London in Modern European Literature, Fine Art and Film

Overview

London has been the largest European city for more than two-and-a-half centuries and has played a dominant role in the context of European cities. We are going to explore the ways in which this notion is presented in examples of European literature, fine art and film in the 19th, 20th, and early 21st centuries. The course spans three weeks and offers you a mixture of classroom teaching, film screenings, workshops and excursions. We will also make a number of suggestions for subject-related activities outside your scheduled contact hours.

Course content is subject to change.

Course aims

The aim of this course is to develop your curiosity about, and awareness of, the multifaceted urban cultures in London as a whole, and in east London in particular. The course provides the contextual knowledge and analytical framework for you to critically engage with London metropolitan life and its various cultural manifestations.

Teaching and learning

You will be taught through a combination of classroom teaching, film screenings, workshops and daily excursions.

Learning outcomes

You will learn about/gain:

• a basic knowledge of London’s history
• an in-depth knowledge of selected artefacts related to London
• an insight into urban cultural studies
• an understanding of the process of cultural production and reception.

You will be able to:

• analyse texts of various genres and other cultural media (paintings, sketches, films, photographs)
• analyse historic and contemporary materials and their context
• theorise urban culture; migration and multiculturalism
• engage critically with knowledge
• acquire a differentiated understanding of metropolitan culture
• argue clearly and concisely
• understand and apply different forms of communication in various cultural settings
• produce analyses that are grounded in evidence
• investigate unfamiliar materials
• acquire a substantial body of new knowledge
• practice the art of critical debate.

Fees

The Queen Mary Summer School costs: £1,650 per session, which includes tution and social programme. 

We offer a 10% discount to:

• Students and staff from partner institutions
• Alumni
• Current Queen Mary students 

Accommodation

The cost of accommodation is approximately £500 per session. For further information, please visit our  page.

Additional costs and course excursions

There may be additional costs for field trips, such as entry to exhibitions, which will be in the region of £10-20.
All reading material will be provided online, so it is not necessary to purchase any books.

Please note there is no deposit payment required for the Queen Mary Summer School.

Entry requirements

To join our Summer School, you should have completed a minimum of two semesters’ study at your home institution.

We welcome Summer School students from around the world. We accept a range of qualifications:

• if your home institution uses the four-point Grade Point Average (GPA) scale, we usually require a 3.0 GPA
• if your home institution uses the letter scale, you will need to have a B+

We welcome international qualifications and we consider every application individually on its academic merit.

English language requirements

All of our courses are taught and assessed in English. If English isn’t your first language, you must meet one of the following English Language requirements in order to join the Queen Mary Summer School:

• If you hold a degree from a majority English speaking country plus Canada you may use this degree to satisfy the English language requirements for entry, provided the degree was completed no more than 5 years before the start date of the course to which you are applying.
• IELTS, 7 overall or higher
• TOEFL Internet Based Test we require a minimum of 100 (L22; S25; R24; W27)
• UEE (University Entrance Exam) - 110
• CET 4 - 550 or CET 6 - 490
• PTE Academic 68
• Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English 185 70- grade C (old marking system)Applicants with an alternative qualification should check it is equivalent to the above or contact us at summerschool@qmul.ac.uk

How to apply

Applications are open! 

Check out our accommodation and fee discount pages.

Have a question? Get in touch, one of the team will be happy to help.

Application deadline: 26 May 2019.

What do I need to apply?

You’ll need to upload the following documents together with your online application:

• your current academic transcript or your record of studies to date
• evidence of your English Language proficiency, if your first language isn’t English 
• a written statement explaining why you'd like to attend the Summer School
• a copy of your passport

What do I do next? 

• check that you meet the eligibility criteria
• work with your home university adviser to select the courses you want to study at Queen Mary and ensure they are approved/can transfer back to your own institution
• gather your transcripts and your proof of language proficiency (if applicable)
• fill out our online application form

What happens then?

• we make a decision on your application within 5 days of your application date and send you an offer letter
• you accept our offer
• apply for a visa (if you need it)
• book your flights to London**
• read all of our pre-departure emails carefully before you arrive
• pack and get ready for your stay in London
• arrive in London and move into your new home with us on campus
• join the welcome programme and start your course
• complete all your welcome programme/orientation tasks
• enjoy your time at the Queen Mary Summer School

** Please don’t connect or enter the UK via Ireland, as there are visa restrictions.