London: The Body Politic

LIT3038 ST: The Body Politic
London has been the center of theater in the anglophone world for over 500 years. Its playwrights and theaters bring forward important questions about and for the “body politic”: questions about class and race, belonging and not belonging, and questions about the personal voice and choice in a long-established democratic system. This 3000-level literature class explores the ways that English drama makes the political personal, while at the same time asking eternal questions about that most important component of any democracy, “the body politic.” The class will focus on close reading and analysis of examples of British playwrighting, from Elizabeth the I through Elizabeth II. Students can expect to engage in the reading and analysis of dramatic literature, discussion, research and presentation on course themes, and written analysis as the primary classroom activities. The principle experiential components of the course will include excursions to the Houses of Parliament, Shakespeare’s Globe, and other historical and theatrical landmarks around London and the wider London area. Credits: 3

• This program will be housed in shared rooms (2-3 students per room) in a hotel in London.
• With support from program directors, students will be responsible for most of their own lunches and dinners.
• Day-to-day transport around London will be in the London Underground (the "Tube").
• Participation in group program activities will include walking — some days very little and others more. Some program excursions will take place during the evenings.
• Students should be prepared for a cold and wet urban environment.

This program includes a group flight round trip from Logan International Airport in Boston to Heathrow Airport in London.

• Landmark College will offer optional campus shuttle service to and from the airport. On the return, students will be able to move into their residence halls in preparation for spring semester.
• At least one program leader will accompany students on each flight.
• Students who wish to fly independently may opt out of the group flight and book their own itinerary. Details will be provided to accepted students.

Considerations

Consider the following to determine if this course is right for your learning style.

Free time/Independence: VARIABLE

Students will attend class and class activities (including regular field trips) most weekdays, starting after breakfast. Some days' activities may end after class; on others there may be afternoon excursions, an evening trip to a theatrical performance, or both. On other days there may be a full day trip. 

Most evenings and weekends are free time, but students are encouraged to get out and explore with classmates. Program leaders will plan optional activities for free time and support students in planning their own free time activities. Students who want to explore independently will have plenty of opportunities and flexibility to pursue their own interests.

Students will live in hotel rooms. Breakfast is included each morning. There is a small fridge in each room, and a variety of meal options are available within a short walk of the hotel.

Academic support will be provided by both Landmark faculty members.

Physical Demands and Accessibility: MODERATE

Program excursions will include walking in urban locations, which may include cobblestones, uneven pavement, steps, etc. We will visit museums and art galleries; accessibility may vary. In London students will use public transportation (the Underground/Tube) to travel around the city. Most Tube stations include stairs. Support is available for students with mobility challenges.

Transitions: LOW

The group will stay in the same hotel for the duration of the program. The schedule includes classroom time most weekdays, and regular daily excursions, varying from a few hours to a full day.

Stimuli: MODERATE

London is a large city, although the hotel is in a quiet neighborhood across from a park. Excursions to other parts of the city may be into louder, more bustling neighborhoods, with a lot of people and sights and sounds to experience. Students will share rooms with one or two other students. Rooms are smaller than U.S. hotel rooms, but are modern and comfortable.

Language Difficulty: NONE

The native language in the UK is English.

This is a three-credit, 3000-level course. The prerequisites are:

• Good academic standing (GPA of 2.0 or above)
• Successful completion of WRT1012 and one 2000-level literature course*

*Students who have taken WRT1012 but do not have the 2000-level literature prerequisite are invited to apply, and their overall academic experience will be considered in the application process. Students who do not have either of the course prerequisites must send an email to the Dean of the School of Liberal Studies and the Arts, Solvegi Shmulsky, to review eligibility.

In addition to these academic prerequisites, students on this program are expected to balance demanding coursework with the required course excursions and free time activities. Ability to work well with others in a group, spending significant amounts of time together, is very important. Ability to manage stress and frustration, and to be flexible when plans change, are also key elements of success.

Academic Director: Adrienne Major

Program Director: Lucy Stamp

The London program fee will be announced in mid-September but is expected to be around $9,500-$10,000. The program fee includes:

• Tuition for the 3-credit course
• Group flight to/from London
• Housing for three weeks in London
• In-country transportation
• All program activities including excursions and theater tickets
• Health insurance for the duration of the program
• Breakfast every day at the hotel and three group dinners

Estimated additional costs: about $1,000 – $1,200.

Student spending can vary depending on the individual student. Additional costs include:

• Most meals: all lunches and about 16 dinners
• Cell phone costs: students are expected to have a data connection for the duration of the trip, whether through an international roaming plan, eSim, or local SIM card.
• Laundry (using local laundromats)
• Free time activities
• Souvenirs, gifts, etc.
• Additional luggage fees beyond the first checked bag

Flights for this program will depart from Boston’s Logan International airport. A shuttle bus will be provided from and to the Landmark College campus. Some students may incur additional costs to get to the departure airport to meet the group.

The need-based Global Engagement Scholarship is available for students planning to study abroad. This covers up to 50% of the program fee, and 1-2 scholarships are available per program. The Global Engagement Scholarship application is included within the study abroad program application.

The scholarship application is due on Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026 (the same due date as the program application). While the program application may be extended if the program is not filled, the scholarship application deadline will not be extended.

Application Process and Pre-departure Group Meetings

Click the link at the top of this page to apply. The application deadline is Sunday, October 4, 2026.

Applicants who have not already completed an LC study abroad or study away program will schedule an interview with the Director of Study Away, Jessica Lindoerfer. The link to sign up for an appointment time is embedded within the program application. This interview must be completed by Friday, October 9.

Please note the following important dates:

• Application deadline: Sunday, October 4, 2026 at midnight.
• Admissions notification date: Friday, October 16
• Enrollment deposit and confirmation materials due date: Friday, October 30
• Group pre-departure meeting: TBD