Global Experience: Art History in London
London, England
Learning Beyond the Classroom
GLB 299: Art History in London
You'll examine how art objects from diverse cultures—including Ancient Egypt, Classical Greece, Islamic civilizations, Imperial China, Medieval Europe, and 20th-century global modernisms—are curated, interpreted, and presented to public audiences. The course emphasizes the ethical, political, and aesthetic dimensions of collecting, especially within imperial, colonial, and postcolonial contexts.
How does this work?
A core component of the course includes a faculty-led travel program to London, where students will engage in on-site analysis of key artworks and museum practices. In parallel, the course draws comparisons to selected works housed in The Met, encouraging transatlantic dialogue about cultural heritage, representation, and the role of museums today.
Through readings, discussions, museum visits, and reflective writing, students will develop skills in visual analysis, critical thinking, and cross-cultural interpretation.
Costs include tuition, flight, hotel accommodations, and tours.
May 17 - May 25, 2025
Details
- Tours of Stonehenge, the British Museum, Victoria & Albert, Reading Museum, Kelvingrow Art Museum, and Windsor Castel
- Additional day in Scotland with a return trip on a sleeper train with private compartments
- Walking tour of central London ending with a trip on The London Eye
- Enjoy High Tea at Harrod's
- Jack the Ripper Tour
- West End Ticket
- Free day in London
- Stay in a 3-4 star London Hotel
- Daily breakfasts at or near the hotel
- One lunch or dinner included each day
- Direct flight to and from London
- Public transit & train
- Must meet PCT policies and procedures
- 3-credit course
This course can replace the required ART 125 course for BGD, AR, and BIX students.
Successful completion of the course will satisfy the following electives: open elective, cultural diversity perspective elective, or core arts perspective.
Billable Expenses
- Program Cost: $4500
- Airfare: $1,000 (approximate)
- International insurance: $30 (approximate)
- Tuition/Fees (in-state): $623/credit x 3 = $1,869
Total: $7,399 (approximate)
Non-Billable Expenses
- Some meals & incidentals: $400 (approximate)
- International phone plan: $100 (approximate)
Total: $500 (approximate)
Grand Total: $7,899 (approximate)
Billing
All billable expenses appear on a student’s semester bill as: Tuition/Fees (credit hours) and International Travel Fee (program and travel costs). Some costs and expenses are estimates. Payment overages will be refunded to students after all trip costs are reconciled on June 30.
Financial Aid
Most financial aid you would receive on campus can be applied toward the cost of this program. All financial aid eligibility is determined by Financial Aid.
Scholarships
PCT offers many study abroad scholarships with various eligibility criteria. The Spring-Summer 2026 application deadline is October 17, 2026. Apply by submitting your interest to Mindy Gunn meg45@pct.edu.
Eligibility
Good standing - A status indicating that a student is not under any disciplinary sanctions, has no unsatisfied financial obligation to the College, and is not on academic probation or suspension.
Committing to your Program
All students register for their program during the normal advising period in the semester prior to the program start. Registration in the course constitutes commitment to the payment terms. Semester bills will include the associated billable expenses of tuition/fees and the International Travel Fee.
Withdrawal Policy
Students will be subject to the Termination, Drops, and Withdrawals Policy (P4.31) and the Refunds Policy (P5.23) for the tuition/fees and International Travel Fees associated with the course. Travel-related costs may be refunded to the student to the extent those costs have not already been contractually committed by the College to outside parties. Note that contractually committed costs increase closer to the travel date. In cases where program costs are divided evenly among all participants, the student’s portion of costs will be considered contractually committed and non-recoverable. If at any point prior to travel, a student is no longer in good standing, they may be removed from the course and prohibited from traveling. Those students may receive refunds minus all non-recoverable costs.
Travel Highlights
Experienced Faculty
Meet Your Faculty Guides
Gerald Kaplan
Instructor, Ceramics
Gerald Kaplan is a London native and holds dual citizenship in the UK and the US. Although he was primarily raised in the United States, he has returned to the UK numerous times, often leading student groups.
Dr. Craig Miller
Professor, History/Political Science, Department Head
Dr. Craig Miller is a native of New York and has travelled extensively domestically and abroad.
Learn More About Craig Miller
Contact
Interested?
For more information about this course, contact Rob Cooley and Susan Slamka, your Faculty Guides for this Global Experience.
Questions?
For general questions about Global Experiences, such as study away programs and student exchanges at Penn College, contact Daniel Clasby, Assistant Dean of Academic Operations.