HIST144 or HIST144H
(3 credits) (satisfies GEN ED: GH and US)
Students in this course will learn about World War II through the lens of the British experience. Travel to London to see first-hand the city where many of the pivotal events of WWII transpired. The class will tour sections of the city that were targeted by the Blitz and visit bomb shelters where Londoners huddled for shelter in the midst of these German attacks. Other excursions will explore sites associated with Churchill, including the war room from which he exercised daily leadership over the British military effort. The class will also visit other sites linked to the British military, such as the HMS Cavalier, the British Navy’s fastest ship in WWII. The class will tour some of Britain’s great museums, including the Imperial War Museum, the Royal Air Force Museum, and the Imperial War Museum, located in the nearby town of Duxford. Some of the museums we visit, such as Bletchley Park Home, which celebrates the history of Britain’s war-time code breakers, are situated in towns outside of London, but near enough for a day trip itinerary.
Trip Registration
Register and pay deposit through Celestial Voyagers.
Course Registration
To register for course credit:
- Meet with your academic adviser to discuss how this course will impact your educational progress. Have your adviser sign a drop/add form to add this class.
- All students should contact Stephanie Ponnett ([email protected]) to register for the course. A copy of the Celestial Voyagers deposit receipt and the student ID number are needed to add the course to your schedule.
Course Requirements
- Mandatory pre/post-trip meetings, group reading, journal, etc., during spring 2026 semester.
- Students must be free of any current conduct reviews or conduct sanctions. Eligibility will be verified, and each participant grants permission for verification by the Office of Student Conduct. Any violation of the PSU Student Code of Conduct while traveling will result in a class failure.
Travel Awards
Award funds are available to undergraduate honors students through the Penn State Harrisburg Honors programs. The University also has funds for students traveling internationally. For details, visit Study Abroad Scholarships. Federal Pell Grant recipient will receive a minimum scholarship of $750 to participate in an approved embedded course. A limited number of travel awards for undergraduate students are available through the Penn State Harrisburg Office of Global Engagement. The application deadline is November 7, 2025.