Britain and the Caribbean

Welcome to the web site for JMU's Britain and the Caribbean Program. Here, you will find the most up-to-date information about the program, covering coursework, living arrangements, program-related trips, and much more. Just use the light blue navigation bar on the upper left-hand side of the screen to navigate your way through the program's information pages.

Summer 2007: June 10 to July 8

In this six-credit, one-month intensive London-based course students will learn about the history of early British colonialism in the Caribbean (which today includes Bermuda, Barbados, the Bahamas, Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, Grenada and other islands, some of which are still British territories) and the impact of Caribbean peoples and their cultures on contemporary Britain.

Academic Program

The program consists of two 3 credit units—a Core Classroom-based Course (3 credits) and a Guided Field or Archival Research Project (3 credits). Students will choose 6 credit hours from ANTH 391, SOC 391, HIST 391; honors option available.

Course-related topics:

• the impact of British colonialism on the Caribbean
• how British colonialism was situated in the broader context of the Americas, especially as it vied with Spanish, French and Dutch territorial claims,
• Britain's role in the slave trade and the history of abolition in Britain
• Anglo ideas about race and slavery
• the African diaspora in a non-U.S. region
• aspects of contemporary London and Britain with which students may be largely unfamiliar
• ethnographic, visual and historical research

Room & Board

Lodging and most meals will be provided through the program. Students should bring additional money for snacks, shopping, entertainment, and personal exploration. Contact the program director for more information.

Travel & Excursions

Outings will include off-the-beaten track places and organizations such as Anti-Slavery International (the oldest human rights group); the Matthew Stewart Slavery Collection at the British Maritime Museum; the National Archives; the London neighborhoods of Brixton and Notting Hill; the Caribbean Centre at Goldsmith's College; African heritage community groups and the Museum of Immigration and Diversity. Research projects may include field research in a local neighborhood, interviewing community activists, investigating the history/biography of a particular abolitionist or other historical figure, use of the University of London Libraries, the Matthew Stewart Slavery Collection, the National Archives, and internet resources.

Cultural outings may include theatrical productions and museum visits. Students will have the opportunity for independent exploration during designated "free" time.

Program Costs

For the current projected costs for this program, please click on the following link to the Fees for JMU Study Abroad Programs page.

Application

For more detailed instructions and to download the application, please click on the following link to the Applications and Forms section for JMU Short-Term Programs.

Also required: all students who apply must also contact the Program Director (Dr. Lewis) either by phone (568-7856), e-mail (Lewis2La) or in person (office: Sheldon 211; office hours M 12:00-2:00, T 10:00-1:00 and by appt.) More details will be available at an upcoming organizational meeting on Thursday, January 25, 2007 at 7:00 p.m. in Sheldon 114. ALL interested students should plan to attend this meeting whether they have contacted the Program Director or not.

Faculty

For more information, please contact the Program Director:

Dr. Laura Lewis
Office: Sheldon 211
Email: lewis2la@jmu.edu
Tel: 540-568-7856

Links