Colleges of Oxford

Colleges of Oxford

by Julian Munby

Oxford Experience Summer Course

 Sun 14 to Sat 20 Jul 2013

The course explores the historic Colleges and buildings of the University and city in the context of the origins of the town and growth of the University, ranging from the early medieval period to the 21st century. We shall look at the changing architectural styles of the buildings (churches, houses, colleges and institutions) in the context of the college gardens and the surrounding countryside. Following the chronology from medieval origins through to the modern period, the course consists of illustrated talks followed by walks around historic buildings and streets of Oxford. On the last morning there is a Victorian walk followed by an afternoon excursion to view modern colleges and views of the ‘dreaming spires’ from the Oxford countryside. 

Julian Munby works on historic buildings and landscapes for Oxford Archaeology, has been researching the history of Oxford for many years, with a special interest in its buildings and in drawn views of the city. He has wide interests in cultural studies from the Mediterranean to the Caribbean, and he is a regular lecturer for OUDCE.

You can find further information here...

Book Early For Your Courses

The following courses for Oxford Experience 2013 are already full: The Age of Churchill Oxford Murder The Wars of the Roses The English Country House in Film and Literature From Bismarck to Hitler Jane Austen’s People in their Places English Country Houses Jane Austen’s Heroines Some other courses are filling up fast, so you are advised to book early to ensure that you are able to get a place on the course of your choice.

Blackbird Leys nunnery dig uncovers Bronze Age arrowhead

Archaeologists said the arrowhead was found among a small group of prehistoric worked flints

An archaeology dig at a medieval nunnery in Oxford has unearthed a 4,000-year-old Bronze Age arrowhead.

The five-week dig by the Archaeology of East Oxford Community Project (Archeox) also revealed prehistoric worked flints, medieval and roman pottery.

The excavation at Littlemore Priory was a collaboration between volunteers and the University of Oxford.

More than 500 volunteers gave up their free time to take part in the project near the Kassam Stadium.

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The Beatles, Popular Music and Sixties Britain

According to The Hollywood Reporter, "the Beatles is the biggest selling group of all time in the U.K." (Read the rest of the story here...)

"The Beatles, Popular Music and Sixties Britain", taught by Rikky Rooksby, is a fascinating examination of the Beatles and their impact.  The course description says:

" Revered and reviled in equal measure, the Sixties continue to fascinate. We will explore how the Beatles made their music, and trace its development from the relatively simple recordings of their first albums to the layered recording techniques of Abbey Road. We will place their songs in context by discussing examples by other notable British groups of the period. The course also includes some British poetry and articles from the decade, as well as archive film of Swinging London and other clips, and mention of some of the key events in British art and politics. However familiar you think the Beatles’ music is, prepare to hear more in it than before."

You can find out more about the course here...