PUB: A Social and Cultural History

Join us for an immersive spring break experience in London, England! The program explores how a commodity, beer, reflects the society and culture of a place, London, over time. How is beer made, who makes it, who profits, how is it consumed, where and when, wow a lot to do in a week!

Spend a week exploring famous London museums (British Museum, Museum of London, Victoria and Albert Museum) to understand British culture, history, and colonialism. You'll visit iconic historic sites like the Tower of London, Windsor, and Westminster Abbey. And you'll visit breweries and pubs to learn about the brewing process, different beer styles, and how beer became the beverage of choice for the British people through the centuries.

  • Travel Dates: February 22–March 2, 2024
  • Course Dates: February 22–March 2, 2024
  • Application Deadline: November 17, 2024
  • Deposit Deadline: November 30, 2023
  • Earn 3.0 credits (3 in HASS)

Courses

SS 3910 Histories and Cultures (3 Credits)

Covers selected topics in world history, geography, or anthropology, Important concepts are the relationship between societies and regional geography, the sources and patterns of major cultures, and transformations of social, cultural, political, and economic institutions over time. May be repeated to a maximum of 9 credits if topic differs.

Restrictions: May not be enrolled in the Freshman class.

Pre-Requisite: UN 1015 and (UN 1025 or Modern Language - 3000 level or higher)

Itinerary

We will leave Houghton airport (CMX) on the evening of February 22nd to catch an overnight flight to London, and return via air travel and vans to Houghton/MTU on March 2nd.

Day Activities
February 22–23 Depart Houghton and Arrive in London
February 24 Museum of London and Fullers Brewery Tour
February 25 Tower of London and Free Exploration
February 26 Victoria and Albert Museum and Historic Pub Tour
February 27 Windsor
February 28 Microbrewery Tour and Free Exploration
February 29 Westminster Abbey and Directed Exploration
March 1 British Museum and Free Exploration
March 2 Depart London and Arrive Houghton

Costs

Students pay a $500 deposit by December 1, 2023. Students then register for Spring break course credits with MTU as normal and pay the associated tuition. Tuition will include a "lab fee" of approximately $3,100. The deposit plus the lab fee covers the costs of the program in addition to the instruction. This includes transportation, lodging, activity expenses, tips, program administration, travel insurance, and an average of two meals a day while in country.

Preparation

This course will take you out of your comfort zone and into situations which are new and exciting! You should be prepared to walk several miles a day, be outside in the rain, and interact respectfully with people of different cultures. You should also come to the program with an open mind and a flexible, positive attitude—which will yield unexpected encounters and rewards while traveling!

Study Away Information

Have more questions about studying abroad? Study abroad staff can help you with your pre-departure. Here are some other resources that will help you with your visit: