Sussex in September
The Sussex in September programme has been designed especially for students whose home university operates on a semester system.
Sussex, like many British universities, operates on a quarter system. This means that our autumn term does not usually provide enough credits for a semester. The Sussex in September programme, when joined to the regular autumn term, provides a full semester of credits - half a year's work.
At the end of the Sussex in September programme you can continue with us for the autumn term (or longer), or transfer to another British university (provided you have been accepted there). You can, of course, just come for the three-week session - but we feel sure you'll want to stay longer if you do!
During the three-week Sussex in September programme you will study one course intensively. Following the credit system used by Sussex, this carries 12 credits. Added to our autumn term, where you usually take 48 credits, this makes a total of 60 credits. A normal full-year load at Sussex is 120 credits.
Teaching and assessment
Teaching methods vary with the course, and can involve lectures, seminars and field trips. The seminars will give you an advance introduction to the Sussex style of small-group teaching. Assessment may include writing essays (papers), contributions to seminars, or tests and quizzes, which will go towards your transcript grade.
Accommodation
You will have a single room on campus, sharing bathroom and kitchen facilities. All our accommodation is self-catering; there is a food store and other shops on campus, as well as various cafés if you prefer not to cook.
Social programme
The programme includes a welcome reception and optional day trips to some of the many tourist attractions in the area. Student guides will be on hand to introduce you to life in and around Brighton, where you'll find countless bars, cafés, clubs and a thriving arts scene. After the Sussex in September session you will have a few days' break before the autumn term begins - an ideal opportunity to explore Britain, or travel further afield.
Fees
The fee for the 2010 Sussex in September programme will be £1,000. Other costs include housing and personal expenses. The Sussex in September programme is not part of our exchange schemes and therefore the fee is always payable.
Course options
In 2010 we plan to offer eight courses.
All courses are subject to minimum enrolment requirements.
Level 1 courses
British Popular Culture
SIS07, 12 credits, September
This course focuses mainly on film, television and popular music. We explore the way in which relationships between national identity, history, class, race, gender and sexuality play out in the making and consuming of popular cultural forms. Topics may include the constructions of 'Englishness' in popular film and television, Americanisation and escapism, and the relationship between class and comedy. The course gives some historical background to what is happening today.
British Popular Culture course description [pdf 55k]
From Critical Reading to Stylish Writing
SIS08, 12 credits, September
The aims of this course are to refine your creative writing skills, develop essay strategies and provide you with tools for the critical reading of academic and popular texts. The course invites students to analyse the strategies involved in creative, journalistic and philosophical writing, and also covers techniques of composition within history and popular science. Class sessions will involve group discussion, writing workshops and individual sessions with the instructor.
From Critical Reading to Stylish Writing course description [pdf 40k]
Introduction to Archaeology
SIS01, 12 credits, September
On this course you will be taken on a highly visual tour of the archaeology of Sussex and beyond. Combining lectures, practicals, field and site visits we will explore a diversity of material remains ranging from early human evidence at Boxgrove gravel pit to romantic Medieval castles and abbeys. We will discuss how we might interpret this evidence in order to appreciate the prehistory and history of this glorious corner of England.
Introduction to Archaeology course description [pdf 241k]
Popular Literature in English: Children's Literature
SIS14, 12 credits, September
The course examines the influence of shifting cultural constructions of childhood on the development of British children's literature. From Peter Pan to Harry Potter, we trace the Romantic view of childhood innocence and the ways in which the idea of the child as autonomous individual - and hero - have come to the fore. The course takes account of societal concerns - children at work, orphanhood and education, for example - whilst also considering the child's position in the family, questions of age, gender and class and the centrality of the relationship between adult author and child reader.
Popular Literature in English: Children's Literature [pdf 32k]
Shakespeare's Plays and the Elizabethan Theatre
SIS09, 12 credits, September
This course has three main aims: to examine the conditions of playwriting, acting and theatre-going in the Elizabethan period; to situate Shakespeare's plays in their sociopolitical context, analysing aspects of race, religion, monarchy and gender; and to show how Shakespeare's plays are crafted for reading and performance. The course includes a visit to see a play at London's Globe Theatre on the River Thames, a meticulous reconstruction of the venue where Shakespeare's plays were originally performed.
Shakespeare's Plays and the Elizabethan Theatre course description [pdf 30k]
The Politics of the European Union
SIS13, 12 credits, September
This course introduces the European Union as a political system in its own right, providing historical, institutional and theoretical perspectives on the way in which the current EU operates. It includes a review of European integration and an overview of different ways of explaining the workings of the EU. It analyses the workings of the different institutions and the role of national governments and examines current challenges facing the Union.
The Idea of the European Union course description [pdf 22k]
Level 2 courses
English Folklore
SIS12, 12 credits, September
This course examines the origins and nature of folklore, ‘the oral tradition and culture of a people,’ and highlights its present relevance. We discuss stories such as the exploits of Robin Hood and legends of devils, witches, phantoms, and dragons; we look at customs and festivals, like the annual Midsummer’s Day celebrations; and we examine material evidence such as a traditional lucky stone imp. We will visit local sites including Devil’s Dyke, near Brighton, King Arthur’s Round Table at Winchester and the awe-inspiring megalith of Stonehenge.
Introduction to Medicinal Chemistry
SIS06, 12 credits, September
The course looks at classification and development of drugs, drug transport and metabolism, and the treatments for a range of infectious, malignant, degenerative and psychiatric conditions.
Introduction to Medicinal Chemistry course description [pdf 26k]