Maymester 2026

The Harry Potter series stands as a cultural and literary landmark, illustrating how stories transform when adapted for film while reflecting key aspects of modern British culture. Students will explore Oxford University’s historic colleges, the botanical settings of Kew Gardens, and the theatrical heritage of the Globe Theatre to connect the story with real-world history and environments. A behind-the-scenes tour at Warner Bros. Studios offers an in-depth look at filmmaking techniques, special effects, and set design. 

Open to students of all majors - no Sorting Hat required!

London’s music scene has shaped global sound and culture, from the rise of British rock to today’s chart-topping artists. This course combines fieldwork at iconic venues like Abbey Road Studios and the Royal Albert Hall with hands-on training in music journalism and multimedia production. Students will attend live performances, conduct interviews, and create original content across formats, from written reviews to audio and video storytelling. Emphasizing practical skills, the course covers field recording, editing, and narrative techniques, providing a strong foundation for students with basic experience in digital media tools.

London’s museums and historic sites offer a vivid window into Britain’s home front during World War II. This course moves beyond textbooks to bring students face-to-face with powerful exhibitions at the Imperial War Museum, the secretive Churchill War Rooms, and Bletchley Park, where code-breaking shaped the Allied victory. Guided walking tours highlight how Londoners navigated rationing, propaganda, and daily threats during the Blitz. Through discussions and hands-on work, students explore how museums shape public memory and deepen understanding of resilience, sacrifice, and community. The course provides direct engagement with primary sources and the city’s wartime legacy.

Britain’s legal system lies at the foundation of courtroom traditions and common law principles that continue to influence justice in the United States. This course takes students inside historic institutions like the Inns of Court, the Old Bailey, and the Royal Courts of Justice, offering firsthand insight into the practices and history that shaped modern jurisprudence. Through site visits, readings, and discussions, students will trace the development of English common law and its impact on American civil and criminal law. Designed for those interested in law, history, or political systems, the course explores the enduring cultural and legal ties across the Atlantic.

London’s medical history offers a powerful lens for understanding how health care has evolved, from early surgical practices at the Old Operating Theatre to the development of the NHS. Through visits to sites like the Hunterian Museum, the Roman Baths, and Dover Castle, students will examine how cultural beliefs, political decisions, and social power have shaped health care in both the UK and the U.S. Designed for students interested in medicine, public health, health policy, or history, this course connects historical context with contemporary challenges to offer a deeper understanding of how health systems respond to changing needs.