Adventures

For students, there is no substitute for experiencing firsthand the places and the original objects that we study. So, wherever I am teaching, I incorporate adventures that, literally, take us beyond the classroom.

Some of these are quite extensive and detailed. For instance, in my courses taught at Korea University, we spend a day at the (hugely impressive) Korean War Memorial and Museum. In London, I regularly guide students through the incomparable collections at the Imperial War Museum. The archivists at the Bank of England–my favourite archive!–have hosted us as well. They showcased some of the highlights, including those call numbers that I use regularly, gave us a tour of the vaults, and brought us to see the original charter. I cannot imagine a better introduction to archival work.

In other cases, we visit specific sites–sometimes just to get a sense of place. There is the familiar walk from LSE (on Houghton Street) up to Bloomsbury and then on to 46 Gordon Square–where Maynard Keynes and the “Bloomsbury Group” lived, loved, and worked. There is no better walk in London for thinkers and creators.

Or we can walk west to see the revelatory Edith Cavell statue at Trafalgar Square. The monument is a touching tribute to this fascinating figure. Link Just as important, it exemplifies the desire to, quite literally, set in stone a certain (mis!)representation of history and particular gender roles. Following her 1915 execution for spying, “Nurse Cavell” became a favourite subject of recruitment posters in the UK and abroad, which rendered her slain, recumbent body with ever more lurid and fanciful details. Link In 1920, Queen Alexandra unveiled the statue carved by Sir George Frampton, with the top inscription reading, “For King and Country.” Many, however, revolted as Cavel had ensured that her last words (recorded by her priest) were, “Patriotism is not enough. I must have no hatred or bitterness towards anyone.” After years of petitioning, the National Council of Women saw the statue modified (in 1924) and Cavell’s own words added to her monument. Link

A few related photos follow…