Oxford Summer CoursesSummer 2011

July 3rd - July 16th

July 17th - July 31st

Welcome 4

Overview 6

Programmes 9

The Oxford Edge 10

Teaching Methods 11

Staff Profiles 12

Accommodation 14

Cultural Activities 16

Subjects 18

Enrolment 20

Timetable 21

Contents

We started this summer school with two clear intentions: to give you a genuine and memorable experience of what life is like at Oxford University and to allow you to study exactly what you want with a leading academic in your chosen area. Having both studied at Oxford while undergraduate students we benefitted first hand from the tutorial method of teaching and we would like to enable others to experience what life is like as a student at Oxford University and gain a

real excitement and passion from their subject. We have a team of tutors each of whom studied at Oxford University. Our tutors are well placed to help you unlock your potential and they can enable you to study exactly what you want to study in a one-to-one environment. You will return home not only with a much better understanding of what you have studied during your time with us but with a clearer idea of what life at university

is like and, most importantly, a passion for your subject that will stand you in good stead when you come to apply to university. We also want you to have fun while in Oxford and so have a whole host of extra-curricular activities lined up that, along with the new friends you make, will serve to make your time here unforgettable. We hope that you will join us in Summer 2011 for what will be a fantastic experience. We hope to see you soon!

Welcome

Robert Phipps & Harry HoareCourse Directors, Oxford Summer Courses

“The tailor-made nature of your study makes Oxford Summer Courses stand out above the rest.”

An Oxford ExperienceOxford Summer Courses offer a unique educational experience set against the backdrop of the stunning city of Oxford.

Students have the opportunity to study for either two or four weeks, immersing themselves in their chosen subject. We use the tutorial method of teaching, in which the ratio of students to staff is one to-one, affording the best possible learning environment.

All of our staff are Oxford-University educated and have the experience and knowledge to help inspire you to make the most of your time here. Our students will live and study in the buildings and colleges that make up the University of Oxford, offering you a unique opportunity to live and breathe the Oxford experience and maximising your learning potential in the heart of this famous city.

Complementing these academic pursuits are a wide range of extra-curricular activities both in Oxford and throughout England. This combination will make your summer in Oxford unforgettable.

Our PhilosophyThe Oxford experience is at the heart of everything we do. This means living in college accommodation and learning through both lectures and tutorials with Oxford academics.

Adding value to students through bespoke tutorial teaching. This teaches students how to handle exposure to their chosen subject and to a university environment.

Commitment to the highest level of teaching by using only Oxford University staff.

Extra-curricular activities to maintain the balance between work and play and help students make lasting friendships.

“Your academic experience will be

tailored to your specific interests, needs and goals.

This unique boast puts Oxford

Summer Courses ahead of the

competition.”

What is Oxford Summer Courses?

Bespoke Tutorial Teaching ‘Bespoke’ means studying the specific subject and topic of your choice in one-to-one tutorials. You will be placed with a personal tutor who will tailor the reading list and essay questions to your interest before tutoring you personally. Your tutor will also look after your

academic well-being during your stay in Oxford.

This highly personalised service enables you to make the most of your time here and develop your academic potential beyond measure. Do not worry if you are not sure what you would like to study - the ‘subjects’ section has some suggestions and our staff are happy to talk over potential areas of interest

with interested students.

Your academic experience will be tailored to your specific interests, needs and goals. This unique boast puts Oxford Summer Courses ahead of the competition. Our tutors are deeply committed to tutorial teaching with Oxford Summer Courses and refuse to teach large classes on other programmes.

“You will return home with a far deeper understanding of your chosen subject, having pursued the areas that you find most interesting and tested your own opinions with new friends and leading academics.”

A Taste of Oxford for 16-18yr oldsA Taste of Oxford is a course for 16-18 year olds intended as a pre-university taste of what life is like as a student at Oxford University and the british university system in general. A Taste of Oxford helps university application by providing students with the perfect forum - the Oxford tutorial - in which to mature academically. As such, it is first-class preparation for university interviews.

The Oxford Academic Semester for 18-21yr olds

The Oxford Academic Semester is a course for 18-21 year olds in a wide range of subjects to enhance those areas already studied or to try something new in the Oxford environment. Courses offered include a range of arts, sciences, humanities and social sciences.

An Historic Seat of LearningWe invite you to join us for an unforgettable summer in Oxford, a city whose name has been synonymous with scholarship of the highest standard since 1167.

Be inspired by the unique atmosphere of Oxford in summertime: the beautiful city of dreaming spires plays host to a wealth of academic study and cultural activities that combine to make a summer spent with us an experience that you will treasure.

Our tutors are all Oxford University-educated and will make sure you get the most out of your study and leisure time. We believe everyone should have the opportunity to study, learn and find out what life is like as a student in Oxford.

You will return home with a far deeper understanding of your chosen subject, having pursued the areas that you find most interesting and tested your own opinions with new friends and leading academics.

Every student enrolled at Oxford Summer Courses will therefore gain a unique experience, learning directly from tutors and academics with extensive first-hand knowledge of the teaching methods of Oxford University.

Programmes

“Our tutors are all Oxford

University-educated and will

make sure you get the most out of

your study.”

The Oxford Edge: The Value Of Oxford Summer Courses

We provide a learning experience that would stand alone as a fantastic memory and highlight of any student’s summer. However we are aware of the increasingly competitive world in which the value of a good education is more important than ever for securing entry to the top academic institutions and jobs.

For this reason, we are committed to providing a learning experience that helps to give students an edge, not only at school but also in preparation for their university applications and the world of higher education itself. We are

committed to helping passionate, intelligent students realise their aims and hope that by providing a genuinely stimulating and challenging curriculum, in a collaborative and inspiring learning environment, we can enable students to get ahead in their chosen subject.

With Oxford Summer Courses students distinguish themselves from their peers and unlock their own academic talent. Our tutors do not provide specific ”how to get into Oxbridge” courses. There is no magic formula, and you should be suspicious of anyone claiming

to have one. The best preparation is to become passionate about your subject and practice tutorial teaching, two of the principal aims of Oxford Summer Courses. Our tutors firmly believe that the courses they run are of a serious academic quality and superior to any specific coaching.

Students receive the best possible preparation for an interview by writing essays and defending these essays in tutorials. Skills developed in the tutorial will give students the ability to tackle complex problems and make their own arguments.

“We are committed to providing a learning experience that helps to give students an edge, not only at school but also in preparation for their university applications”

Teaching Methods

Oxford TutorialsThis unique method of teaching, pioneered in Oxford, has been the foundation of the University’s success for many generations and it is central to the philosophy of Oxford Summer Courses.

We are fully committed to the bespoke nature of your experience. This means we will find tutors of the highest quality who have studied and taught at Oxford University to cover your area of interest and conduct tutorials in your chosen subject.

Once a week you will meet for a tutorial with your tutor: here you can discuss the work you have done, the questions raised by your study and air your own personal opinions on the subject with a leading academic. In tutorials you will test your own beliefs and

arguments built up through your own preparation.

The key to success of the tutorial method lies in the one-to-one ratio of students to tutors. This tutorial method means students rapidly become fully immersed in their subject and learn how to articulate their arguments by marshaling evidence and speaking persuasively.

This will allow you to make real progress with your chosen course, thinking and working alongside world-leading researchers.

The quality of this learning experience cannot be matched outside the world’s leading universities and Oxford’s unique environment adds something extra special to an unforgettable academic encounter.

A Unique Learning EnvironmentOur tutors are all Oxford University academics and have spent years honing their teaching skills as undergraduate and graduate students.

Oxford has been a centre of learning excellence for centuries and it is the superior quality of staff that makes Oxford one of the world’s pre-eminent universities.

At Oxford Summer Courses we provide tutors of the highest quality and encourage students to make the most of the city itself through a programme of activities that stimulates students in a less academic, but no less important, dimension.

SeminarsStudents participate in weekly seminars in addition to the lectures and tutorial teaching. Groups of no more than 6 students are supervised by a tutor and will present prepared topics for discussion. This student-driven method of learning offers a great foil to the more personal tutorial by affording students a chance to discuss one another’s work and hone their presentation and discussion skills in a collaborative and friendly learning environment.

Maria GrassoMaria is a Lecturer in Politics at St Hugh’s College, and

she is currently writing up her doctoral thesis on political activism in Western Europe. She holds a Masters of Science

in Sociology from Oxford and read PPE at Oxford as an undergraduate. Her research interests include political engagement and radicalism, voting behaviour and the

politics of education .

With an Oxford-educated team our tutors boast a quality of teaching that is of the highest calibre. Alongside individuals who are at the pinnacle of research in their discipline we have young enthusiastic tutors who seek to engage pupils by making use of real-life examples and drawing upon the city itself for inspiration.

Our tutors have years of teaching experience in Oxford University and know how to engage students and how to inspire debate and enquiry.

In order to make the most of our tutors’ expertise we believe in giving autonomy to them to set reading lists and seminar topics to

create an educational experience that is truly unique and valuable.

Below is a sample of some of our tutoring staff. Once you have been accepted we will match you with a specialist in your area with experience teaching at the University of Oxford.

Staff Profiles

Harry Hoare

Harry has taught Philosophy at summer schools in Oxford and at Reading University. He currently teaches undergraduates in the History of Political Thought. Harry studied Philosophy, Politics and Economics as an undergraduate before taking an M.Phil in Political Theory. His areas of specialism are Classical Philosophy, Aesthetics and Political Theory.

Dr Dan ButtDan joined Oriel College in 2004 and has been teaching

undergraduate and graduate students in Politics for many years. Dan spent his undergraduate days at Wadham

College, Oxford, and has extensive tutorial experience.

He has taught and lectured at Oxford University on both Political Theory and Political Science, and his

research interests concern questions of international and compensatory justice.

Robert PhippsRobert studied History at University College before tutoring privately in both Hong Kong and Barcelona as well as at summer schools across England. He studied a wide range of topics during his time at Oxford writing his thesis on the Spanish Conquistadors, Incas and Aztecs, as well as winning a scholarship to study Byzantine ruins in Turkey.

George HoareGeorge has experience tutoring undergraduates as

well as visiting students from America and the Far East. Having been at Oxford for over 8 years George

has an excellent record when it comes to his students achieving the highest marks in their assessed papers.

In February 2009, George was accredited as Associate

Fellow of the Academy of Higher Education for his study on the importance of interpersonal relations to

the Oxford tutorial process.

His teaching areas of specialism include Sociological Theory and Politics and his research concerns the

meaning of “Left” and “Right” in Politics.

Accommodation

Oriel CollegeThis summer Oriel College will play host to Oxford Summer Courses. The centrally located college is a stone’s throw away from the famous libraries of Oxford as well as the wealth of shops, cafes and restaurants that make up the city centre.

Oriel owns its own sports pitches with a gym and squash court on-site alongside a student common room with a TV and internet

access. All rooms are connected to Oxford University’s high-speed network with ethernet points.

HistoryFounded in 1326 by King Edward II, Oriel College is the fifth oldest of Oxford’s colleges and its fantastic heritage and architecture will provide a stunning setting for Oxford Summer Courses in 2010. Oriel’s famous alumni include Sir Walter Raleigh, Cecil Rhodes, and John Keble.

James Mellon Hall Students will be staying in the residential annexe at Oriel College’s James Mellon Hall. The site will provide a secure, comfortable and modern base a short walk from the teaching and dining rooms of the college.

The rooms are modern, clean and bright. The accommodation is supplemented by a squash court, TV room, and gym (not to mention

the croquet lawn!). It promises to be the perfect setting for summer afternoons and (weather permitting) we look forward to having a few barbeques. The rooms themselves are cosy singles which are cleaned professionally by college staff. The homely atmosphere of having all Oxford Summer Courses students living together is overseen by first-aid trained Residential Deans whose first priority is the welfare and safety of the students.

Formal Three Course Meal

Formal dinners are one of Oxford’s great traditions.Students and professors alike flock to the great halls of the colleges and dine under huge portraits of their college’s most famous members.

It is a great way to get a sense of the history and tradition of Oxford as the Latin grace that has been read for nearly 700 years is recited before everyone begins their meal.

Cultural and Social Activities

Punting Punting is one of the quintessential activities that makes Oxford what it is. Floating lazily down a meandering river in the shade of the botanical gardens provides a fantastic way to see Oxford from a different perspective and a great way to relax after a hard day’s study.

Literary Tour

This walking tour takes in the rich literary history of Oxford, the

dining hall which was featured in the Harry Potter films, the

pubs frequented by the writers of the Lord of the Rings and

Alice in Wonderland. We visit J.R.R Tolkien and Lewis Carroll’s

colleges and the door knob that some say inspired the Lion Aslan, as well as the sites featured in the recent Golden Compass film and that provided the inspiration for

Phillip Pullman’s novels.

Debating

One of Oxford’s most famous past-times is debating, centred on

the Oxford Union. Some of the greatest ever orators and world

leaders have graced the debating chamber. With a debating

workshop and a visit to the Union itself this trip promises to

be something special.

Oxford Castle and Open Air Shakespeare Oxford’s famous castle offers the perfect setting to watch some Shakespeare in the open air on a warm Summer’s evening. Set in the shadow of the stunning Oxford Castle we will take in a Shakespeare play in the evening.

The British Museum

The British Museum with its

collection of over 7 million different objects and artefacts

drawn together from across the globe offers one of the

most comprehensive museum collections in the world.

There is certain to be something

to cater for every taste or interest, no matter how obscure.

Blenheim Palace Blenheim Palace was the family home of Sir Winston Churchill and it offers a fascinating insight into his childhood. The beautiful house, built in 1704, is set in a stunning landscaped garden and even contains a maze.

English Literature

Oxford has long inspired some of the world’s leading writers such as J.R.R. Tolkein, Phillip Pullman and Lewis Carroll. Almost every building and corridor brims with literary significance. We invite you to come and study the English literary tradition, to broaden your horizons and to discuss and discover your own literary voice through studying some of the greats.

A Wide Range of Options

The subjects listed below are intended as a guide, a large part of the ethos of Oxford Summer Courses is that you have a degree of control with regards to what you study during your time with us. You will have the opportunity to study the topics and areas that interest you but our tutors are there to help narrow your focus should you need advice.

The subjects below are some of the options available to you and reflect the main teaching specialisms of our tutors. For a full list please visit www.oxfordsummercourses.com

History

Oxford is a great place to study History. Not only does is there access to one of the best collections of historical literature in the world but many of history’s leading

figures have studied at Oxford. Our tutors will allow you to focus on a specific area of interest and to develop source analysis and essay-writing skills through an in-

depth look at your chosen topic.

Subjects

Philosophy

Oxford has been at the pinnacle of the study of philosophy for over 800 years and many of the world’s greats have taught or lectured here. By developing the

skills necessary to make strong arguments and deconstruct the arguments of others, studying philosophy is invaluable training for studying any Arts degree at

university or any occupation that requires making and analysing arguments.

International Relations

The course will combine theoretical and empirical perspectives to address the questions concerning the study and practice of international politics in the modern era. Globalisation, trade and failed climate change negotiations will be used as a practical touchstone to explore theoretical principles with our tutors, looking to explore issues from a variety of national perspectives.

Science

Science is the attempt to understand, explain and predict the world in which we live. Our tutors enable you to study scientific principles across Biology, Chemistry,

Physics, Biochemistry and Psychology. With a commitment to one-to-one bespoke tutorial teaching Oxford Summer Courses offers a unique opportunity to

academically explore whatever interests you with some of the world’s top tutors.

Mathematics

By studying with tutors of the highest quality, students’ mathematics skills can be advanced maximally. Your tutorials will be tailored to your ability and understanding of the underlying material with the focus placed on solutions of problem sheet questions and ironing out any queries students may have, rather than the discussion-based tutorials. Our tutors are also able to cater to financial mathematics and the philosophy of mathematics alongisde traditional calculus.

Politics

Oxford is a hot-bed of political activism and at the forefront of the academic study of politics. Countless world-leaders have studied here and some of the most

eminent political theorists are Oxford academics. You have the opportunity to focus on aspects of Political Science, Political History or Political Theory with a tutorial

staff that lead the field.

Economics and Business

Economics involves the study of how markets work and how businesses succeed and fail. Students will study key ideas such as supply and demand, market structures and reasons for market failure (and how government intervention can mitigate – or exasperate – the problems). Justifying policy decisions in a tutorial environment will teach students the importance of making strong arguments in situations where many answers can be justified.

Classical Civilisation

The Greek and Latin cultures marked a high point in philosophy, writing and art that was not surpassed for 1500 years. Studying Classical Civilisation involves

looking at various sources of information about how the Greeks and Romans lived their lives. We will also study classical politics, history and philosophy through the

key texts of writers such as Virgil, Ovid and Thucydides.

Places will be confirmed once we have received completed applications and deposits. Applications must contain both the agreement and application forms signed either by the parent/guardian or by the student (if aged 18 or over).

Please visit our website www.

oxfordsummercourses.com to download an application form.

In addition students must have valid medical insurance if they are to be accepted onto the course.

Oxford Summer Courses does not arrange visas or flights, visa arrangements will differ

depending on the nationality of the student and we recommend visiting www.fco.gov.uk to find out more information if you are in doubt as to the applicable visa arrangements.

Please direct any questions that you may have to info@oxfordsummercourses.com

WelfareIn addition to our academic staff we also have one Residential Dean per ten students, Residential Deans are on call 24 hours a day in case of emergencies and are exclusively concerned with the well-being and happiness of our students.

Residential Deans are supported by Student Counsellors, current students at the university who accompany students on the excursions and help them with their tutorial preparation and seminars.

Enrolment

Oxford Summer Courses are 2 weeks long and there are 2 options in summer 2011:

(i) Sunday 3 July to Saturday 16 July (ii) Sunday 17 July to Saturday 31 July

The price for the course is £2,695.00 and includes all accommodation and breakfast. We will provide evening meals from Monday to Thursday and a 3-course formal meal in the college dining hall on Friday night.

This also includes all entry to cultural activities inside and outside of Oxford.

The price does not include airfare or airport transfers but transfers between London airports and Oxford can be arranged for an additional charge. There are regular coach services between London’s airports and Oxford.

A special discount is available to those wishing to do a 4-week course, this can either be two separate subjects or one subject studied in further depth. The price for 4 weeks is £5,250.00

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info@oxfordsummercourses.com+44 (0)845 0519296

Oxford Summer CoursesSummer 2010