An Atypical English Class: Part 5

[fblike]Alex Kearns

Alas, our study abroad trip now popularly known as An Atypical English Class has concluded, and what an “atypical” trip it was. First, how many students can say they studied English literature in England? Then take those students, and how many had the exuberant Professor Rutledge to lead their studies? Whenever he was around, Professor Rutledge always brought life to the literature studied, and the authors themselves. He proved time and time again that authors write about what they know, and English authors know England. Particularly when we hiked through the Moors, it was like we were living in Emily Bronte’s novel Wuthering Heights.

Whenever we weren’t in the classroom, we could be found enjoying all things British. During our stay at Harlaxton, it became a routine to order fried chicken from Chicken Palace and then proceed to eat it off of Frisbees due to our lack of plates. While in London, everyone found themselves pushing their way onto the tube in order to stay with the group. Whether we were playing a pickup game of futbol or reading in Harlaxton gardens; shopping in various souvenir stores or enjoying a relaxing train ride; arguing over missed euchre hands or debating what the name of the royal prince should be, never did we experience a dull moment. With endless memories coming home with us, this trip truly was everything we could have asked for. Special thanks to Derick Strode, Beth, Pokey, and Prof. Rutledge for putting it all together!