Experiential Approaches to the Global City: London as Social Laboratory

Abstract

London is a global city which constitutes a major hub of the world economy and is characterised by the socioeconomic contradictions of its success.  It provides significant opportunities for active experiential and inquiry-based learning which transcend the conventional study abroad agenda.  As a centre for exploration and discovery, participation and observation, global London offers a rich field of academic potential precisely because it is (by its nature) multi-dimensional, complex and challenging.  This paper outlines how urban field studies, internships and service-learning may be used to analyse the city’s contested terrain and facilitate critical engagement with the global city in all of its diversity.