Countdown to London!

Students and faculty in the Spring 2013 LIT 296: Darwin, London and Literature course have been working hard all semester to prepare for our trip to London. We read and discussed Chaucer (well, we tried to read Chaucer), Shakespeare and Dickens and we are ready for England.

Dr. Firenze provides some details about our flats in London.

We have only a couple of more classes before our departure on May 26th. Please check back after May 26th to follow our adventures in London. In addition to our class meetings in London, we will be visiting Charles Darwin’s home in Downe, enjoying a private tour of Charles Dickens’s home, touring Shakespeare’s Globe Theater and seeing a performance of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”, experiencing private walking tours of London, traveling to Canterbury, and visiting several museums, including the Natural History Museum and the British Museum.

We are looking forward to a rich and rewarding experience!

The 2013 LIT 296 class with Dr. Saraceno and Dr. Firenze

BCC Goes to London: Spring 2013

Drs. Firenze, Saraceno and Musa are currently working on the Spring 2013 version of LIT 296: Darwin, London and Literature. Please use the following links for more information and a course application:

LIT 296 Course Information

LIT 296 Syllabus

LIT 296 Course Application

Day 7: A Graduation in London

Our last day in London was warm and sunny. Yes, that makes seven in a row. There  are a lot of long-sleeved shirts that never even left the suitcase.  This morning was a free morning for the students and they made the most of it. Some students went to Buckingham Palace and saw the changing of the guard. Others visited museums or other parts of the city.  In the afternoon, we walked to The British Library. The Library is also a museum and the students were able to see everything from the Magna Carta, to Charlotte Bronte’s manuscript of “Jane Eyre”, to the Beatles original lyrics for “Yellow Submarine”. The students were impressed with the diverse items that were on display.

On the way to The British Library, Dr. Saraceno shows the students a former residence of Charles Dickens.

Approaching The British Library, there is a great view of St. Pancras Hotel in the distance.

Yep. The British Library.

Some of the students pose beneath Sir Isaac Newton.

Danielle, Lydia, Katelyn and Derek enjoy the British Library.

After The British Library, we headed out for our final class dinner. We also planned to have a “graduation” for Katelyn and Sara as they missed the BCC graduation on Thursday night.

The site of our final “class”, The Devereaux Pub.

Victoria, Gwen, Tash, Dani and Sarah.

Derek, Katelyn, Danielle, Lydia and Ryan.

Dr. Firenze enjoys a laugh with the students. They are laughing with him, not at him. I think.

The students reminisce about our week in London. Everyone is a little sad to be leaving.

OK. This is really breaking news: Tash ate a chicken sandwich. And there wasn’t even any icing on it. What the heck?!

After several meat pies and “codfathers” with chips, we headed outside for our graduation ceremony.

Sara and Katelyn, our esteemed graduates.

Danielle, Katelyn and Lydia.

Before beginning our ceremony, Dr. Saraceno complimented the students on what a wonderful job they did this week. Dr. Saraceno, Dr. Firenze and Dr. Musa are so impressed with this amazing group of students. Well done, guys!

Dr. Firenze presents Katelyn with her “diploma”.

Katelyn graduates!

Dr. Firenze says some appropriate words to Sara to mark this solemn occasion.

Sara graduates!

Yay! Graduating in Middle Temple is WAY better than graduating in a hockey rink.

Our graduates!

Our alumni traveler, Michael, is also a recent BCC graduate. Congratulations, Michael. Unfortunately, he does not look particularly scholarly in this photo.

Another successful Darwin and Dickens London trip!

Dr. Firenze seems to be enjoying this quite a bit. Again, not quite sure what to say.

Dr. Saraceno sidles into the picture.

Dr. Firenze, Tash and Dr. Saraceno.

Dr. Firenze, Gwen and Dr. Saraceno.

Dr. and Mrs. Firenze in Fountain Court.

The whole Darwin and Dickens Gang!

Dr. Firenze and Dr. Saraceno enjoy a quiet moment in Fountain Court.

Middle Temple on a wonderful Monday evening.

Leaving Middle Temple, we pass The Royal Courts of Justice.

Our last night in London means the last Olympic sports for Dr. Firenze and Dr. Saraceno. They decided to try a couple of team sports. One cannot help but notice that their inherent competitive nature seems to overcome any last vestige of their affection for each other.  I guess this is further support for the Darwinian theme of male-male competition.

Well, that is all from London for 2012. We will be making the long journey home tomorrow. Thanks for following and cheers from London!

Day 6: Another Beautiful Day in London

Once again, the day was sunny and bright and warm in London! We started our day by visiting Shakespeare’s Globe. After that, the students had a free afternoon and evening. Some of us visited the Tower of London while others had different adventures in the city.

Our morning walk to the tube. Somehow Andrew is obviously a morning person!

Walking to the tube.

Waiting for the tube.

St. Paul’s Cathedral. I wish you could hear the bonging bells, very beautiful on this sunny, Sunday morning.

St. Paul’s Cathedral

The students on the steps of St. Paul’s.

A closer view of the students at St. Paul’s.

Looking back at St. Paul’s.

A view of the Thames from the Millenium Bridge.

A view of the Globe from the Millenium Bridge.

Tower Bridge in the distance.

Looking back towards St. Paul’s.

The students on the steps of Shakespeare’s Globe.

Dani and Tash pose. I don’t really know what else to say about this.

Dani, Tash, pose. Again, at a loss for words.

Katelyn and Derek.

Waiting for the tour of Shakespeare’s Globe.

Our guide explained how the new Globe was built from Elizabethan materials. There is goat hair in those walls!

A view from inside the theater.

Our guide tells us about what it was like to go to the theater in Elizabethan London. It sounds as if it was very smelly and not very clean!

A view of the stage in the Globe.

The ceiling of the Globe stage represents the heavens.

The roof of the Globe Theater is open. In Elizabethan times, this was necessary for lighting the theater.

The students learn about how interactive and exciting a Shakespearean play can be.

After touring the Globe, the students had a free afternoon and evening. Some of us went to the Tower of London.

Taking a break for lunch.

Ryan enjoys a seat and some lunch before we go into the Tower.

The Tower of London

We assembled for a guided tour of the Tower of London.

Our fantastic guide at the Tower of London: Yeoman Warder George. He spoke of intrigue, imprisonment,execution and torture. Yikes.

The Bloody Tower.

We heard a lot about torture and executions while at the Tower of London.

A view of Tower Bridge from the Tower of London.

The White Tower, circa 1100.

After touring the Tower of London, we headed back to the flats for a bit of a rest. Some of us went to see the show “Rock of Ages” (which was fantastic!!) and then out to dinner.

Although it was another very hot day, Dr. Firenze and Dr. Saraceno  have run out of pool sports.  They decided to rustle up a singlet and try their hand at some weight-lifting..

It looks as if carrying around a copy of “Great Expectations” all semester has really paid off!

Well, after another great day in London we are heading into our last full day. Tomorrow we have a free morning followed by a trip to The British Library. We will also hold our final class meeting  in a suitable  (and perhaps haunted) British Pub.

Day 5: Darwin Day!

Today was another beautiful day in London and we spent the day out in the English countryside at Down House,  the home of Charles Darwin. Below are some pictures from our day.

Ahhhh. Breakfast in London.

Another beautiful morning in Russell Square.

Once again, the students met us on time and ready for our adventures,

Victoria is enjoying her breakfast which appears to be some sort of small fruit pie.

Katelyn, Derek and Gwen

A view of Bloomsbury Square, across the street from our flats.

Riding the tube. Boy, does the tube get hot and crowded.

We arrived at Victoria Station for the second leg of our long journey to Down.

The students look around Victoria Station,

From Victoria Station, we took a train to Bromley South.

Ryan, Michael and Dr. Saraceno on the train.

Dani, Tash, Victoria, Gwen, Sara and Danielle on the train.

Andrew and Lydia.

Derek and Katelyn

We arrived in Bromley South. While waiting for the bus to Downe, Tash decides to purchase a sweet. She is hungry after having ice cream for breakfast.

The bus to Downe arrives!

Ryan, Katelyn and Lydia “enjoy” the bus to Downe.

On the bus to Downe.

Dr. Firenze and Dr. Saraceno on the bus.

We made it to Downe! Now we just have to walk to Down House.

Walking to Down House.

We are not in London anymore!

We must be getting close, there are no sidewalks any more.

It took a tube, a train, a bus and a walk but we finally made it!

Down House is surrounded by beautiful countryside.

Down House.

A group picture before we head inside of Down House.

Greg and Michael.

A view of the garden behind Down House.

Down House.

Before touring the house, Dr. Firenze lectured about Charles Darwin and read us some passages from his autobiography. We learned about Darwin’s life with his family in Down and his incredible contributions to science.

The students enjoy the fresh air and Dr. Firenze’s lecture.

Dr. Firenze tells us about Darwin and Down House.

Derek and Aunt Jen (AKA Dr. Musa) enjoy Darwin’s lawn.

We all spent some time inside Down House and were able to see many of Charles Darwin’s  personal and household possessions and learn more about his family life and work. Unfortunately, cameras were not allowed so there are no pictures from inside the house.

After touring Down House, we had a snack on the patio.

Danielle and Katelyn enjoy afternoon tea.

Andrew, Derek and Dr. Saraceno enjoy some scones and butter. Derek may have over-buttered his scone.

Dani, Sarah, Gwen, Victoria and Tash order some snacks.

Enjoying the beautiful afternoon at Down House.

Victoria enjoys some cake.

Tash and her ice cream. Talk about a sweet tooth!

The students protest when asked to go for a walk.

The class gathers to enjoy a walk through the gardens and Darwin’s “Sand Walk”.

A view of the gardens.

Darwin’s greenhouse.

The students check out the greenhouse.

Another view of the greenhouse.

Darwin’s greenhouse.

We arrive at the “Sand Walk”.

After a wonderful day at Down House, we get ready for the long trek back to London.

Lydia and Derek.

Katelyn and Dani.

The students explored the cemetery in Downe while waiting for the bus to Bromley South.

The church in Bromley South.

While waiting for the bus, we had class in the cemetery. Victoria and Tash presented their thesis ideas.

After class (when the bus arrived), we headed back to Bromley South on the bus. Somehow, the ride seemed longer and curvier on the way back. Then we took the train from Bromley to Victoria Station and then the tube back to our own neighborhood. Despite the busy day, many of the students made plans to visit a pub for dinner and do some more evening sight-seeing.

Dr. Firenze and Dr. Saraceno were not too tired to try another Olympic event. It was another hot day so they headed back to the pool for some water polo.

Unfortunately, Dr. Firenze did not realize that spiking the ball in your own teammates face is frowned upon and is not considered to be good sportsmanship.

Dr. Firenze did his best to console Dr. Saraceno, but I am sorry to say that Dr. Saraceno seems to be holding a grudge. I guess this is to be expected after Dr. Saraceno carried an injured Dr. Firenze off the mats last night. Let’s hope these two can patch things up.

Up tomorrow, a tour of Shakespeare’s Globe Theater and a visit to the Tower of London. In the evening, some students plan to take in the  “Jack the Ripper” walk. Check back tomorrow for an update!

Day 4: Dickens, Dickens and More Dickens

We had another wonderful but very busy day in London. We began by meeting for a tube ride to the Museum of London. Once again the students were on time and ready to go at our arranged meeting time.

Ready for our walk to the tube.

On our way to the tube, the students told us about their activities from the previous night. Andrew cooked an amazing dinner with things that he bought from the Borough Market and then several students went to see Westminster, Big Ben and Parliament. The students have some great photos that they will share after we return home.

Waiting for the tube. The students have gotten very good about using the tube to travel all around London.

After exiting the tube, we walked to the Museum of London.

The Museum had a special “Dickens and London” exhibit.

Before our admission into the special exhibit, we spent some time touring the rest of the museum.

One area we visited contained information about the plague and the fire of 1666, The plague killed 100,00 people and the fire burned hundreds of acres and destroyed 13,000 homes. This was not a great time to be a Londoner.

Derek wearing a fire hat from 1666.

Gwen, Victoria and Derek trying out some medieval wear.

Photography was not permitted in the Dickens and London exhibit. This was a wonderful exhibit showing many of Dickens’s possessions as well as lots of information about and images of Victorian London. A highlight was seeing Dickens original manuscript for “Great Expectations” as well as the desk he used for writing this novel.

Leaving the museum.

One last group shot at the Museum of London.

After finishing at the Museum of London. We took the tube over to Temple to get ready for our next activity, a London Walk called “Dickens’s London”. Before the walk, we picked up some lunch and had a picnic and class discussion at beautiful Victoria Park. I should say that none of the students were able to present their thesis ideas because Gwen asked one question that inspired Dr. Saraceno to then talk until it was time for our London walk.

After lunch and a class discussion, we met up with Dr. David Tucker, the guide for our walk.

David did a wonderful job showing us “Dickens’s London”. Below are several photos from our walk. We were even able to go inside of Middle Temple Hall, when Shakespeare’s 12th Night was performed (with Shakespeare himself attending) in 1601.

Below are  pictures of the ceiling of Middle Temple Hall and the interior.

Below are more pictures from our walk.

Inner Temple, built in 1100.

This pub was built in 1667..right after the great fire of London.

We finished our walk with David quoting a Dickens passage for us that described the courtyard we were sitting in. After visiting the Dickens exhibit at the Museum of London and spending the afternoon walking the streets of London with David, we all developed a better understanding and appreciation of Charles Dickens and of London.

We all headed back to the flats and made plans for the evening.  Tomorrow we will be traveling by tube, train, bus and foot to Downe to visit the home of Charles Darwin.

Despite the busy day, Dr. Firenze and Dr. Saraceno insisted on heading to the gym to try another Olympic sport.

Dr. Saraceno achieved some impressive height on the pommel horse.

Perhaps a bit too much height as he took a somewhat scary tumble.

Dr. Firenze looked strong on the rings. But, alas, he too had a nasty spill and sprained his ankle.

Luckily, Dr. Saraceno was not seriously injured and was able to transport his injured comrade off the mats.

Ever the best of friends.

Let’s hope that after a good night’s sleep, they will both be able to make the trip to Downe tomorrow.

Cheers from London!

Day 3: Walking Through Victorian London

We had another great day in London! We had a class discussion in Russell Square and then spent the afternoon on a “London Walk” entitled “Darkest Victorian London”. Below are some pictures from our day.

Dani and Natasha enjoy breakfast in Russell Square. Yes, Tash has cake again.

The students arrive for class (on time!) in Russell Square.

We enjoy some breakfast before our class.

This is much better than our classroom at BCC!

Dr. Saraceno started our discussion. Derek, Andrew and Lydia presented their thesis ideas to the group.

After class, we took the tube to Monument station to meet the guide for our London walk. Dr. Firenze was sure that we were supposed to meet the guide at “Fishes Eddy”. In fact, it was “Fish Street Hill”.

A view of Monument, designed by Christopher Wren to commemorate the fire of 1666. Some of the students went up 321 steps to reach the top of Monument. They may not have realized that we had a two and a half hour walk ahead.

Dr. and Mrs. Firenze chose not to walk up the steps.

We met our guide, Paul. He gave us some history of London and we began our walk.

Paul did a wonderful job describing Victorian London for us.

Another view of Monument.

As we walked, Paul discussed the many hardships of life in Victorian London.

As we crossed London Bridge, Paul described what the bridge and Thames river looked like during Victorian times.

Paul explained that the original City of London is only one square mile and has borders identified by St. George’s dragons.

A tavern commemorating “mudlarks”, poor Victorian children who scavenged on the edge of the river.

Derek and Aunt Jen!

During our walk we were lucky enough to visit “Borough Market” where many incredible foods were available.

A vendor makes a toasted cheese for Dr. Musa.

Dr. Firenze really enjoys some bread at the market, If they ever make loaf-eating an Olympic sport, we may be looking at a medal contender.

Some of the items that could be ordered at the market.

Pastries!

More pastries!

Mushrooms!

More mushrooms!

Paul gave us the history of the market.

Cheese!

We continued our walk. If the pictures are blurry, it is because Dr. Musa’s camera was a little buttery from the best toasted cheese ever.

Paul described what life was like for the poor in Victorian London.

Victorian buildings can still be seen in the city.

A Victorian-era warehouse.

As we walked, Paul told us about churches and schools in Victorian London.

A Victorian school.

Paul told us about how the small chimney in this picture would have been cleaned by small children during Victorian times. The children were small enough to fit in the chimney and often worked more than twelve hours a day.

Paul showed us a grave site that is protected by locals to honor the dead who are buried here.

Paul told us that over 15,000 prostitutes are thought to be buried at the site.

The plaque commemorating the grave site.

Paul tells us what life was like for women in Victorian London.

A garden and homes that were for the “deserving poor” in Victorian London.

More Victorian public housing.

The only remaining wall of Marshalsea Prison, the debtor’s prison where Charles Dickens’s father was imprisoned.

Paul finishes our walk by telling us about Victorian workhouses and debtor’s prison. He also discusses how Charles Dickens’s life was forever changed when his father was sent to debtor’s prison.

The students pose for a final picture at the end of our walk.

As it was another unseasonably warm day in London. Dr. Firenze and Dr. Saraceno decided to try another Olympic event at the pool.

 

We are all a little concerned about how Dr. Firenze’s back will be feeling tomorrow. We have a very busy day with a tour of the Museum on London followed by a class discussion and a Dickens London walk