A Summer at Oxford

A SUMMER AT OXFORD

North Carolina State University and UNC-Asheville will offer an undergraduate summer study session at St. Benet's Hall, Oxford England. This will be the 24th year of the program. St. Benet's Hall is one of the many Halls and Colleges of Oxford University.

The purpose of the program is to provide students an opportunity to study academic subjects which most readily benefit from being taught in England. The program brings together a diversity of students to live at Oxford College and to study in a way which exemplifies the Oxford tradition of academic life, through British tutors and lecturers, usually from the University of Oxford. Over 500 students have participated in this Oxford program.

THE OXFORD EXPERIENCE

To live a summer at Oxford is to take a dip into history. The city lies between the Isis (Thames) and Cherwell Rivers. Its name evidently comes from an ancient site where oxen forded the river. A city and industrial center. It is best known as the seat of Oxford University, England's oldest university, celebrated for tradition, academic excellence, and the beautiful architecture of Christopher Wren, Nicholis Hawksmoor and scores of medieval craftsmen. A town existed here before the Norman Conquest: (references to a university date from the 12th century and the oldest of the existing colleges, University College, was founded in 1249). New college dates from 1379. Here, too, one may visit the Bodleian Library, the Ashmolean Museum, St. Mary Virgin Church (John Wesley's "home" church), and the oldest pub in England. Unlike American taverns, English pubs can be classified as cultural establishments as well as social gathering places. C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien, and others frequented the Eagle and the Child, and John Wesley's "glory club" met at the site of the Lamb and Flag. Both are within two blocks of St. Benet's Hall.

Oxford has several fine theatres that produce a wide range of productions. The Oxford Theatre Guild presents Shakespeare's plays in the garden of St. John's College using the natural outdoor backdrop effectively during the pleasant summer nights of July.

In addition to the Bodleian Library, possibly the finest of its kind in the world, Blackwell's in Broad Street offers browsing rare books, special collections, and a fine selection of inexpensive paperbacks. Less than three blocks from Blackwell's is the outlet for the Oxford University Press and the Clarendon Press.

As you will soon discover, even a simple stroll about Oxford is an enriching educational experience.

ACADEMIC PROGRAM

The program offers a choice of several 3-semester credit hour courses. A student must take at least one course for academic credit. There are no prerequisites for any course. Classes generally meet five times a week in 75-minute sessions.

In addition to the credit courses, a Colloquium on Contemporary Britain will meet once a week. All student are required to attend. In order to make maximum use of their time in Oxford, students should complete some background reading for their course(s) prior to going into residence in Oxford. Course outlines will be mailed in the Spring. Students are also encouraged to read about the ancient and unique city of Oxford and to take advantage of all that Oxford has to offer in the way of plays, places of architectural and historic interest, libraries, and museums.

FACILITIES

Since its inception, we have been privileged to reside and study as guests of St. Benet's Hall, a permanent private hall of the University of Oxford. The amicable head master is Father Henry Wansborough. Most students will live in double rooms. All meals are provided on the day of the weekly field trip. Due to the nature of the dining room and the set dinner menu provided, special diet restrictions cannot be accommodated. Students should keep this in mind when considering this particular program.

The traditional afternoon tea in the garden is always a special time which might include a game of croquet.

RESIDENT STAFF

A faculty resident staff will accompany the group and be in residence at St. Benet's Hall.

FEES

The total cost for room and board; tuition; fees; and tickets to a Shakespeare performance and a London Theatre is $2,500. A surcharge may be required in the event of a major increase in British prices. The universities reserve the right to alter the program format in case of conditions beyond their control. Not included is the cost of overseas flight, passport, textbooks, some weekend meals, and incidentals. A $300 registration fee, of which $100 is non-refundable, is payable upon application to the program, and the total balance is due by April 10th. After this date, no fees can be refunded unless a substitute is found for the reserved space.

APPLICATION

Applications are taken on a first come basis, and students with a 2.0 or greater G.P.A may apply. Late registrants will be considered if space is available. The program is limited to 30 students and has been completely filled the last several years.

OVERSEAS FLIGHTS/TRAVEL

The Oxford program office at N.C. State and UNC-Asheville will provide information on suggested flights to England. Depending upon your own budget, and travel plans airfare will range anywhere from $750 to $900 for a round-trip to England next summer.

Since weekends are free for sight-seeing, students should explore the possibilities for travel. London is only an hour away by train or bus. Scotland and Wales are easily reached for a weekend's travel. Many students arrange for extended travel in the British Isles or in Europe just before or after the residential stay at Oxford.

MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION

Additional detailed information will be provided to each participant in the Spring concerning background readings for the courses, clothing suggestions, laundry, travel information, preferred money exchanges, etc. You will need to obtain a valid passport.

FOR INFORMATION CONTACT:

Pete Williams
Study Abroad Coordinator
30 Highsmith Center
UNC-Asheville
Asheville, NC 28804
Phone: (828) 251-6666
E-mail: pwilliams@unca.edu

COURSES OF STUDY:

Dr. Aveek Sen, Research Fellow, Wolfson College
Literature 373.1 (UNC-A)
Ph.D., Corpus Christi College, Cambridge
Shakespeare

A general study of the historical background and four selected major works on Shakespeare. Students enrolled in the course will attend a performance at either Stratford-on-Avon, Shakespeare's birthplace or The Globe Theater in London. In addition, they may enjoy the various Shakespearean performances presented in the gardens of Oxford colleges.

Pending
ART 375.1 (UNC-A)
Art Treasures of Oxford
This course will focus on the art and techniques of European art from around 1300 to 1900, with an emphasis on the works of art which are available for study in Oxford. The rich artistic resources of the Oxford colleges and the Ashmolean Museum, supplemented by a field trip to the National Gallery in London, will allow concentration on such subjects as Turner, the Pre-Raphaelites, and the drawings of Raphael and Michelangelo.

Dr. Martin Holmes, Senior Research Fellow Mansfield College,
PS or /History 373.2 (UNC-A)
Oxford. Ph.D., University College, Oxford.
Britain since 1930

This course will focus upon the causes leading up to World War II and the nature and consequences of Britain's involvement. The policies of Winston Churchill and his government, and the immediate and long-term consequences of this period of Britain's History will be examined.

(It is the responsibility of each student to arrange course credit at their institution. Transfer credit for non-NC STATE/UNC-A students may be requested from NC State University.)

Colloquium on contemporary Britain
No credit
This colloquium, required of all participants, will meet one evening a week to discuss selected topics on contemporary Britain. Each session will be led by a British authority.

EXPLORING OXFORD
Each student will be expected to join the scheduled walking tour of Oxford, which will be arranged early in the stay to become acquainted with the city and the colleges. In addition, information on other tours and events will be posted regularly.

DAY TRIPS
There will be several weekly day trips, usually on Wednesday afternoon. One will likely be to a castle; another to Salisbury and Stonehenge. Also, a day in London is planned for culture and the performing arts.

STUDENT COMMENTS:
"Although I had previously visited England, the "Summer at Oxford" experience proved to be the most rewarding. With its well-organized program, superb instructors, and awesome setting, one could not ask for more. The resulting excitement sparked learning, new and lasting friendships, and appreciation of British culture."

FURTHER EXPLORATION:

To explore the United Kingdom and many of the travel and cultural opportunities available, try the following links: