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SU London
The SU London Program is a 15-week, 16-credit program for students who have attained at least sophomore status by the start of the program. The course topics for this semester-long program change every year, offering a diverse and engaging curriculum to students of all majors.
Application deadline: March 1
Fall 2025: SU London Fall Semester 2025, Dr. Carin Perilloux (Psychology) and Dr. John Ross (Mathematics).
- Southwestern University Faculty Contact
Dr. John Ross, Associate Professor of Mathematics
rossjo@southwestern.eduDr. Carin Perilloux, Associate Professor of Psychology
perilloc@southwestern.edu - Key Dates
Information Sessions:
*It is required to attend an Info Session or Advising.
Application Deadline: March 1, 2025
Note: it is required to attend an Information Session or Advising before Application
Program Start Date: August 20, 2025
Program End Date: December 7, 2025
- Cost
The program fee for this fifteen-week program is equal to Southwestern’s on-campus tuition, room (Brown-Cody rate), and board (unlimited meal plan) charges for the fall semester of the academic year during which the program is run.
The program fee includes:
- 16 credits of tuition
- Pre-departure materials
- Housing in a modern residence hall (single occupancy with shared kitchen and living room)
- IES on-site staff and access to the IES Center
- Medical insurance
- Comprehensive on-site orientation, including a welcome lunch and bus tour of London
- £640 monthly stipend for meals and local transportation passes within London (Zones 1 & 2 & 3)
- Ground, and air (when applicable) transportation on all IES-organized cultural excursions, day trips, and field trips
- Entrance fees during cultural excursions, day trips, and field trips; hostel and breakfast included in overnight trips
The program fee does not include:
- $75 application fee
- $250 non-refundable deposit
- International airfare
- Baggage fees and travel insurance
- Passport
- Visa expenses (for students who enroll in the optional internship)
- Local and independent travel
- Personal expenses: toiletries, activities, snacks, personal travel, souvenirs, etc.
- Textbooks
- $650 internship placement fee (only for students who enroll in this option)*
*cost details are subject to change
- Courses
The curricular focus of the SU London Program changes every fall. The curricular focus in the Fall 2025 SU London Program will include courses in Psychology and Mathematics.
- Students majoring in the offered fields will find the course offerings especially appropriate, though students in all majors can fulfill general education requirements, gain general elective credit, and benefit from the experience of living and studying abroad.
- Credit transfer is not required as students enroll through Southwestern. Courses taught by Southwestern faculty are developed to take advantage of on-site educational opportunities within London.
In addition to courses in the focus disciplines, the following basic courses are offered every year:
British Life and Culture (UST 05-224)
All students in the SU London Program enroll in this core course to ensure a common educational experience and to provide the background necessary for understanding British culture. This core course examines the traditions and institutions that have shaped British life in the 21st Century. Visiting lecturers from British academic, political, and social institutions as well as field trips to locations in London and throughout southern England are planned as part of the course. The course is designed to help participants develop an appreciation and understanding of the British culture in which they now find themselves residing. This course is taught by a British faculty member.
Theatre Arts in London (THE 74-114)
A theoretical and experiential survey of the theatre, its past, and its present, with an emphasis on the role of theatre within society. Emphasis will be on attending performances in London. This course is taught by a British faculty member.
This course satisfies the Fine Arts (FA) general education requirement.
Academic Internship
Students are placed with organizations in London to gain practical experience in their field of study. Requires the permission of the SU Assistant Director of Internship and Employment Development in the Center for Career and Professional Development. An additional fee applies.
2025 Curricular Focus: Psychology & Mathematics
PSYCHOLOGY:Evolutionary Psychology (PSY33-374)
This survey course will provide a solid theoretical foundation for the study of psychology from an evolutionary perspective. The course will begin with an in depth introduction to evolutionary theory as it applies to human psychology and behavior, followed by a survey of more specific psychological phenomena studied from an evolutionary perspective. The usual pre-req (PSY33-104) will be waived for this Study Abroad course. This course meets the requirements for the Major or Minor in Psychology, the General Education requirement for Social Science. It also contributes to the Animal Studies Minor.
Big Questions in Psychology (PSY 33-304)
Psychology, the scientific study of mind and behavior, has always prompted big questions such as “How does the mind work?”, “What is the nature of our reality?”, and “What’s normal?” These fascinating and enduring questions can and have been addressed in religions and philosophies, but this course will focus on a psychological science approach to answering them. We will delve into topics that challenge our understanding of ourselves and the world around us in this seminar-style course. This course fulfills an elective requirement for the Psychology Major and as a course for the Minor. It satisfies a General Education requirement for Social Science.
MATHEMATICS:
Introduction to Statistics (MAT52-114)
This course provides students in the social and natural sciences with the skills necessary to perform elementary statistical analysis. Topics include descriptive measures, sampling theory, Student-T and normal distributions, estimation and hypothesis testing with p-values, regression and correlation. This course may not be used for the Mathematics major or minor. Contributes to Data Analytics, Data Science, and Health Studies, and fulfills the General Education requirements for Natural Sciences.
Explorations in Mathematics: Paradoxes and Infinities!
(MAT52-104)
This class studies the fundamental nature of infinite (and infinitesimals) quantities. We will show how thinking carefully about infinity, and infinite iterations, can allow us to carefully reframe and dispel major philosophical and mathematical hurdles. The topics we will cover have great practical value in the natural sciences, in business, in finance, and in the social sciences. Furthermore, we will showcase some of the largest philosophical ponderings and mathematical breakthroughs of the modern era. This course fulfills the General Education requirements for Natural Science, and may fulfill a requirement for Major/Minor Mathematics with permission of the instructor
Grading:
Students can take courses on a Pass/D/F basis as a part of the London Program. The exception, however, is if a course specifically states it is not possible to take as Pass/D/F. That is the case with UST05-224, British Life and Culture, and the course description states, “Must be taken on a graded basis (A-F).”
- Housing & Meals
Students may be housed in accommodations similar to the 2024 SU London fall semester programs which are outlined below for reference.
SU London Accommodations
Students will be housed in single occupancy rooms with a private bathroom (en-suite) in a modern residence hall. All rooms will have beds, study spaces, and limited storage. Rooms will have shared kitchens. Linens and kitchen utensils will be provided, but students are responsible for providing their towels, which can be bought on-site or at the student’s convenience.
Common spaces may include a game area, communal lounge, study room, and outdoor courtyard.
More Information
A microwave, fridge, cooktop, and utensils, will ensure you can whip up a meal or a snack anytime. There is a dedicated laundry room with washers and dryers, so it’s convenient for you to get dirty laundry taken care of. There are maintenance services and on-site professional teams. High-speed Wi-Fi is also available.
The student housing will be within walking distance of stops for London buses and the Underground or “Tube”.
Students are provided a monthly meal stipend.
- Cultural Activities & Excursions
Note: Student excursions and trips to be confirmed. Below is based on previous years of this program.
Students will participate in several local cultural excursions in London throughout the semester. Previous activities and excursions have included: the British Museum, Bletchley Park, afternoon tea, a visit to the Tower of London, and more.
Day trips or overnight trips to the following locations are also cultural components of the program: Edinburgh, Cambridge, and Oxford. The trips include transportation and entrance fees. The 3-day trip to Edinburgh includes accommodations and breakfast.
- Southwestern University Faculty Contact
Dr. Traci Giuliano, Professor of Psychology
giuliant@southwestern.eduDr. Dirk Early, Professor of Economics
earlyd@southwestern.edu - Key Dates
Information Sessions:
It is required to attend an Info Session or Advising. Fall 2023 and Spring 2024 SU London information sessions:
- Tues., Sep. 26th, 12:00-1:00 PM, Prothro 233
- Mon., Oct. 16th, 4-5 PM, Prothro 233
- Fri., Nov. 10th 11:30-12:30 PM, Prothro 233
- Spring semester TBD
Application Deadline: March 1, 2024
Note: it is required to attend an Information Session or Advising prior to Application
Program Start Date: August 21, 2024
Program End Date: December 8, 2024
- Cost
The program fee for this fifteen-week program is equal to Southwestern’s on-campus tuition, room (Brown-Cody rate), and board (unlimited meal plan) charges for the fall semester of the academic year during which the program is run.
The program fee includes:
- 16 credits of tuition
- Pre-departure materials
- Housing in a modern residence hall (single occupancy with shared kitchen and living room)
- £450 monthly meal stipend*
- IES on-site staff and access to the IES Center
- Medical insurance
- Comprehensive on-site orientation, including a welcome lunch and bus tour of London
- £130/month for local transportation passes within London (Zones 1 & 2 & 3)*
- Ground, and air (when applicable) transportation on all IES-organized cultural excursions, day trips, and field trips
- Entrance fees during cultural excursions, day trips, and field trips
- Hostel and breakfast costs during organized field trips
The program fee does not include:
- $250 non-refundable deposit
- International airfare
- Baggage fees and travel insurance
- Passport
- Visa expenses (for students who enroll in the optional internship)
- Local and independent travel
- Personal expenses: toiletries, activities, snacks, personal travel, souvenirs, etc.
- Textbooks
- $600 internship placement fee (only for students who enroll in this option)*
*cost details are subject to change
- Courses
The curricular focus of the SU London Program changes every fall. The curricular focus in the Fall 2024 SU London Program will include courses in Psychology and Economics. Students majoring in the offered fields will find the course offerings especially appropriate, though students in all majors can fulfill general education requirements, gain general elective credit, and benefit from the experience of living and studying abroad. Credit transfer is not required as students enroll through Southwestern. Courses taught by Southwestern faculty are developed to take advantage of on-site educational opportunities within London. In addition to courses in the focus disciplines, the following basic courses are offered every year:
British Life and Culture (UST 05-224)
All students in the SU London Program enroll in this core course to ensure a common educational experience and to provide the background necessary for understanding British culture. This core course examines the traditions and institutions that have shaped British life in the 21st Century. Visiting lecturers from British academic, political, and social institutions as well as field trips to locations in London and throughout southern England are planned as part of the course. The course is designed to help participants develop an appreciation and understanding of the British culture in which they now find themselves residing. This course is taught by a British faculty member.
Theatre Arts in London (THE 74-114)
A theoretical and experiential survey of the theatre, its past and its present, with an emphasis on the role of theatre within society. Emphasis will be on attending performances in London. This course is taught by a British faculty member.
This course satisfies the Fine Arts (FA) general education requirement.
Academic Internship
Students are placed with organizations in London to gain practical experience in their field of study. Requires the permission of the SU Assistant Director of Internship and Employment Development in the Center for Career and Professional Development. An additional fee applies.
2024 Curricular Focus: Psychology & Economics
PSYCHOLOGY:
Principles of Psychology (PSY 33-104-01)
This course will introduce topics such as learning, memory, neuroscience, personality, health and happiness, mental health, gender, sexuality, relationships, and social influence. Special emphasis will be placed on the applications of psychological principles to your everyday life and to cross-cultural, global, and social issues. This course meets the requirements for the Major or Minor in Psychology, the General Education requirement for Social Science. It also contributes to the Health Studies Minor.Psychology of Well Being (PSY 33-304-01)
This course draws on the science of positive psychology to examine the factors that determine human well-being, including positive thoughts (optimism) and emotions (happiness), personal strengths and values, mindfulness, mental health and resilience, positive relationships, physical wellness (e.g.,exercise, sleep, and nutrition), gratitude, compassion, and forgiveness. It takes an interdisciplinary approach, spanning the fields of psychology, neuroscience, kinesiology, and biology, among others. Class sessions will be interactive and include discussion, activities, and experiential learning. Outside of class, students will make Paideia Personal Wellness Connections, applying key insights from cutting-edge research to their own lives. Students should leave this course with the knowledge and skills to not only flourish personally but to make our communities and planet better as well. This course fulfills an elective requirement for the Psychology Major and as a course for the Minor. It satisfies a General Education requirement for Social Science and contributes to the Kinesiology major (as an Elective) and the Health Studies Minor.ECONOMICS:
Principles of Economics (ECO 31-104)
The goal for this course is to equip you with a background in economics that allows you a better understanding of the major economic debates being discussed in high quality popular readings (the Wall Street Journal and the Economist magazine, for example), makes you a better decision maker, and prepares you for further study in economics and/or business. The aim is to leave this course with a better understanding of the world in which you live and with the tools to be a well-informed citizen. At the end of the semester, you should be comfortable applying economic concepts to a variety of issues and problems. Given our London setting, we will often compare and contrast the US system with the UK and EU systems. Many of the readings will focus on those differences. Course fulfills a requirement for Major/Minor Economics and General Education requirement for Social Science.The Economics of Social Justice (ECO 31-304-01)
Discussions of social, economic, and environmental justice are an important part of modern political and economic discourse. This course will cover the concepts of justice how those ideas have changed through time. A major focus will also include the role of economic systems in perpetuating or fighting injustice and how economic policy can help achieve a more just society. The hope is for students to develop plans for creating a more just economic system that they can advocate as members of civil society. Given our London location, a key focus will be on how approaches to social justice differ across countries. Course fulfills a requirement for Major/Minor Economics and General Education requirement for Social Science, Social Justice.Grading:
Students can take courses on a Pass/D/F basis as a part of the London Program. The exception, however, is if a course specifically states it is not possible to take as Pass/D/F. That is the case with UST05-224, British Life and Culture, and the course description states, “Must be taken on a graded basis (A-F).”
- Housing & Meals
Students may be housed in accommodations similar to the 2023 SU London fall semester programs which are outlined below for reference.
2023 SU London Accommodations
Students will be housed in single occupancy rooms with a private bathroom in a modern residence hall. All rooms will have beds, study spaces, and limited storage. Rooms will have shared kitchens. Linens and kitchen utensils will be provided, but students are responsible for providing their own towels, which can be bought on-site or at the students’ convenience.
Common spaces can include a game room, communal lounge, study room and outdoor courtyards.
More Information
A microwave, fridge, hob, and cutlery, will ensure that you can whip up a meal or a snack anytime. There will be a dedicated laundry room with washers and dryers, so it’s convenient for you to get dirty laundry taken care of in a jiffy. There will be maintenance services and on-site professional teams. Wi-Fi will also be available.
The student housing will be within walking distance of stops for London buses and the Underground or “Tube”.
Students are provided a monthly meal stipend.
- Cultural Activities & Excursions
Note: Student excursions and trips to be confirmed. Below is based on previous years of this program.
Students will participate in several local cultural excursions in London throughout the semester. Previous activities and excursions have included: a backstage tour of the West End Theatre, a guided tour of the Globe Exhibition, cream tea, attendance at the Tower of London Key Ceremony, attendance at a professional soccer (football) game, and a tour of the British Museum.
Day trips or overnight trips to the following locations are also cultural components of the program: Bath and Cambridge. The day trip to Cambridge trip includes round-trip bus transportation and a guided tour of the city. The overnight trip to Bath includes round-trip bus transportation, a guided tour, and admission to Stonehenge.
Additionally, students participate in a two-night/three-day field trips to Edinburgh, Scotland. This field trip includes transportation to and from Edinburgh. Students share rooms in a hostel on this trip. Breakfast is included each day.