The Gothic Imagination: Medieval England and the Gothic Revival
Summer 2027 Dates: May 18 - June 2, 2027
Program Locations
London and York in the United Kingdom
Program Highlights
- Literature in its Native Landscape
- Study Gothic Revival literature where it was inspired: the medieval settings of England.
- Explore the Foundations of the Gothic Imagination
- Examine how medieval history shaped the works of Horace Walpole and Ann Radcliffe.
- Yorkshire’s Medieval Masterpieces
- York Minster, Whitby Abbey, and Fountains Abbey
- Gothic vs. Neoclassical Contrast
- Compare medieval revival architecture with 18th-century classicism at Castle Howard.
- The Birthplace of the Gothic Revival
- Visit Strawberry Hill House, where the movement began, and tour the iconic Palace of Westminster, pinnacle of Gothic Revival design.
- Sacred & Historic Landmarks
- Experience Canterbury Cathedral and Westminster Abbey
- Integrated Literary Seminars On-Site
- Discuss The Castle of Otranto and The Mysteries of Udolpho in the very landscapes that inspired them.
- Pre-Departure Foundations
- Introductory lectures on Gothic architecture, Romanticism, and 18th-century literature.
- Transformative Study Abroad Experience
- Connect medieval history, architectural heritage, and Gothic fiction in the places that shaped them.
Faculty Leaders
Course Information
ENGL 395 (Special Topics) or HIST 395 (Special Topics)
No required prerequisites
Course Description
This interdisciplinary course allows students to connect medieval history with the imagined “medieval” of 18th century Gothic literature. Students will begin by reading and analyzing three seminal Gothic novels: Walpole’s Castle of Otranto, Radcliffe’s Mysteries of Udolpho, and Lewis’ The Monk. At the same time they will visit surviving medieval cities, castles, cathedrals and abbeys in York, Yorkshire and London to learn the history of late medieval England. In class discussion students will be able to explore how 18th century authors reimagined the medieval countryside, architecture, religion, and lifestyle in comparison with historical understanding of the medieval period. Students will have the opportunity to write a research paper on a history or literature topic of their choosing that allows them to further research the course themes.
Additional Information
- Accommodations
- Ground transportation
- International health insurance
- Group activities
- Airfare
- Students are responsible for purchasing their international airfare to and from the program destination(s). Students should not purchase their flight until receiving specific instructions from the faculty leaders after December 1.
- Tuition (3 credits)
- In-state: $1,440
- Out-of-State: $3,171
- Travel insurance
- Most meals
- Personal expenses
Deadline: December 1, 2026
Student with a valid passport:
Students who have a current passport will need to upload an image of their passport by December 1, 2026, to their enrollment forms.
Student without a Valid Passport
Apply for or renew your passport immediately. After November 1, students must pay to expedite the application process. Do not delay beginning this process.
Passport Application and Renewal
The routine processing time is currently up to 6 weeks and expedited services is up to 3 weeks. These processing times are subject to change and can lengthen significantly. We highly recommend applying for or renewing your passport as soon as possible. Most countries require at least 6 months remaining time on your passport expiration from your intended date of departure. Example: If your passport expires on December 1, 2027, you would need to renew your passport to travel in the summer of 2027.
Each country has established entry requirements and travel restrictions set for foreign visitors and their citizens. Any country can change their regulations at any time. We encourage all students and their families to review details about the country or countries you plan to travel to and to continue monitoring the information leading up to your departure.
Travel & Entry Requirements from the U.S. State DepartmentApplication & Enrollment Forms Deadline
October 31*
*Program may fill prior to deadline due to a rolling admission process.