British Children’s and Young Adult Literature and Photography
A Two Week Summer Study Program in Alnwick, England


July 12 – July 30, 2010

 castle

Alnwick Castle

·       Read and discuss children’s and young adult literature of northern England

·       Develop a photographic portfolio emphasizing literature and place

·       Live in an 800 year old castle

·       Walk, study, and photograph northern England

·       Connect British children’s and young adult authors, their literature, and landscape through photography

·        

Offered by
St. Cloud State University
A tradition of excellence and opportunity


Academic Program of Study


Objectives


Program
St. Cloud State University Faculty are course instructors. They will draw upon local resources to complement course content. This summer program is six credits. Classes are held in the castle and surrounding area. Prior to the trip, four meetings are required, an International Studies orientation and class sessions on April 3 and May 1 and an online session on June 9.  A follow up session will be held in August.


Course Descriptions

IM 486/586:  British Children’s and Young Adult Literature

Participants will read, write, and take photographs at locations that have influenced authors of traditional children’s literature, such as Beatrix Potter, as well as authors of contemporary young adult literature, such as David Almond.  This concentration on the physical realm of authors will give new insights into the influences that have shaped British children’s and young adult literature originating in the northeast of England. 3 credits.

 

IM 486/586:  Photography and Literature

Participants will study basic camera handling and photographic techniques, plus the operation of digital equipment. Emphasis will be placed on photographing aspects of the environment related to British children’s and young adult authors.  Students will create a photographic portfolio to document their experiences.  3 credits.

View from Rydal Mount, home of William Wordsworth



SCSU Faculty
Marcia Thompson – formerly a library media specialist, is an assistant professor of Information Media. She has accompanied the British Studies program in the winter of 1994-95 and during the fall and winter of 1997-98.  In 1999, she coordinated a ten-day visit of a British high school choir to St. Cloud.  She also accompanied two short summer British programs in 2004 and 2006 and co-directed a program in 2008.  She is passionate about children’s and young adult literature. 

 


Mert Thompson - Professor of Information Media.  Teaches graduate and undergraduate classes in Information Media and serves as a member of the SCSU International Studies Committee.  He served as faculty in the British Studies program during winter 1994-95 and as Academic Director fall and winter 1997-98. He co-led similar two-week programs during the summers of 2004, 2006 and 2008.

 

AppleMark

Alnwick Castle from the Aln River

 

Estimated Cost:

 

Undergrad

Graduate

Tuition

$1300.

$1900.

Fees*

$3380.

$3380.

Total

$4680.

$5280.

 

 

 

*This includes round trip airfare from Minneapolis-St. Paul, room and three meals a day at Alnwick Castle, plus two nights in a B&B in the Lakes District, tour guides, entrance fees, transportation and other field trips fees.

 

Who is this program for?


Location:
Alnwick Castle, home of the Duke of Northumberland, is located in the historic market town of Alnwick which is situated

forty miles north of Newcastle-upon-Tyne and ninety miles south of Edinburgh, Scotland.

To the west of the castle lies the Aln River and rolling countryside. Many spectacular castles, abbey ruins, and formal gardens

lie within a short distance and give exciting evidence of the long and colorful history of the area.

 

Participants should be aware that much walking is required.

Alnwick Castle Gardens water feature


Any format and style of camera is acceptable. Emphasis will be placed on getting the most out of the camera you use.

For more information or an application contact:


Dr. Marcia Thompson

Phone:  320-308-2120

mthompson@stcloudstate.edu
or

Dr. Mert Thompson
phone: 320-308-4775
methompson@stcloudstate.edu

 

Enrollment is limited

Places will fill quickly.  Register early.

Application deadline:  February 1, 2010

Application are available online through the Center for International Studies.

Financial aid applies to this program.  Contact their office for more information.