This course explores how Oxford became a centre for learning in the middle ages, as well as a centre for trade and government. It examines the sponsorship of its splendid buildings and collections as well as the tensions between townspeople and scholars.
Course Duration: 1-5 weeks
African Art & Oxford Archives
Explore the histories of African art & archives in Oxford. From medieval collections to contemporary works, this course examines collecting practices, colonial histories, gender, ethics & repatriation. Includes object-based sessions at Pitt Rivers Museum.
The History of Oxford Art Collections
Discover the richness and diversity of Oxford’s art collections. Explore first hand the many facets of world-class museums and galleries, such as the Ashmolean, History of Science, Natural History, and Pitt Rivers museums.
Ancient Egyptian Grave Goods
Explore the world of Ancient Egypt through the objects left behind in tombs. From iconic pieces to lesser-known finds, uncover the stories behind them, then visit the Ashmolean Museum to discover the challenges faced by today’s curators and conservators.
Natural History of Port Meadow
Explore the rich natural history of Port Meadow through five guided field sessions. Discover wildflowers, insects and other wetland species while learning how flooding and grazing shape this unique Oxford landscape.
Plants on a Changing Planet
Plants have existed on this planet longer than humans. As the climate on Earth has changed dramatically since its origins, how have plants survived? This course will explore how plants adapt to thrive across the world in different environments.
Inventing Modern Science, 1400-1700
This course examines some of the most influential and important ideas and discoveries (and the people behind them) in the history of science between the years 1400-1700, finishing with a visit to Oxford’s History of Science Museum.
The Art and Architecture of Andalucía (c.750-1550CE)
A comprehensive introduction and historical framework to the rich, diverse, artistic, architectural, and cultural legacy of Andalucía, Spain’s most southerly region, produced between about 750 and 1550 CE, but with reference to its more ancient history.
From Bacteria to Human: the biological diversity of living cells
Building unites represent the foundation basis any physical structure. Across species living on our plant share a common basic building unit, the Biological Cell. From bacteria to human, we will explore the beauty and diversity of the living cell.
Cancer Biology: An Introduction
Cancer is a devastating disease where what used to be a normal cell yesterday transforms into a tumour cell today. Understanding the disease biology is the first learning step towards discovering new treatments. This course introduces cancer biology.
How to begin your Family Tree
Have you been wanting to trace your family history, but are unsure where to start? This course will guide you through the process. You will learn how to use civil registration records, censuses, newspapers, and hands-on archival skills.
Detecting Agatha Christie
Delve into Agatha Christie’s detective fiction through Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple. Studying four classic novels, this course explores how Christie redefined the genre, blending social insight, innovation, and subversion beneath her elegant puzzles.