GBL*2120 Washington, DC: Arts Capital?

​In this short-term Study USA experience, explore our nation’s capital to examine how the District of Columbia is and is not the epicenter of American art on a national level while also serving as an art ecosystem on a local level.  Study not only the national and local organizations and institutions but also how citizens and international visitors engage with American art.  Observe how multiple artforms are celebrated, used, elevated, and co-opted for political messaging in the nation’s capital.
DC is the nation’s hub for political and social change. Moving to the district for arts administration work has reaffirmed the importance of intersectionality in the arts for me— arts & politics, arts & social justice, arts & community, arts & the environment, and so on. DC is a walkable, beautiful, arts-loving, lively city with an ever-changing group of constituents; there will always be room for more folks at the table here.
Morgan Engle '22
Special Events Assistant
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
 
Picture
Morgan Engle, AAD '22

Prerequisite

This Study USA course has a prerequisite: GBL*1120: Capitals of Arts and Culture.  The Fall Prep course meets Thursdays from 5:30 to 6:30 pm and is required to participate in the  WinterTerm course.  The Prep course will also count towards graduation hours and may be helpful for students who transferred a 3-sh course to meet a 4-sh Elon course requirement.
Picture
Meet Elon alumni working in the DC arts ecosystem! Photo: Trés McMichael.
This course includes 13 days in the District of Columbia.
Provided:
  • Travel on January 3 from Elon to DC and a return trip to Elon on January 16.
  • Shared hotel suite accommodations with ensuite bathrooms in DC.  Students are expected to use their regular Elon housing upon return to campus.
  • Breakfasts in the DC hotel, one class dinner, one small group dinner.
  • DC Metro cards for subway and bus transportation to all locations.
NOT Provided: Tickets to performances or exhibits.  This course includes daytime visits to venues to tour spaces and meet with administrative staff.  A visit to a museum might include an analysis of the entrance and how guests are greeted, followed with a meeting with guest services or education staff.  But it does not include admission or a full visit of the exhibits.  There are days off and most evenings are off if you would like to revisit a space or attend a performance.
Cost: $4,000
Note: Strong enrollment in the course will lower the cost for everyone.
Elon Study Abroad Webpage for this Course

Co-Instructors

Picture
Co-Instructor: Prof. David McGraw
Picture
Co-Instructor: Prof. Shawn Tucker
Due to the shortened J-Term itinerary, this course does NOT qualify for the Experiential Learning Requirement (ELR).
​
Arts Administration majors may apply 2 credits from this course towards their graduation requirement of 4 credits of internships (this course applies towards an "internal internship").  This course does NOT count as an internship for other majors as there is no separate enrollment for an internship course.
Venue Visits ​(all venues to be confirmed, visit dates may change)

Have questions?

The Global Education Center and the Office of Financial Aid will be present tomorrow to answer questions.

Wednesday, April 5, 12:00 - 3:00 pm
​Medallion Plaza outside Lakeside Dining