To the Editor:
Both students and teachers on the Danenberg Oberlin-In-London Program are sometimes surprised and dismayed to learn that many students on campus are not aware that the College offers a jewel of a study program every semester in England. Two members of the current program - one an English professor, the other a Spanish major - urge students to find out about the program next semester and think seriously about applying. London provides an incomparably stimulating environment.
In addition to our regular course work, we are engaged in a private reading course studying the American influence on the campaign for next spring's British parliamentary elections. Photo-op, thirty second sound bytes, spin doctors, focus groups - all these and more are now part of the current political vocabulary, as the likely winners of the election, Tony Blair and the New Labour party, look and sound very much like Bill Clinton and the New Democrats.
Our experience this term suggests that studying British politics during an election period can be fascinating even for non-Politics majors. Doing so next term in a more formal class with a professor like Chris Howell of the Politics Department offers a rare chance to study the final months of this historic election in detail. Politics in Britain as well as in the U.S. helps provide a clear look at a society and culture. The full opportunity is unrepeatable. Please check it out.
Copyright © 1996, The Oberlin Review.
Volume 125, Number 7; November 1, 1996
Contact Review webmaster with suggestions or comments at ocreview@www.oberlin.edu.
Contact Review editorial staff at oreview@oberlin.edu.