Yale Summer Session in London: Challenges to Democracy in Contemporary Europe

Description

NOTE: THE CONTRACT FOR THIS PROGRAM IS PENDING ITS FINAL REVIEW AND SIGNATURE BY YALE UNIVERSITY.

We are living in a time when democracy across the world appears to be under serious threat. In this course, offered in London, UK, we go beyond the classroom to examine a set of central challenges to contemporary European democracy. Each week takes on a prominent theme in threats to democracy, including polarization and democratic backsliding; populism and the far right; and legacies of violence and colonialism. We take advantage of being in London as we study these themes by going on multiple field trips to inspect historical records first hand; to speak with various leaders, experts, and ordinary citizens; and to conduct our own original data collection.

Courses & Credits

GLBL S3700/EP&E S3470/PLSC S3447: Challenges to Democracy in Contemporary Europe. At the time of application, participants choose to receive credit in either GLBL, EP&E or PLSC.

Students earn 2 credits on this program.

Yale Summer Session Programs Abroad are intensive, highly structured academic programs led by Yale instructors. 

Tuition & Fees

SUMMER 2026

*Additional out-of-pocket costs not billed by Yale include: air fare, meals, books, class materials, and transportation to and from the classroom. See YSS Programs Abroad: Costs & Funding for more information about coverage options and answers to general FAQ.

Instructors

Bonnie Weir, Senior Lecturer and Assistant Dean for Undergraduate Education

Bonnie Weir is a senior lecturer and assistant dean for undergraduate education at the Jackson School of Global Affairs. She is the founding co-director of the Program on Peace and Development at Yale University and the founding co-director of the Peacebuilding Initiative. Currently, she serves as the co-director of the certificate program in Human Rights at Yale.

Weir’s research focuses on political violence and post-conflict politics with a focus on Northern Ireland. Her current projects investigate whether and how sectarianism affects political behavior and the consequences of minority rights provisions. She teaches courses on political violence and the “Troubles” and post-conflict politics in Northern Ireland.

Previously, Weir was a senior lecturer of political science and served as director of undergraduate studies for the Program on Ethics, Politics, and Economics at Yale. She regularly lectures for the Yale Young Global Scholars program and is a visiting scholar at the Senator George J. Mitchell Institute for Global Peace, Security, and Justice at Queen’s University Belfast. Weir is also on the board of Peaceful Schools International and a works with a number of groups on applied and policy projects, including the Ad Hoc Committee to Protect the Good Friday Agreement and the Washington Ireland Program.

She received a B.A. from the College of the Holy Cross and a Ph.D. in political science from the University of Chicago.

Class Times

Classes will meet Monday - Thursday from 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m., including academic field trips and guest lectures from political leaders, diplomats, representatives of NGOs, and academics.

Class times may be subject to change with notice from the instructors.

Classroom Location

61 South Molton Street, London

Money & Budgeting

Many participants find a combination of credit and debit cards to be the most convenient way of accessing money while abroad. It’s important to have a backup option as well in case of emergency.

Participants should bring a moderate amount (equivalent to $100 or so) of the host country currency in cash when leaving the U.S. to cover initial expenses like bus/taxi fares, snacks, and phone calls for the first couple of days. Please note that participants likely will need more than $100 for out-of-pocket expenses throughout the entire duration of the program.

England uses the pound sterling (£), which floats at about a 4:3 ratio with the US dollar. London is an expensive city in general, similar to New York, but participants are advised to take advantage of the city's many inexpensive restaurants and food stands, as well as the city's potable tap water, which is available upon request at all bars and restaurants.

Tipping is not required and service is always included in the bill. However, it is common to leave a few pounds as a gesture of appreciation for good service at restaurants and cafés.

Trips and Activities

On every Yale Summer Session Program Abroad, learning extends outside of the classroom. Participants can expect a variety of integrated activities and excursions that enhance the academic goals of the program. Trips and activities listed below are included as examples only and are subject to change. 

All required activities and excursion include transportation (when outside of the host city), entrance fees, and most meals.

Housing

All participants are required to live in program-provided housing while abroad and are not permitted to arrange housing independently. International housing is guaranteed from the first day of the program until the official end date.

Notes

Climate

Summer in London is mild, though there can be heat waves or periods of time when the weather becomes quite chilly and rainy. Participants are encouraged to pack light layers that can be added or removed throughout the day to adapt.

Packing Considerations

1. Pack light! Participants will be able to do laundry and will likely return home with new items from the host country. Participants should expect the possibility of carrying their bags on several modes of transportation and up several flights of stairs alone.

2. Keep all essential items in a carry-on bag (e.g., passport and medications).

Questions

For general program questions, contact studyabroad@yale.edu.

Important Information Before Applying

• All YSS Programs Abroad are intensive, highly structured academic programs for Yale credit and grades.
• Students may only apply to one YSS Program Abroad per summer.
• Admission is not guaranteed. Applicants should anticipate that more students will apply than there are spots available, and Yale College students should apply to a backup Non-Yale Summer Abroad opportunity.
• Ensure that your transcript reflects how you have met the pre-requisite, if applicable, prior to applying.
• Participants must commit to the full program dates. Late arrivals and early departures are not permitted.
• Participants are required to be enrolled in all program courses.
• Participants should expect evening and weekend requirements. Students who have questions about religious observance during a YSS Program Abroad are encouraged to Meet with an Adviser.
• Program-arranged housing is required for all YSS Programs Abroad. Students are not permitted to secure independent housing. Students who have housing-related questions about placements, allergies, religious observance, or disability-related access are encouraged to Meet with an Adviser.

Apply to a YSS Program Abroad