London: Gender and Sexuality in World Civilizations

The courses aim to expand students’ exposure to an array of texts—theoretical, historical, works of art, literary, visual—that address the fundamental place of gender and sexuality in the social, political, and cultural creations of different civilizations. The three-course civilization sequence focuses on bodies, sex, and gender by introducing concepts in feminist, gender, and queer theory and will use feminist and queer critique to frame analyses of power, desire, and sexuality. The fourth course, a GNSE elective, will change each cycle.

In addition to classroom instruction, the program features a number of excursions to sites of historic and cultural interest both within and around London.

The following courses will be offered in the Autumn 2023 program:

• GNSE 15002 Gender and Sexuality in World Civ I – Lina Ferreira Cabeza-Vanegas
• GNSE 15003 Gender and Sexuality in World Civ II – Cate Fugazzola
• GNSE 15004 Gender and Sexuality in World Civ III: European Feminist Theory – Linda Zerilli
• GNSE 23152 Gendered Experiences of the City: London – Kim Coleman
  A 9-week course in which we will explore gendered experiences of London in the 20th Century. Each week we will explore the context – London – from a different angle. We will consider gender in literature, experimental film, art, nightlife, working life, parenthood, and fashion. We will meet people who tell us their stories of London as a gendered space and visit important sites of activity relevant to our area of study.

London program participants usually reside in shared, furnished studio apartments in central London. The apartments include fully equipped kitchens, private bathrooms, laundry facilities, and wireless internet access.

It is important to recognize the cultural context of student housing in the UK and understand that the amenities of the student apartments may vary. Although some of these differences may take some getting used to, remember that cultural differences extend to all aspects of your experience abroad. Having realistic expectations for your term in London will help you approach the study abroad experience with a positive attitude.

Participants in the Gender and Sexuality in World Civilizations program remain registered as full-time students in the College. They take and receive credit for four courses: three civilization courses and one GNSE elective. The three civilization courses may be used toward the College’s general education civilization requirement. If not counted toward the core requirement, the three civilization courses can be used toward the major or minor programs in Gender and Sexuality Studies, or as electives, along with the GNSE elective course. Their use, partial or total, in any other program of study (major) must be approved by the undergraduate chair of the respective department. Course titles, units of credit, and grades are placed on the College transcript.

Study abroad students pay regular College tuition, a program fee, and a nonrefundable study abroad administrative fee. The tuition and program fee are paid in conformity with the home campus payment schedule, and the nonrefundable study abroad administrative fee is submitted when accepting a place in a program. Precise figures for the London program during the 2023–2024 year are listed below:

Autumn tuition: as set by the Bursar’s Office

Study abroad administrative fee: $675

London program fee: $5,460

Previous program participants report spending in the range of $200 to $250 per week on meals and incidentals while on the program, though frugal students may spend less, and others could spend much more. Bear in mind that the cost of living in London is relatively high and that, while it is possible to live frugally, it is also possible to run short of money if you are unwary. It is therefore essential that you budget your funds prudently, apportioning your resources so that they last for the duration of the program. If you are planning to travel before or after the program or on weekends, you should budget accordingly.

Study abroad students retain their financial aid eligibility. For more information about financial aid resources, please see our Tuition, Fees, and Funding section.

The London: Gender and Sexuality in World Civilizations program is open to University of Chicago undergraduate students only. Applications from outside the University are not accepted.

The program is designed for undergraduates in good academic and disciplinary standing who are beyond their first year in the College. While the program stipulates no minimum grade-point average, an applicant’s transcript should demonstrate that they are a serious student who will make the most of this opportunity. Because the civilization sequence and GNSE elective course are taught in English, there is no language prerequisite.

Because of the considerable demand for the Chicago civilization programs abroad, no student may participate in more than one of these programs. Each application is examined on the basis of the student’s scholastic record and personal statement. If you are interested in applying for this program please fill out the online application.

To discuss the London: Gender and Sexuality in World Civilizations program and the possibility of participating, please contact Naira Ovsepyan.