Students enrolled in an IES Abroad London internship are required to undertake two days per week of local workplace experience, and to attend six 2-hour tutorials, convened at fortnightly intervals during the semester. The tutorials are intended to complement and inform interns’ experiential learning, and to foster their awareness and appreciation of associated issues, ideas, and practices. Seminar activities will present opportunities for interns to reflect, analyze, discuss, develop, and contextualize their understanding of the nature, purpose, and distinctive features of British workplace culture. The designated course assignments offer opportunities for interns to improve their interpersonal communication skills and to create a structured written record of their practical skill acquisition, critical thinking, personal qualities, and accomplishments.
Prerequisites:
None
Learning outcomes:
By the end of the course, students will be able to:
1. Establish an understanding of the British workplace, and the influence of government policies and the market
2. Put their internship situations in perspective by sharing experiences with other interns
3. Address questions interns may be disinclined to ask non-intern colleagues at the host company or organization
4. Develop an appreciation of British cultural perspectives, social values, and beliefs, and to recognize how cultural attributes are manifested in the workplace
5. Develop a comprehension of the UK’s history and economy and its influence on the British people
6. Enhance and develop transferable skills and competencies essential for success in the 21st century global environment
7. Develop a better-informed understanding of the contrasts and similarities between UK and US
work culture, business, and politics
8. Enhance future employment prospects via the creation of a research paper and through analyzing issues, ideas, challenges, and experiences
9. Create a written portfolio, recording details about their work, learning experiences, accomplishments, and reflections. In addition to fulfilling course requirements, the portfolio is
intended to provide evidential support when applying for college courses or professional appointments.
Method of presentation:
Depending on the nature of the topic being addressed and scheduled in- class activities, the format of each seminar will vary. However, classes will generally feature a combination of at least two of the following: lectures, discussions, group activities, student presentations and examination of case studies, using a range of written and visual media.
Required work and form of assessment:
Evaluation by internship supervisor: 35%
Written Assignment: internship host company or organization: 10% Quiz: 10%
Written Assignment: term paper: 25%
Active class participation and oral presentation: 10%
End of course communications exercise and Written Assignment: reflective report: 10%
On-site internship work will usually be between 16 hours (minimum) and 20 hours (maximum)
content:
Session 1: Mind the Gap: Culture in the Workplace
This introductory session will involve preliminary mediation of the course outline, including assessment and term paper requirements. Contextually, it will draw attention to similarities and differences between British and U.S. business and political cultures. Attention will be directed towards cross-cultural environment issues, including: leadership, teamwork, individual responsibilities, initiative and risk taking. Students will also examine aspects of workplace acculturation, including: orientation protocols; building cross-cultural competences and the creation of intercultural synergies. [Objectives: 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9] Reading: Haralambos & Holborn, chs. 10 & 13; Guirdham, ch. 1.
Session 2: Capital City – London’s Commerce, Control and Governance
London’s global city status, economy and urban demography have a number of unique features. Not the least of these is the complex political relationship between the economically semi-autonomous City of London; the Mayor of London and Greater London Authority, and the London boroughs. These bodies formally control and direct planning and services but the extent to which citizens influence policies and decision-making continues to vex, perplex and sometimes even to entertain (!) the population. [Objectives: 1, 2, 5, 6, 8, 9]
Session 3: Global Economic Recession, Impacts and Reactions, the European Union, the UK
and London [guest speaker]
Until this year, the City’s commercial and corporate financial activities, including business services enabled Britain and London to sustain a significant level of global economic prestige. The guest speaker will review the UK government’s economic options and policy responses to the 2008-2010 credit
downturn – and initiate debate about what lessons the UK might usefully draw from the U.S. or EU
efforts to restore growth and stability. [Objectives: 5, 8, 9]. Internship experience feedback and discussion: strengths, weaknesses, affinities, and expectations. [Objectives: 1-8].
Reading: Cogman David and Dobbs; Richard; Jiang Bin, Koller, Timothy M. and Williams, Zane D.; Rossi, Vanessa; Peston, Robert, chs. 1 & 10.
Session 4: The Business Cycle and Workplace Culture [guest speaker]
This session will examine the impact of the 2008-2010 global recession on London. Particular attention will be paid to the City of London (including banks and the London Stock Exchange), London’s business services, retail, leisure, advertising and marketing sectors. The visiting speaker will review the impact of crisis management on workplace culture, and encourage students to debate, analyse and develop their own understanding of strategies being adopted by London’s businesses. [Objectives: 1,4, 5, 7].
Session 5: The Arts and Theatre [guest speaker]
Arts Council patronage and cultural values guest speaker. Much private and corporate sponsorship of the Arts operates in the UK on a similar basis to that which exists in the USA. However, in the UK the government-controlled Arts Council is also a major patron, using taxpayers’ money to subsidize the Arts projects and initiatives, ranging from architecture and advertising to performing arts and publishing. This is very important because over half a million Londoners are employed in creative industries or occupations, and the sector generates over £20 billion annually for London. However, state funding also exercises and shapes beliefs and artistic values, contributing to contrasts between the UK and USA creative cultures. [Objectives: 1, 4, 5, 7]. Internship experience feedback and discussion [Objectives: 1, 4, 5, 7] Internship experience feedback and discussion: strengths, weaknesses, affinities, and expectations. [Objectives: 1-8]. Reading: Brook; Arts Council of England website; London – A Cultural Audit; Cultural Metropolis
Session 6: Communications Exercise: Outcomes
Vocation and ‘the enemies’ of promise’ lying in wait to subvert or destroy it? What is a sense of vocation? What are the ‘enemies’ lying in wait to subvert or destroy a sense of vocation? Reviewing internship and post-internship experiences: positive and negative outcomes; marketing internship experience - CV’s and transferable skills; future employment and college interviews. [Objectives: 1-9]
Reading: Renesch, John & Chawla, Sarita, Introduction, pt. 1
Written assignments: [Objectives : 1-9]
Required readings:
Anderson, Geraint, Cityboy: Beer and Loathing in the Square Mile. London: Headline Books, 2009.
London Business Panels Panel Report, The Recession – What It Means for London’s Firms. London, Chamber of Commerce & Industry, January 2009: www.londonchamber.co.uk
Mole, John. Mind Your Manners - Managing Business Cultures in a Global Europe. Boston: Nicholas
Brealey Publishing, (3rd edn.) 2003.
Peston, Robert. Who Runs Britain and Who is to Blame for the Economic Mess We’re In? London: Hodder & Stoughton, 2008.
Renesch, John and Chawla, Sarita. Learning Organizations – Developing Cultures for Tomorrow’s Workplace. Florence: Productivity Press, 2006.
Rossi, Vanessa. Synchronised Dive into Recession: Focus on Damage Limitation. Chatham House, Briefing Paper, October 2008.
Travers, Tony. The Politics of London: Governing an Ungovernable City. London: Palgrave Macmillan, 2004.
Recommended readings:
Auster, Carol. The Sociology of Work: Concepts & Cases. Pine Forge Press, 1996. British Theatre: www.britishtheatre.com/
Edwards, Giles. Boris v. Ken: How Boris Johnson Won London. London: Politico's, 2008.
Harper, D. and Lawson, H. (eds.) The Cultural Study of Work. New York: Rowman and Littlefield, 2003. Lee, Mike. The Race for the 2012 Olympics – the Inside View of How London Won the 2012 Olympic
Games. London: Virgin Books, 2006.
Pimlott, Ben and Rao, Nirmala. Governing London. Oxford: OUP, 2002.
Walmsley, Jane. Brit-think, Ameri-think: A Transatlantic Survival Guide. London: Penguin, 2005.
Newspapers:
The Evening Standard (London) The Financial Times
Magazines:
Time Out
For an indispensible online database for a vast range of reports, references and links to cultural, economic and social organizations and developments across London: The Mayor of London, London Assembly, GLA, see: www.london.gov.uk/mayor/planning/strategy.jsp.
Brief Biography of Instructor:
Dianna Pierce Burgess has spent the last 20 years in television news, journalism, politics and public relations. She has a broad range of skills and expertise - her experience goes from the halls of the White House to the front lines of national network television news to Director of Public Relations for the award-winning Foreign Policy magazine.
Internship Seminar
Students enrolled in an IES Abroad London internship are required to undertake two days per week of local workplace experience, and to attend six 2-hour tutorials, convened at fortnightly intervals during the semester. The tutorials are intended to complement and inform interns’ experiential learning, and to foster their awareness and appreciation of associated issues, ideas, and practices. Seminar activities will present opportunities for interns to reflect, analyze, discuss, develop, and contextualize their understanding of the nature, purpose, and distinctive features of British workplace culture. The designated course assignments offer opportunities for interns to improve their interpersonal communication skills and to create a structured written record of their practical skill acquisition, critical thinking, personal qualities, and accomplishments.
None
By the end of the course, students will be able to:
1. Establish an understanding of the British workplace, and the influence of government policies and the market
2. Put their internship situations in perspective by sharing experiences with other interns
3. Address questions interns may be disinclined to ask non-intern colleagues at the host company or organization
4. Develop an appreciation of British cultural perspectives, social values, and beliefs, and to recognize how cultural attributes are manifested in the workplace
5. Develop a comprehension of the UK’s history and economy and its influence on the British people
6. Enhance and develop transferable skills and competencies essential for success in the 21st century global environment
7. Develop a better-informed understanding of the contrasts and similarities between UK and US
work culture, business, and politics
8. Enhance future employment prospects via the creation of a research paper and through analyzing issues, ideas, challenges, and experiences
9. Create a written portfolio, recording details about their work, learning experiences, accomplishments, and reflections. In addition to fulfilling course requirements, the portfolio is
intended to provide evidential support when applying for college courses or professional appointments.
Depending on the nature of the topic being addressed and scheduled in- class activities, the format of each seminar will vary. However, classes will generally feature a combination of at least two of the following: lectures, discussions, group activities, student presentations and examination of case studies, using a range of written and visual media.
Evaluation by internship supervisor: 35%
Written Assignment: internship host company or organization: 10% Quiz: 10%
Written Assignment: term paper: 25%
Active class participation and oral presentation: 10%
End of course communications exercise and Written Assignment: reflective report: 10%
On-site internship work will usually be between 16 hours (minimum) and 20 hours (maximum)
Session 1: Mind the Gap: Culture in the Workplace
This introductory session will involve preliminary mediation of the course outline, including assessment and term paper requirements. Contextually, it will draw attention to similarities and differences between British and U.S. business and political cultures. Attention will be directed towards cross-cultural environment issues, including: leadership, teamwork, individual responsibilities, initiative and risk taking. Students will also examine aspects of workplace acculturation, including: orientation protocols; building cross-cultural competences and the creation of intercultural synergies. [Objectives: 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9] Reading: Haralambos & Holborn, chs. 10 & 13; Guirdham, ch. 1.
Session 2: Capital City – London’s Commerce, Control and Governance
London’s global city status, economy and urban demography have a number of unique features. Not the least of these is the complex political relationship between the economically semi-autonomous City of London; the Mayor of London and Greater London Authority, and the London boroughs. These bodies formally control and direct planning and services but the extent to which citizens influence policies and decision-making continues to vex, perplex and sometimes even to entertain (!) the population. [Objectives: 1, 2, 5, 6, 8, 9]
Reading: Travers (2004); http://www.london.gov.uk/gla-economics-publications
Session 3: Global Economic Recession, Impacts and Reactions, the European Union, the UK
and London [guest speaker]
Until this year, the City’s commercial and corporate financial activities, including business services enabled Britain and London to sustain a significant level of global economic prestige. The guest speaker will review the UK government’s economic options and policy responses to the 2008-2010 credit
downturn – and initiate debate about what lessons the UK might usefully draw from the U.S. or EU
efforts to restore growth and stability. [Objectives: 5, 8, 9]. Internship experience feedback and discussion: strengths, weaknesses, affinities, and expectations. [Objectives: 1-8].
Reading: Cogman David and Dobbs; Richard; Jiang Bin, Koller, Timothy M. and Williams, Zane D.; Rossi, Vanessa; Peston, Robert, chs. 1 & 10.
Session 4: The Business Cycle and Workplace Culture [guest speaker]
This session will examine the impact of the 2008-2010 global recession on London. Particular attention will be paid to the City of London (including banks and the London Stock Exchange), London’s business services, retail, leisure, advertising and marketing sectors. The visiting speaker will review the impact of crisis management on workplace culture, and encourage students to debate, analyse and develop their own understanding of strategies being adopted by London’s businesses. [Objectives: 1,4, 5, 7].
Reading: Anderson, Geraint, chs. 1 & 8; Fox, Kate; Mole, John, pp. 88-103
Session 5: The Arts and Theatre [guest speaker]
Arts Council patronage and cultural values guest speaker. Much private and corporate sponsorship of the Arts operates in the UK on a similar basis to that which exists in the USA. However, in the UK the government-controlled Arts Council is also a major patron, using taxpayers’ money to subsidize the Arts projects and initiatives, ranging from architecture and advertising to performing arts and publishing. This is very important because over half a million Londoners are employed in creative industries or occupations, and the sector generates over £20 billion annually for London. However, state funding also exercises and shapes beliefs and artistic values, contributing to contrasts between the UK and USA creative cultures. [Objectives: 1, 4, 5, 7]. Internship experience feedback and discussion [Objectives: 1, 4, 5, 7] Internship experience feedback and discussion: strengths, weaknesses, affinities, and expectations. [Objectives: 1-8]. Reading: Brook; Arts Council of England website; London – A Cultural Audit; Cultural Metropolis
Session 6: Communications Exercise: Outcomes
Vocation and ‘the enemies’ of promise’ lying in wait to subvert or destroy it? What is a sense of vocation? What are the ‘enemies’ lying in wait to subvert or destroy a sense of vocation? Reviewing internship and post-internship experiences: positive and negative outcomes; marketing internship experience - CV’s and transferable skills; future employment and college interviews. [Objectives: 1-9]
Reading: Renesch, John & Chawla, Sarita, Introduction, pt. 1
Written assignments: [Objectives : 1-9]
Anderson, Geraint, Cityboy: Beer and Loathing in the Square Mile. London: Headline Books, 2009.
Arts Council of England: www.artscouncil.org.uk
Brook, Peter, The Empty Space. London: Penguin, 1968.
Cogman, David and Dobbs, Richard, “Financial crises, Past and Present,” in The McKinsey Quarterly, December 2008.
Fox, Kate, Watching the English: The Hidden Rules of English Behaviour, London: Hodder & Stoughton, 2005.
Guirdham, Maureen, Communicating Across Cultures. London: Palgrave Macmillan, 2005.
Hamnett, Chris, Unequal City – London in the Global Arena , London, Routledge, 2003.
Haralambos, M. & Holborn, M., Sociology: Themes & Perspectives. London: Collins Educational, 2004 [6th edn.].
Freeman, Alan, London – A Cultural Audit, LDA/GLA, November 2008. www.london.gov.uk/gla/publications/culture.jsp#audit
Jiang, Bin; Koller, Timothy M; and Williams, Zane D., “Mapping Decline and Recovery Across Sectors,” in
The McKinsey Quarterly, No. 30, Winter 2009.
Johnson, Boris, Cultural Metropolis – The Mayor’s Priorities for culture 2009-2012. GLA, November 2008: www.london.gov.uk/mayor/culture/cultural-metropolis/docs/cultural-metrop...
London Business Panels Panel Report, The Recession – What It Means for London’s Firms. London, Chamber of Commerce & Industry, January 2009: www.londonchamber.co.uk
London’s Economy Today, No.76, December 2008: www.london.gov.uk/mayor/economic_unit/lon-ec- today.jsp
Mole, John. Mind Your Manners - Managing Business Cultures in a Global Europe. Boston: Nicholas
Brealey Publishing, (3rd edn.) 2003.
Peston, Robert. Who Runs Britain and Who is to Blame for the Economic Mess We’re In? London: Hodder & Stoughton, 2008.
Renesch, John and Chawla, Sarita. Learning Organizations – Developing Cultures for Tomorrow’s Workplace. Florence: Productivity Press, 2006.
Rossi, Vanessa. Synchronised Dive into Recession: Focus on Damage Limitation. Chatham House, Briefing Paper, October 2008.
Travers, Tony. The Politics of London: Governing an Ungovernable City. London: Palgrave Macmillan, 2004.
Auster, Carol. The Sociology of Work: Concepts & Cases. Pine Forge Press, 1996. British Theatre: www.britishtheatre.com/
Edwards, Giles. Boris v. Ken: How Boris Johnson Won London. London: Politico's, 2008.
Harper, D. and Lawson, H. (eds.) The Cultural Study of Work. New York: Rowman and Littlefield, 2003. Lee, Mike. The Race for the 2012 Olympics – the Inside View of How London Won the 2012 Olympic
Games. London: Virgin Books, 2006.
Pimlott, Ben and Rao, Nirmala. Governing London. Oxford: OUP, 2002.
Walmsley, Jane. Brit-think, Ameri-think: A Transatlantic Survival Guide. London: Penguin, 2005.
Newspapers:
The Evening Standard (London) The Financial Times
Magazines:
Time Out
For an indispensible online database for a vast range of reports, references and links to cultural, economic and social organizations and developments across London: The Mayor of London, London Assembly, GLA, see: www.london.gov.uk/mayor/planning/strategy.jsp.
Dianna Pierce Burgess has spent the last 20 years in television news, journalism, politics and public relations. She has a broad range of skills and expertise - her experience goes from the halls of the White House to the front lines of national network television news to Director of Public Relations for the award-winning Foreign Policy magazine.