encouraged to choose at least three courses from the London Core, supplemented by additional courses from different disciplines to maximize their cultural and educational experience. London Core coursesThe program at Richmond provides the opportunity for students to select from a core of courses—the London Core—that make special use of the resources available in London. These courses offer students an exciting opportunity to learn about the history, art, architecture, culture, economics and politics of Britain while studying in the very country they’re learning about. Many of these classes also satisfy major or general education requirements. To capitalize on opportunities at this unique multicultural University, study abroad students are strongly encouraged to choose at least three of their five courses from the following London Core courses, and may select the remainder from Richmond’s regular degree course offerings. As these Core courses are specially designed to give study abroad students the best possible academic experience, Richmond will make every effort to accommodate students in the Core courses for which they apply. | Art, Design and Media | | Course Code and Credits: | ADM 323 (3) | | Course Title: | Photography: Theory and Practice | | Course Description: | | Intended for students with modest or no background in the history, theory, and practice of black-and-white photography. It is designed to familiarize students with skills that combine visual research, photographic composition, camera operation, and printing, together with conceptual ideas, especially those of narrative photography. Students provide their own film and photographic paper. The University has cameras for student use, although it is recommended that students provide their own manual 35mm SLR camera. A studio fee is levied on this course. | | | Course Code and Credits: | ADM 335 (3) | | Course Title: | Photojournalism and Publication Layout | | Course Description: | | Concentrates on the reportage area of photography, using digital equipment. Students learn about the history, nature, and techniques of photojournalism by studying the work of eminent practitioners, and by designing, shooting, printing, and laying out a number of documentary style projects. This course is recommended for communications, journalism, and social science students as well as photographers. The University has digital SLR cameras for student use. A studio fee is levied on this course. | |
| Art and Art History | | Course Code and Credits: | ARH 351 (3) | | Course Title: | Museums and Galleries of London: The Cultures of Display | | Course Description: | | Considers the nature of museums and art galleries and their role and function in our society and culture. Students study the workings of the art market and a variety of other topics that impinge upon it, such as conservation, restoration, the investment potential of art, and art world crime. Students visit many of the great London collections as part of this course. A thorough university-level survey of the history of international art is strongly recommended as a prerequisite. This course is designed for students with a major in Art History or for those interested in careers in museum or gallery work. | | | Course Code and Credits: | ARH 352 (3) | | Course Title: | Art in Context | | Course Description: | | An introduction to major art historical themes, methods, and approaches. Through a range of media, it focuses on landscape,
representation of gender, portraiture, the nude, and history
and genre painting, and considers also the role of advertising.
Strongly recommended for visiting students who wish to take an Art History elective. Weekly visits to museums, galleries, and exhibitions provide an opportunity for students to test theories put forward in class in front of original art works. | |
| Business Administration and Economics | | Course Code and Credits: | FNN 301 (3) | | Course Title: | Corporate Finance | | Course Description: | | Examines the financial needs of corporations and the range of mechanisms available to meet them. The concept of the time value of money is studied and applied to several decision models
in capital budgeting and investment valuation. Other basic theories of finance are examined, including financial statement analysis and risk and return. Different financial requirements are studied with an emphasis on a comparison of internal and external sources of funds and their relative availability and cost. Topics include: capital budgeting; cost of capital; dividend policy; capital structure; portfolio theory; and current asset management. Prerequisites: Completion of the Richmond Core, ACC 201, ACC 202, MGT 205 or their equivalent. | | | Course Code and Credits: | INB 306 (3) | | Course Title: | European Business Environment | | Course Description: | | The course focuses on the economic, political, and social environment for business in Europe. Within this field, it examines the institutional interplay with the European Union, the contrasting structure of the European economy compared to its major competitors, the single market, the Euro, Foreign Direct Investment, the role of multinationals, and the developing
relationship between central and eastern Europe and the E.U. Prerequisites: Completion of Richmond’s Lower Division Business Core Courses or their equivalent. | | | Course Code and Credits: | INB 402 (3) | | Course Title: | Managing the Multinational Corporation | | Course Description: | | This is a capstone course for International Business students.
It provides a managerial perspective into managing the structure and operations of multinational corporations (MNCs) in the global business environment. Major managerial issues are studied from the MNC’s perspective, and the problems of planning and executing business strategies on a global scale are analyzed. A capstone project in International Business is required. Prerequisites: Completion of Richmond’s lower-division
Business Core Courses, MTH 212, INB 302, INB 304, or their equivalent, and senior status in Business. | | | Course Code and Credits: | MGT 301 (3) | | Course Title: | Organizational Behavior | | Course Description: | | This course explores the structure and nature of organizations and the contribution that communication and human behavior makes to organizational performance. The course addresses not only macro level issues relating to the environment and context within which organizations operate, but also the micro level influences of people as individuals and groups, their motivations and operating styles. The management of people for successful organizational performance is emphasized by considering work environmental factors that facilitate or impede organizational success. Prerequisite: MGT 220 or its equivalent. | | | Course Code and Credits: | MGT 307 (3) | | Course Title: | Operations Management | | Course Description: | | Provides a theoretical and practical understanding of operations
management, together with the ability to apply some of its major techniques to practical business problems. It includes
operations strategy, materials management, production planning and simulation, network planning, variety reduction, quality assurance, quality circles, purchasing, and problems and opportunities of introducing new technology. Prerequisites: MGT 205, MGT 220 and ACC 202 or their equivalent. | | | Course Code and Credits: | MKT 308 (3) | | Course Title: | Internet Marketing | | Course Description: | | Provides students with an insight into the techniques and processes
involved in creating and maintaining a marketing presence
on the Internet. New technologies have created some radical changes in the way companies reach their markets. The successful entrepreneurs of the twenty-first century will be those who can harness the potential of virtual technology and marry it to sound marketing practice. Students have the opportunity to learn about electronic commerce in action; the interplay between the technology and marketing applications; the changing scope and uses of the Internet; and current management
issues facing businesses attempting to use the World Wide Web. Prerequisite: MKT 301 or its equivalent. | |
| Communications and Literature | | Course Code and Credits: | LIT/THR 337 fall (3) and 338 spring (3) | | Course Title: | Shakespeare and His World I and II | | Course Description: | | Aimed at both the novice and the experienced reader of Shakespeare, this course provides a historical context to Shakespeare’s writing and closely analyzes the poetic and dramatic aspects in his drama. Shakespeare in performance is an integral part of the course and students are expected to see productions of most texts studied. Prerequisites: Two 200-level literature courses or permission of adviser. A studio fee is levied on this course. | |
| History | | Course Code and Credits: | HST 301 (3) | | Course Title: | History of London | | Course Description: | | From the creation of Londinium by the Romans to the great modern metropolis, this course traces the growth and the changing functions, institutions, and architecture of London. Readings from writers describing the London they knew, as well as visits to selected monuments, are an integral part of this course. Note: Visits require some travel and entrance costs. | | | Course Code and Credits: | HST 339 (3) | | Course Title: | U.S. and U.K. Comparative History | | Course Description: | | Focuses on shared themes from the 1880s to the present day, using a variety of approaches to enable students from different disciplines to participate in the course. Examines issues
around popular culture, gender, and ethnicity, as well as peoples’ responses to major events like the Depression and wars. Concepts from economic history are used to analyze booms and slumps, along with the resulting changes to both the U.S. and the U.K. The decline of Britain as a world power and the parallel rise of the U.S. is studied, putting into context the current debates on the post-cold war world order and globalization. | |
| International Relations and Political Science | | Course Code and Credits: | INR 310 (3) | | Course Title: | Globalization: Power, Networks and Identity in the New World Order | | Course Description: | | Combining perspectives from anthropology, sociology, business
studies, and international relations, this interdisciplinary course addresses the vitally important and complex phenomenon
of contemporary globalization. Topics for discussion include the worldwide diffusion of political, economic, and cultural practices and relations across continents and the organization
of social life on a global scale. The course will feature guest lectures and presentations by recognised experts in various aspects of the globalization process. | | | Course Code and Credits: | PLT 301 (3) | | Course Title: | British Politics: Inside Parliament | | Course Description: | | An introduction to the political system of the United Kingdom, employing both theoretical and comparative approaches, particularly
with reference to the political system of the USA. Topics
include: the constitution; concepts of democracy; the role of the legislature; the Cabinet; the Head of State/Head of Government;
the electoral system; pressure and interest groups; and party political programs. Classes are supplemented by a series of meetings at the House of Commons, conducted by a Member of Parliament. The timing and frequency of these parliamentary sessions vary according to the parliamentary sessional calendar. Limited to 30 students: preference is given to declared political science majors. Prerequisite: PLT 150 or equivalent or permission of instructor. | |
| Religion | | Course Code and Credits: | RLG 300 (3) | | Course Title: | Comparative World Religion | | Course Description: | | Explores the monotheistic religions of the Near East (Judaism, Christianity, and Islam), those of India and the Far East (Hinduism,
Buddhism, and Taoism) and the “new age” faiths. The history and practice of each is studied. Special emphasis is laid on the philosophical and psychological basis of each religion and common themes such as “the self” and suffering. Primary and secondary sources are studied along with an examination of methodology in comparative religion. Guest speakers and class visits form an integral part of the course. | |
| Theater Arts | | Course Code and Credits: | THR/LIT 337 fall (3) and 338 spring (3) | | Course Title: | Shakespeare and His World I and II | | Course Description: | | See LIT/THR 337 and 338 for description. | |
Other CoursesThe following is just a sample of courses available. Please visit the Richmond website, www.richmond.ac.uk, for a full list of available courses and their prerequisites. | Art and Art History | | Course Code and Credits: | ADM 306 (3) | | Course Title: | Intermediate Drawing | | Course Description: | | Develops drawing skills and provokes and stimulates thinking about both the technical and intellectual aspects of the drawing
process. A developing understanding of the vocabulary and syntax of drawing is encouraged through projects that feature observation, analysis, and expression. Students work from studio subjects and on location and are expected to undertake museum study. A studio fee is levied on this course. | | | Course Code and Credits: | ADM 326 (3) | | Course Title: | Video Production | | Course Description: | | A “hands-on” course for students new to video, involving most aspects of production from camera work and sound recording to editing and audio dubbing. The theory and practice of video technology are taught through a series of group exercises and out-of-class assignments. Students also study a range of classic
videos and films as a means of understanding the language of the medium. A studio fee is levied on this course. | | | Course Code and Credits: | ADM 330 (3) | | Course Title: | Exploring Paint Media | | Course Description: | | Combines study of pigments and various water-, acrylic-, and oil-based media, their uses and technical characteristics with studies of style, composition, color theory, and visual appearance.
Students undertake a number of practical projects designed to enable them to explore aspects of theory and the potentialities of paint and color, both as ends in themselves and as components integrated into work in other media. Discussion
and the sharing of ideas and perceptions are an important
part of this course. A studio fee is levied on this course. | | | Course Code and Credits: | ADM 340 (3) | | Course Title: | Communication Design: Type | | Course Description: | | This course focuses on the theory and practice of communication
design, with emphasis on type-based solutions. It introduces
students to the concept of graphic design as a social activity and projects include book design, grid systems and poster design. The course has an important theoretical component
which includes visual culture and graphic design criticism. | | | Course Code and Credits: | ADM 362 (3) | | Course Title: | Pixel Playground | | Course Description: | | Examines different ways in which digital art is used by both artists and designers. The aim is for students to understand key features and functions of two core graphic applications and place them within a practical and conceptual context of two-dimensional computer graphics. No previous experience with design or computers is necessary for this course, which is a prerequisite for all other digital courses in the ADM major. | | | Course Code and Credits: | ADM 372 (3) | | Course Title: | Web Design | | Course Description: | | Intended for students who want to learn how to design and build a website. The course examines past, present and the future development of website design. It teaches students to critically engage with web design as a functional design form, focusing on issues of interactive design and graphic user interface, and incorporating rich media and search engine optimisation. By the end of the course each student will have designed and built their own website. Prerequisite: ADM 362 or equivalent. | |
| Art History | | Course Code and Credits: | ARH 349 (3) | | Course Title: | British Art and Architecture | | Course Description: | | Considers British painting, sculpture, architecture, and interior design of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, in their cultural,
social, and political context. Students take regular visits to museums, galleries and buildings with their rich intercultural collections to discuss works on site. | | | Course Code and Credits: | ARH 354 (3) | | Course Title: | The Renaissance: New Perspectives | | Course Description: | | This course challenges the common assumption that the Renaissance
is a typically Italian phenomenon, paying particular attention to Northern Europe during the sixteenth and seventeenth
centuries, with special reference to England, France, and Flanders. Students are introduced to issues related to the Northern European interplay between political agendas, social structures and religious ideologies, and visual art. Special attention
is devoted to the development of a sophisticated material culture in France and an elaborate portrait tradition in England; the Italian and Northern renaissance influence on Holbein and Van Dyck; and the legacy of Renaissance art in England with particular reference to Palladianism and Pre-Raphaelite painting.
The course includes sustained engagement with museum collections in London. Prerequisites: ARH 103 and either ADM 251 or COM 231 or equivalents. | |
| Business Administration and Economics | | Course Code and Credits: | ECN 353 (3) | | Course Title: | Economic Problems of Developing Countries | | Course Description: | | Discusses questions such as: why does the level of economic prosperity vary between countries; how is the difference itself to be measured; what is the range of measures available to improve
the lot of the world’s poorest inhabitants; and what role can organizations such as the IMF and the World Bank play in this process? Prerequisites: ECN 210, ECN 211 or equivalents and junior status. | | | Course Code and Credits: | ECN 450 (3) | | Course Title: | International Economics | | Course Description: | | Considers international specialization, the development of world trade, commercial policy, balance of payments, foreign exchange rates, and payment mechanisms. Prerequisites: ECN 210, ECN 211 or equivalent and junior status. | | | Course Code and Credits: | FNN 302 (3) | | Course Title: | Principles of Investment | | Course Description: | | The course familiarizes the student with basic financial instruments
and capital market operations, including new issuance, securities trading, and the role of different intermediaries in the investment market. Investment companies are subject to closer
study. The fundamentals of portfolio theory are introduced and applied to investment management. Valuation of fixed-income securities, equity instruments, and common stock is discussed on the basis of modern capital market theory. The course introduces financial derivatives, including options, futures, forward rate agreements, and interest rate swaps, and relates the use of derivatives to fixed income investment, portfolio
analysis, and interest rate risk management. Prerequisite: FNN 301 or equivalent. | | | Course Code and Credits: | FNN 304 (3) | | Course Title: | Money and Banking | | Course Description: | | The most significant recent developments are reviewed and commented upon. The main emphasis is on money and its place within the macro economy. The role of the commercial banks and the central bank is studied from the viewpoint of the part each plays in portfolio selection among economic agents. Some of the controversies about the effectiveness of fiscal and monetary policies are also reviewed. Prerequisites: ECN 210 and ECN 211 or equivalent. | | | Course Code and Credits: | FNN 402 (3) | | Course Title: | International Finance | | Course Description: | | The course focuses on the global market and the basics of multinational financial management from an international trade finance perspective. An understanding of multinational finance begins with a mastery of the principles of exchange rates—how they are determined, how they affect the price of goods, and their relationship to interest rates. The course also covers foreign exchange markets, multinational accounting, foreign exchange
risk, strategies for managing exchange rate exposure, import and export finance, and multinational financial management.
Prerequisite: FNN 301 or equivalent. | | | Course Code and Credits: | INB 304 (3) | | Course Title: | Country Risk Analysis | | Course Description: | | Provides students with an overview of the history, methods, strengths, and limitations of political risk forecasting. Political
risk forecasting is defined as a package of social science concepts and methods used by government and multinational businesses to analyze the future political environments in which they operate. A seminar format with extensive student participation is used. Prerequisites: Completion of Lower Division
Business Core Courses or equivalent. | | | Course Code and Credits: | MKT 301 (3) | | Course Title: | Principles of Marketing | | Course Description: | | Introduces students to the principles and operations of marketing.
Course work includes an in-depth analysis of the strategic role played by marketing in contemporary business, from new product development, marketing research, and target marketing
to consumer behavior analysis, advertising, and promotion and personal selling activities. Each variable of the marketing mix is covered in detail, and the macro and micro business environment are assessed for their impact on marketing planning. Lectures, discussion topics, case studies, videos, and practical exercises are used to cover the course material. Prerequisites: Completion of The Richmond Core, MGT 205, MTH 212 and MGT 220 or equivalent. | | | Course Code and Credits: | MKT 302 (3) | | Course Title: | Consumer Behavior | | Course Description: | | This course will focus on the study of what it means to be a consumer in a global, information-oriented (technology-oriented,
market-oriented) culture. Examines behavioral science concepts, processes, and approaches that inform marketing
strategy as to what, how, when, where, and why people consume. Provides a managerial-oriented understanding of the ubiquity of consumption in post-modern life. Examines the influences
upon and the behavior of consumers, both in groups and as individuals. Prerequisite: MKT 301 or equivalent. | | | Course Code and Credits: | MKT 306 (3) | | Course Title: | Advertising Management | | Course Description: | | The course provides an in-depth study and application of advertising
and its role in marketing plans. Topics include: identification
of relevant data to analyze the marketing situation; development of product positioning; marketing and advertising objectives; creative strategy; and media planning and evaluation.
Prerequisite: MKT 301 or equivalent. | | | Course Code and Credits: | MKT 402 (3) | | Course Title: | Global Marketing Management | | Course Description: | | Provides an insight into the strategic problems and opportunities
faced by companies as they move from local to multinational
to global markets. The problems and issues encountered in market entry are highlighted, and standardization, contextualization,
and adaptation strategies are assessed for their appropriateness
to new market situations. Students are expected to understand and be able to implement an environmental approach
to strategic international marketing planning. Lectures, case studies, research projects, and presentations comprise the teaching format for the course. Prerequisite: MKT 301 or equivalent. | |
| Communications and Literature | | Course Code and Credits: | COM 305 (3) | | Course Title: | Writing for Media/Journalism | | Course Description: | | Concentrates on the different styles and registers used in journalism and other media, including radio and television. Particular
attention is given to the development of styles for news, features, advertising, and editorial writing and to distinguishing
different registers depending upon the intended audience. Students carry out detailed analysis of newspapers and broadcasts
and work as a team on a class publication. Prerequisite: COM 304 or equivalent. | | | Course Code and Credits: | COM 461 (3) | | Course Title: | Fashion and Media | | Course Description: | | This course traces the multiple connections between the fashion
and media industries. It emphasizes the material realities, pragmatic and creative dynamisms, fantasy components, and essential visuality of fashion. It also highlights how London and cities in general function as creative agencies for fermenting style and fashion ideas and attitudes | | | Course Code and Credits: | ENG 370 (3) | | Course Title: | Creative Writing: Towards a Collection | | Course Description: | | In this writer’s workshop, students submit examples of their work for critical consideration by the instructor and other members of the class. Impetus is given to the writing tasks through the close reading and discussion of a selection of writing from different cultures. Students identify aspects of poets’ and fictionists’ craft and develop an awareness of narrative
structure with which to shape their own projects through a feedback-driven process. By the end of the semester, each student will have produced a collection of finished poems and pieces of short fiction. | | | Course Code and Credits: | LIT 324 (3) | | Course Title: | Travel Writing | | Course Description: | | Exposes students to the scope and the power of modern travel writing. Endeavors to provide an intellectual framework for the understanding and analysis of this genre and introduces students to many of the critical texts, which are drawn from Bryson, Raban, and Naipaul, among others. Prerequisite: ENG 215 or equivalent. | |
| History | | Course Code and Credits: | HST 316 (3) | | Course Title: | Pictures of Power: History, Image, and Propaganda | | Course Description: | | The course aims to introduce students to innovative methods of studying the past, which utilize popular forms of visual culture.
Specific case studies range from the pyramids of ancient Egypt to the science fiction of cold war America and beyond. While recognizing the complexity of the image-making process and the various influences which go into shaping images, the course focuses on the historical relationship between politics and art (including architecture, sculpture, painting, photography,
postcards, posters, and cinematic and television images), and the way in which significant aspects of visual culture have been utilized to propagate or critique particular ideological, theological, and/or political messages. The course is highly interactive and normally involves seminars and field trips. | | | Course Code and Credits: | HST 319 (3) | | Course Title: | Cultures of Imperial Power | | Course Description: | | This course examines the causes and consequences of empires.
It provides an introduction to the characteristics of the history of empire and discusses the ways in which postcolonial theory can be applied to history, although the focus is on the modern period. Attention is directed to the nineteenth- and early twentieth-century empires of Britain and France. Topics include: the reason that empires were created; how these were (and are) described; their impact on the peoples involved; how the colonized resisted the colonizers; and whether former colonies could develop sub-imperial agendas of their own. | | | Course Code and Credits: | HST/PLT 324 (3) | | Course Title: | Politics of the Middle East | | Course Description: | | Deals primarily with the politics of the Arab world, although Iran and Turkey are discussed where appropriate. This course is thematic rather than national in focus. Among the themes discussed
are nationalism, revolution, the politics of oil, the great powers and the Middle East and religion in politics. A previous course in Middle Eastern history is strongly advised. Prerequisite:
PLT 150 or INR 203 or permission of instructor. | | | Course Code and Credits: | HST 347 (3) | | Course Title: | Island to Empire: British History Since 1800 | | Course Description: | | Surveys the history of modern Britain during the formative period of industrialization and empire building. During this era an agrarian society ruled by a powerful aristocracy gave way to an industrial society with a democratic franchise and organized political parties. This interaction between the old order and the new provides the course with its basic theme. | |
| International Relations and Politics | | Course Code and Credits: | INR 306 (3) | | Course Title: | Human Rights | | Course Description: | | Examines international human rights as they are practiced in the modern world. It draws from related disciplines of international
law and international relations and considers the principal global and regional mechanisms as well as actual events, cases and responses, in an attempt to understand the development
of universal human rights. | | | Course Code and Credits: | INR 390 (3) | | Course Title: | Foreign Policy Analysis | | Course Description: | | By considering the economic, political, psychological, or systemic
determinates of foreign policy, both theories and practical
examples are examined for the reasons made by states for certain foreign policy choices. An underlying assumption examined
is that there is a pattern in foreign policy behavior and that decision-makers in similar circumstances tend to make similar choices. Prerequisite: INR 203 or equivalent. | | | Course Code and Credits: | INR 392 (3) | | Course Title: | American Foreign Policy | | Course Description: | | Examines the major issues that underlie the development of United States’ foreign policy. The course considers the theoretical
and actual implementation of foreign policy, firstly by examining the constitutionally mandated practitioners of such policy and secondly by exploring the execution of policy in a series of case studies covering the latter half of the Twentieth Century. Prerequisite: INR 203: Introduction to International Relations or equivalent. | | | Course Code and Credits: | PLT 308 (3) | | Course Title: | Political Sociology | | Course Description: | | At the heart of political sociology is a concern with the relationship
between the state and society, a relationship that affects every citizen. This course explores the link between the people and the state in three interrelated respects: the concept of power; the theory and practice of revolution; and the way politics affects the social fabric of daily life in technologically advanced, multi-media societies. In addition, a discussion takes place regarding the global significance of political and social change. Prerequisite: Any 100- or 200-level sociology, political science or international relations course. | | | Course Code and Credits: | PLT/HST 324 (3) | | Course Title: | Politics of the Middle East | | Course Description: | | See HST/PLT 324 for course description. | | | Course Code and Credits: | PLT 332 (3) | | Course Title: | Islam and the West | | Course Description: | | The aim of this course is to focus on the historical, political and religious relationships between ‘Islam’ and the ‘West’. Islam has for centuries been Europe’s neighbour and cultural contestant
with a history of conflict and co-existence. Since September
11 there has been increasing talk of a ‘clash of civilisations’, but globalisation has also has created an interdependency of faiths which requires greater co-operation, understanding and dialogue. A recurrent theme of this course will be whether it is possible to separate the world into monolithic entities called ‘Islam’ and the ‘West’. Why is one defined in terms of religion and the other a geographical designation? Further, we are increasingly witnessing ‘Islam in the West’. Muslims are not confined to the Middle East but have spread in large numbers to Europe and the United States and there have been Islamic communities living in the Balkans and in parts of southern Europe for centuries. Another theme will be the relations between religion and state in Islam and Christianity. Is Islam inherently resistant to secularisation as some scholars and Islamic activists believe? | | | Course Code and Credits: | PLT 359 (3) | | Course Title: | The European Union | | Course Description: | | The course examines the historical beginnings of the European Union, its institutions, and its economic performance. Considers
the Single European Act, the European Monetary System, and the social, political, and economic aspects of integration and foreign policy cooperation. Prerequisite: Junior status. | | | Course Code and Credits: | PLT 362 (3) | | Course Title: | Policy Making in the Globalized World | | Course Description: | | This course investigates the process of policy-making in modern states. It explores how in the new globalized world governments “import” and “borrow” policy ideas from each other, while analyzing how the different actors – states, bureaucrats,
thinktanks, policy-networks, lobby groups, citizens, etc – participate and influence the policy-making process. Through role-play activities (such as writing a political manifesto,
advising a President on a foreign-policy issue, or enacting a policy-network in the policy process) students will understand the complexities of policy-making and the challenges that the modern state faces in the era of globalization. Prerequisite: Junior status. | | | Course Code and Credits: | PLT 364 (3) | | Course Title: | Religion, Identity and Power | | Course Description: | | The emergence of a number of religious movements in many parts of the world has raised important questions about the role of religion in political and social life. Examines the relationship
between religion, political identity and its expression between and across nation-state borders. By focusing upon a number of religious movements, such as various Islamic revivals
and the new Christian right, this course will examine the various ways in which religious traditions are used as identity-building vehicles, particularly at times of cultural transition and social changes. Examines how the Internet and other communication
networks serve as mediums for religious identity formation. | | | Course Code and Credits: | PLT 384 (3) | | Course Title: | Modern China | | Course Description: | | Examines aspects of China’s history, such as the Opium Wars, the downfall of the Empire in 1911, the growth of nationalism and the ensuing civil war, the rise and decline of Maoism, and the role of China in world politics, with particular reference to its increasing economic importance. Prerequisites: Two 100- or 200-level history courses or permission of adviser. | |
| Psychology | | Course Code and Credits: | PSY 302 (3) | | Course Title: | Psychopathology | | Course Description: | | Combines lectures, case studies, and audio-visual sessions to introduce students to the field of clinical psychology, psychiatry,
and mental health work. An examination of the symptoms and treatment options for a range of mental and emotional disorders, including anxiety, depression, mania, and the schizophrenias,
raising a number of important issues for discussion. These include: cultural variations in the definition and diagnosis
of disordered states; the social psychological problems of the move from asylums to community care; and criticisms of the medical model of abnormality. Prerequisite: PSY 150 or equivalent. | | | Course Code and Credits: | PSY 310 (3) | | Course Title: | Phenomenological Psychology | | Course Description: | | The course takes the phenomenological insight that every person lives in “an interpreted world”, constructing a personal understanding of events, and then applies it to a wide range of psychological topics, including: the puzzle of visual illusions; the changing and multiple concept of the self; the phenomena of dreams and altered states of consciousness; and, in particular,
the problems of the search for an authentic and meaningful life. The philosophical background to the phenomenological methods of inquiry is studied and students are encouraged to use the method as a way of reflecting on their own personal and cultural experiences. Prerequisite: PSY 150 or PHL 203 or equivalent or permission of instructor. | | | Course Code and Credits: | PSY 321 (4) | | Course Title: | Counseling: Theory and Practice I | | Course Description: | | Combines theoretical studies of counseling with practical and experiential work. Students are introduced to an integrative, multi-cultural approach to counseling, which draws on a wide-range of theoretical perspectives, including psychodynamic, existential, Gestalt, and cognitive-behavioral approaches. Selected
issues are discussed via case examples and videos, and with guest lectures from visiting professionals. An important part of the course is the weekly group session led by a trained group facilitator, in which students meet to reflect on their personal development in a private and confidential setting. The course is assessed via participation, presentations, and essay work. Prerequisite: PSY 150 or equivalent. | | | Course Code and Credits: | PSY 340 (3) | | Course Title: | Cross-cultural Psychology | | Course Description: | | Provides students with an understanding of cognitive processes
as understood from the perspective of cross-cultural research. Students are introduced to contemporary research findings and models in the area of cognitive psychology as well as current cross-cultural research. Students are expected to develop a critical knowledge of the cognitive approach in psychology
as well as an understanding of cognitive processes. In addition, the focus on research methodology and issues of reliability and validity is used to encourage students to critically evaluate emic and etic aspects of cognitive processes. Topics covered include: cognitive development; perception; language; memory; and problem-solving. Prerequisite: PSY 150 or PSY 201 or equivalents. | | | Course Code and Credits: | PSY 351 (3) | | Course Title: | Cognitive Science | | Course Description: | | Introduces students to cognitive processes by focusing on three areas: attention, perception, and memory. Students are presented with theories, models, and empirical studies for critical evaluation in all of these areas. Several cognitive phenomena
are covered, including: action slips and absentmindedness;
agnosias; visual illusions; amnesia; explicit and implicit memory. This course emphasizes issues such as structure, function, ecological validity, and crosscultural variation. Prerequisites:
PSY 150 or equivalent and at least one other psychology
course. | | | Course Code and Credits: | PSY 385 (3) | | Course Title: | Childhood, Socialization and Culture | | Course Description: | | Explores the impact of “culture” on aspects of child development.
Traditional theories are evaluated with reference to cultural influences. Areas of child development covered include cognitive, gender, and personality development. Discussion topics include the effects of different child rearing practices, social structure, and individualism vs. collectivism. Readings are taken from both anthropological and psychological sources. Students are expected to reflect on their own knowledge and experiences. Familiarity with the psychology of child development
will be an advantage. Prerequisite: PSY 221 or equivalent. | | | Course Code and Credits: | PSY 400 (3) | | Course Title: | Theories and Systems in Psychology | | Course Description: | | Looks briefly at the history and epistemology of psychological theories with a view to making critical comparisons of four of the main schools of thought: Behaviorism; Cognitive Psychology;
Psychoanalysis; and Phenomenology. Seminar topics and discussion include: the mind-body debate; the free-will vs. determinism debate; artificial intelligence; the integration of Western and Eastern psychological theories; and cultural assumptions in psychology. Students are expected to have a thorough grounding in basic psychological theories and concepts
before taking this course. This capstone seminar course should only be taken by graduating seniors, preferably in their final semester. Prerequisite: PSY 150 or equivalent or permission
of instructor. | |
| Sociology | | Course Code and Credits: | SCL 305 (3) | | Course Title: | Minority and Ethnic Relations | | Course Description: | | Investigates the dynamics of relations between majority and minority groups in cultures throughout the world. Students examine
the formation of ethnic groups, the role of ethnic groups in both social organization and the distribution of goods, and the symbols and uses of ethnic identity, as well as issues of prejudice and discrimination, assimilation, pluralism, and segregation. This is followed by analysis of selected concrete case studies. | | | Course Code and Credits: | SCL 372 (3) | | Course Title: | Sociology of Culture and Subculture | | Course Description: | | Introduces the field of cultural studies by examining various concepts of culture, the positions taken in cultural criticism, and the relationship between social and cultural transformation.
Emphasis is placed on differences between U.S. and U.K. culture and the theory of subcultures. Prerequisite: SCL150 or equivalent. | | | Course Code and Credits: | SCL/MSC 395 (3) | | Course Title: | Modern Popular Music | | Course Description: | | An interdisciplinary course examining the historical, sociological,
esthetic, technological, and commercial elements of contemporary
popular music. It deals specifically with the origins and development of contemporary popular music; the relationship
between culture, subculture, style, and popular music; and the production and marketing of the music. Audio-visual resources are combined with lectures, and, where appropriate,
field trips to concerts in London. Prerequisite: SCL 150 or equivalent. | |
| Theater Arts | | Course Code and Credits: | THR 310 (3) | | Course Title: | Modern Drama | | Course Description: | | Examines Modernism critically from the perspective of European
drama. Beginning with mid-nineteenth century Russian
drama and continuing to the Theater of the Absurd, this course stresses the resurgence of theater as a vital aesthetic experience and concentrates on the multiplicity of theatrical approaches employed by such dramatists as Gorky, Chekhov, Brecht, Shaw, and Pirandello. Prerequisites: FYS 103, THR 206 or equivalents. | | | Course Code and Credits: | THR 313 (3) | | Course Title: | Acting Skills | | Course Description: | | Performance skills for students with little or no previous experience.
This course focuses on developing the voice and body through group work consisting of improvisational exercises, the use of stage space, basic blocking, and the interpretation of character and text. Group interaction is an important aspect of this course. | | | Course Code and Credits: | THR 316 (3) | | Course Title: | Screen Acting Technique | | Course Description: | | Develops acting skills specifically relating to the camera—i.e., for film and television. In a series of practical workshops and lectures, students are introduced to the disciplines of acting for the camera, and discover the basic differences between acting for television and for film (as opposed to the theater) as well as various styles of performance. Students learn how to develop realistic, sincere, and believable performances. They also become practiced in dealing with the maintenance of performance under adverse technical conditions. Students gain experience in the rehearsal process, the development of a character, and shooting procedures. They are also given exercises
in interviewing for screen work and screen testing. | | | Course Code and Credits: | THR 320 (3) | | Course Title: | World Theater | | Course Description: | | Provides an overview of the theater of different non-European countries. Mainly issue-driven writing is examined, especially drama as a reaction to oppression. The course also identifies styles that are specific to certain cultures in an aim to identify cultural influences from one country to another. Students are encouraged to contribute insights from their own individual cultures. | | | Course Code and Credits: | THR 358 (3) | | Course Title: | Classical British Theater: Shakespeare’s Friends and Rivals | | Course Description: | | Examines the classical traditions in the British theater as they are perceived today. A range of plays from the Renaissance tragedies of Christopher Marlowe, William Shakespeare and the work of John Webster to the 20th century tragedies of dramatists
such as T.S. Eliot are studied. Lectures concentrate on textual analysis and criticism, a number of visits to see plays (usually five) are undertaken; where possible these are productions
of plays taught in this course. Prerequisites: FYS 103 and THR 206, or equivalents. | | | Course Code and Credits: | THR 359 (3) | | Course Title: | Contemporary British Theater | | Course Description: | | A survey of the major developments in the British theater since the 1950s, the writers’ theater movement at the Royal Court Theatre and the work of John Osborne and Harold Pinter, along with major dramatists such as Peter Shaffer and Tom Stoppard. Students see experimental and controversial productions
and discuss current playwriting and acting techniques. Prerequisite: FYS 103. | |
Other Courses for Juniors and SeniorsIf you have not found the course you want check the Richmond website, www.richmond.ac.uk/timetables/timetable.asp. Richmond offers many other courses each semester that AIFS students can take.
Please note that study abroad students are not permitted to take the independent study, senior project/senior essay, research and writing methods, graduate level or Foundations Program courses listed on the Richmond website. |
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