Font Size: A A A

Want to learn more about the history of crime and punishment? In a class that includes a study trip abroad to London, England?

Chris Shoemaker

December 19, 2012

Bluefield College will offer a 15-weeks course on the history of crime and punishment during its spring 2013 semester, beginning January 9 and ending with a nine-day tour of London, May 9-17, which is open to all BC students and the community at-large.

“This trip is open to anyone who would like to participate,” said Wendy Beavers, assistant professor of history, who is team teaching the course with Dr. Kim Farmer, associate professor ofcriminal justice. “In fact, you do not have to take the class to participate in the trip.”

Whether combining the trip with the course or just taking the trip without the classes, participants of the London journey will explore a number of historical sites during the nine days abroad, including the Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, the British Museum, and the Globe Theatre, among others.

“We will ride on the London Eye, watch the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace, and take the ‘Jack the Ripper Walk,’” said Beavers. “We’ll even visit the site of Prince William and Kate Middleton’s wedding.”

Day one in London will feature a panoramic bus tour of one of the world’s greatest capital cities and free time to explore the city independently. Day two will include a tour of the Marble Arch, Mayfair, Piccadilly, the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, Hyde Park, and the Tower of London.

Other stops throughout the week will include St. Paul's Cathedral, the National Gallery, Trafalgar Square, St. Martin in the Fields, the City of London Police, and Scotland Yard. The week will also offer opportunities for independent sightseeing and shopping.

In line with the criminal justice mission of the trip, the study tour will feature visits to the MetropolitanPolice Heritage Center, which houses a historical collection of uniforms, maps and other police equipment, and the Royal Courts of Justice, which houses the Court of Appeal of England and Wales and the High Court of Justice of England and Wales. Historical relics on schedule to view include the Rosetta Stone, the Elgin Marbles, and a copy of the Magna Carta.

For cost and other information or to register for the class and/or trip, contact Beavers by e-mail at or by phone at 276-326-4228, or Dr. Farmer by e-mail at or by phone at 276-326-4224.

View a complete schedule of the tour of London.

Comments: