By Erica Saucedo/reporter
The typical college class consists of lengthy lectures, note taking and overly written textbooks in a dull classroom. But TCC students currently have the opportunity to participate in a course that differs from the norm.
Students of British Literature to the 1800s can take their course in London, England, with Cheryl Roberts, assistant professor of English.
“The trips show [the students] the context of the historical and literature works. What we work on in class comes alive,” she said.
The idea of taking students overseas for a TCC literature class came around last year when the first trip to London occurred in May. To be eligible for the trip, students must enroll in British Literature to the 1800s and contact Roberts at cheryl.roberts@tccd.edu.
“[They] receive credit for the class, a three-hour course. We meet a week before the trip, and the students are required to keep a journal with them on the trip detailing what they see and their experiences,” she said. “From their journal, they have to complete a project when they get back.”
Because Roberts is not working with a tour company, students would pay their hotel and airfare individually. They also would pay TCC tuition and fees. Other fees would be paid later.
Roberts said she hopes to keep the cost at or below $2,500.
Roberts came up with the idea to take students to London while she was in Europe for a week with her great niece.
“It gives them the opportunity to see a culture other than our own,” she said. “Because it is England, whom we have a history with and speak the same language, it is not such a culture shock as opposed to going to India. It’s a way to see and speak the culture and also a way to get around.”
Besides wanting to take her British Literature students to London in May, Roberts also would like to take her World Literature to 1650 class to Greece and Italy on Spring Break.
For more information on how to become involved in one or both of the trips, e-mail Roberts at cheryl.roberts@tccd.edu or call 817-515-7740.
Roberts currently teaches sophomore World and British Literature and first-year Cornerstone English.