Leave the classroom behind, and take your learning into the world!
Study abroad with Michigan Tech faculty in northern England during the summer. Dr.
Carl Blair will lead the five-week program, "Crossing Borders," in Northern England and Southern
Scotland.
Get to know Cumbria, Northern England, and Southern Scotland through a mix of archaeology
and other liberal arts topics. Students learn the culture through a mix of field trips,
and classwork.
Program runs from July 7th to August 10th 2024.
Cumbria and Carlisle
Cumbria
Today Cumbria is a predominantly rural county focused on tourism and agriculture. In the past, it was one of the most significant political and economic hubs of England. Cumbria's roots go back to early Medieval England where the region was part of the British Kingdom of Strathclyde. Hadrian's Wall runs across the northern part of the country.
Many of the industrial revolution's early developments took place in West Cumbria. The region was one of the most important parts of the Romantic Period, including the Lake District, now site of a national park to preserve the region's nature and character. Cumbria's current economic and cultural revival is characterized by the newly formed University of Cumbria, established in 2007 in Carlisle.
Carlisle
Carlisle is Cumbria's only city, with a population of about 80,000. We'll visit the 12th Century Carlisle Castle, and Carlisle Cathedral, circa 1123. The city has many cultural centers and extensive shopping. Located on the main north-south road and rail routes, it's a convenient base for exploring northern England and southern Scotland.
We'll take six day trips, and a five-night excursion to Durham and York. Transportation
is provided. Readings and discussions about the places we visit are part of each experience.
Neolithic Circles and Baronial Castles
We start with a visit to Castlerigg Stone Circle – arguably the most spectacular Neolithic site in England, followed by a drive through the Central Lake District, and a visit to Windermere, an English Equivalent to the Wisconsin Dells that includes a tour on Lake Windemere. After lunch we will visit Brough and Brougham castles in Eden Valley.
The Wall
The day begins at Carrawburgh Mithrium, then on to Housesteads, perhaps the most dramatic of the forts. After a pub lunch, and a stop at Wallstown Crag, we visit Mile Castle (Poltross Burn – a good spot for Pooh Sticks!). We will also tour Birdoswald Fort and stop at Banks East Turret, used by Roman soldiers to defend the wall.
The Scottish Borders/Lakes
The first stop is Bewcastle Cross, perhaps the best Anglo Saxon Cross in the UK. We enter Scotland to visit Hermitage Castle. Headed back south we stop at Lanercost Abbey. After lunch, we visit the Lakes at Dove Cottage – Wordsworth's home and Hill Farm – Beatrice Potter's workplace.
Edinburgh
In the capital of Scotland we will visit the castle housing the crown jewels and royal residence. In the afternoon we tour underground Edinburgh, with a brief visit to the National Museum. You will have a few hours of free time to go to other museums, such as the National Portrait Gallery – or visit to a kilt maker to outfit yourself!
Course-based Activities
Depending on the class you signed up for you may spend more time in Edinburgh for the music and theater opportunities, or visit Lancaster to view the castle, church, and prison. Other possibilities include Cockermouth—home of many Romantic Poets.
Day 1 - Travel and Countryside
On the way to our overnight visit in Durham we stop at Aydon Castle with its many gates, and Richmond Castle, with its reconstructed gardens, and Norman Keep, the tallest fortified tower in the UK. After a traditional English Sunday Roast we visit the North Pennines and end in Durham.
Day 2 - Cathedral and Context
Today is devoted to Durham, its cathedral castle and ancient city.
Day 3 - Art and Architecture
Today we head south to Ripon to visit the Cathedral. After lunch, on to Rievaulx Abbey. We reach York in late afternoon to finish the day with a city tour, and dinner in the Georgian Assembly Rooms.
Day 4 - Minster and Vikings
We spend the morning at York Minster, one of the great cathedrals of the world. In the afternoon, we explore the Jorvik Viking Centre, followed by an evening cultural event.
Day 5 - Museums and Walls
No trip to York is complete without a walk on the city walls. That is how we begin our day, followed by your choice of three out of four museum visits: York County Museum, Castle Museum, Clifford’s Tower, and the National RR Museum. Then you'll have time to wander the historic market stalls of the Shambles, and enjoy an unscheduled evening.
Day 6 - Fountains Abbey and Return to Carlisle
We will spend morning and afternoon at Fountains Abbey. A World Heritage Site, the abbey and grounds help us consider the history of the location as well as how it is presented to the public today. Then, back to Carlisle.
Courses Offered
Students earn 9 credits abroad. Students will take:
- SS 3960 Cultural Immersion
- SS 3560 History of England I
- SS 3561 History of England II
If you have questions about what courses may be offered for summer, please contact Carl Blair.
Much of the course material comes from field trips to museums, and excursions to historic sites and foreign cities. All courses meet the Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences (HASS) requirement, and can also be applied toward majors or minors as needed.
If you need additional credits to meet the 12-credit financial aid requirement, please talk with program leader Carl Blair about a directed study/directed reading.
Program Costs