About the Program
Instituted in 1971 to provide theatre students with an opportunity to see the finest theatre in the world and be immersed in English history, culture, arts and architecture, this program also welcomes students from other majors who wish to experience a semester abroad on a Roger Williams program while working to complete their major or pursue a Core Concentration in British Studies.
Special courses and opportunities are added to the curriculum customized to the needs of each student helping them fulfill their educational goals. Special curriculum have been designed and are available for students in Dance, Education, Education/English, and Graphics. The program is offered each fall semester.
About the Area
The Bloomsbury area of London exudes high culture without pretenses. Known for its array of specialized institutions, Bloomsbury remains mild-mannered despite its cultural bragging rights. We’ll brag for it—the neighborhood gave its name to an influential group of English intellectuals, including Virginia Woolf. Garden squares and Victorian era hotels contribute to the streetscape’s nonchalant beauty, while dairy markets and butchers still populate Bloomsbury’s street corners, lending it a distinctly village feel in the midst of central London.
About Student Life
Students are encouraged to explore the city and experience all of its rich cultural offerings. Group activities and theater performances are a hallmark of this program. A mid-semester break offers the opportunity for the students to travel to Scotland, Wales, Ireland, or the Continent. Brit Rail passes are also included on this program.
- Declaration of major and core concentration
- Acceptable conduct record
- Advisor's and dean's approval
- Students applying to the London program must also have at least 45 credits of completed course work and a 3.0 cumulative grade point average or at least 48 credits of completed course work and a 2.6 cumulative grade point average.
Students participating in the Semester Abroad Studies in London program have four options of study available to them. All students enroll in THEAT 490 Cultures in Contact: British Heritage and Its Impact. It should be noted that a complete Interdisciplinary Core Concentration in British Studies can be satisfied in one semester.
The program options are:
- I. The Interdisciplinary Core Concentration in British Studies
- II. Four courses toward the Core Concentration in London Theatre
- III. Four courses toward the Theatre Major/Minor Course of Study
- IV. Five courses toward an Elective course of study
- V. Four courses toward an English / Secondary Education Course of Study
Semester Abroad Studies in London Course Descriptions
All courses carry 3 credits unless otherwise noted.
- HUM 330 – Society and Shelter in Britain
- HUM 430 – History through the Museums of England
- THEAT 312 – Acting Workshop
- THEAT 322 – Theatre Design Workshop (Prerequisites: THEAT 120, 220)
- THEAT 330 – Theatre of Shakespeare
- THEAT 331 – Modern Theatre and Drama
- THEAT 332 – British Theatre and Performing Arts
- THEAT 341 – Seminar in Directing Problems
- THEAT 490 – Cultures in Contact: British Heritage and Its Impact
- DANCE 225 – Intermediate Technique: London (Prerequisites: DANCE 301, 302; or consent of department faculty)
- DANCE 325 – Advanced Technique: London (Prerequisites: DANCE 320, 321; or consent of department faculty)
- DANCE 350 – British Dance and Performance Art: London (Co-requisites: THEAT490 (Students pursuing a Core Concentration in dance may substitute this course for THEAT 350.))
The London branch campus of Roger Williams University is housed in the Pickwick Hotel in the heart of London’s Bloomsbury district and around the corner from the British Museum. The hotel facilities include our dorm rooms, office/library, lounge, kitchen, computer facilities with wireless access throughout the building. Some classes are held in the hotel or in a nearby facility although the majority of class time is spent at the site being studied.
Transportation within Central London is provided for each student by means of a twelve-week travel card. Special information about housing is discussed at orientation sessions.
This program runs every fall; starting in early September until early December.
Program Cost
Semester charges will be billed to the students by RWU following normal RWU billing and payment schedules.
•Students should note that personal expenses that are associated with studying abroad such as airfare, books, personal spending are not included in this break down. Students should consult with the Spiegel Center for more budgeting information.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
RWU students applying to RWU-sponsored semester study abroad programs are able to carry financial aid over to semester abroad charges. Students can apply for the scholarship(s) at the same time they submit their application for a semester program abroad.
The Bridging the World Scholarship:
Scholarships awards based on financial need and academic merit
The Morris Award:
Scholarship awards based on financial need only (limited funds available)
- Faculty: Dr. Jeffrey Martin, theatre professor, serves as overall Program Director. A Roger Williams faculty member leads the program each year assisted by distinguished adjunct faculty affiliated with British universities and theatrical training institutions who teach courses for the program. Additional guest lecturers from the world of British theatre often supplement the Semester Abroad Studies in London program.
- Library Resources: A small library of reference books is housed at the London campus. Students may arrange to have lending cards issued to them by a local London library. These cards extend borrowing privileges to the students at all seven libraries in the Westminster group, including the Central Reference Library on St. Martin’s Lane which holds London’s largest collection of theatre and literature books.
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