Dark Empire: Race, Health & Society in Britain
2007 Exploration Seminar in London, England

**THIS PROGRAM IS FULL AND NO LONGER ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS**

Program Director: Clarence Spigner
Dates of Instruction: August 20 - September 14, 2007

This four week Exploration Seminar is based at the University of Greenwich, Avery Hill Campus located in the 86-acre Avery Hill Park in Eltham, southeast London. 

We explore historical and contemporary factors responsible for the presence and well-being (health) of Black people in Britain.  England played a major role in the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade and was among the first to abolish slave trading in 1806 and slavery itself in 1834. “Blacks” are people of African and Indian descent who arrived to the British Isle as a result of European colonialism.  Non-whites now make-up 8% of the UK’s 60.5 million residents.

Guided by a Black American professor with expertise in health and race, we explore historical and contemporary dynamics that shape race and ethnic relations within British culture.  The causes and consequences of anti-immigration laws; urban (race) riots; and Muslim fundamentalism among many Black British-born youths are a few specific examples. 

Interactive seminars, field trips, guest lecturers, and participant-observation data collected by students will provide first-person assessments of race/ethnic-relations within Britain.  We culminate with an in-depth discussion of White Teeth, Zadie Smith’s prize-winning novel of multiculturalism in modern Britain.

Students will live at the Avery Hill campus where the classes will also be taught. The cost of dorm accommodations, including changes in towels and bedding, is included in the student fee. The Avery Hill campus offers cafeteria, library, bookstore, general shopping, launderette, and parking. Students are urged to access www.gre.ac.uk/averyhill for more information.

Participants will earn 5 credits of CHID 471 – Europe Study Abroad (I&S), SISAF  African Studies  490, AES American Ethnic Studies 498, HSERV 490 or Independent Study SISAF 499; AES 499;  or HSERV 499. Participants should check with their advisors to determine how these credits can count towards departmental requirements.

Student costs:  
$2,150 Program Fee
$200 IPE Fee
Additional costs include: return airfare to London, some meals, local transportation, insurance and personal spending money.

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