Our seminar groups at Oxford have settled into full swing, and students are diving into engaging discussions, hands-on experiences, and new friendships. Here’s a peek at what a few of our seminars have been up to this week.
Psychology
Students in the Psychology major visited the Oxford University Museum of Natural History with Dr. Luka Katic, who holds a DPhil in Experimental Psychology from the University of Oxford. Housed in a striking Victorian neo-Gothic building, the museum is famous for its dinosaur skeletons, the Oxford Dodo, gemstones, fossils, and interactive exhibits that make science accessible for visitors of all ages.
International Relations
Students in Haitong Du’s International Relations major have been exploring the world of journalism. As part of the unit, they learned the art of journalistic shorthand—a classic reporting skill that helps journalists capture information quickly and accurately.
English Literary Studies
Students in the English Literary Studies major explored the foundations of English literature this week, from close reading and contemporary literary theory to the challenges AI poses for authorship and interpretation. After a surprise Turing Test (using an LLM to compose a poem in the style of Emily Dickinson), students debated the value of human storytelling in an era of increasingly blurred lines between fact and fiction.
The week also included a guest lecture on women, water, and witches in the Old English epic The Deeds of Hereward, a visit to Merton College, breaks at some lovely cafes, and creative work inspired by medieval literature. Students have also begun preparing Shakespeare presentations, exploring rhetorical devices through scenes from Hamlet and King Lear. The week concludes with a field trip to Stratford-upon-Avon to visit Shakespeare’s birthplace, schoolroom, and grave.
Debate and Public Speaking
From personal reflection to parliamentary debate, a recent Debate & Public Speaking unit, led by Dr. Fitzroy Wickham, challenged students to grow as confident communicators. Students first took turns telling the most important story they would ever tell—their own stories! They then turned the spotlight on their classmates by interviewing one another. Both exercises were evaluated by peers, who offered constructive feedback while encouraging and supporting one another as they developed their public speaking skills.
Later, the class visited the Oxford Union, one of the world’s most renowned debating societies. Founded in 1823, the Union has a rich history spanning more than 200 years. Students explored the university’s debating tradition, finding inspiration as they prepare to deliver their own speeches in an upcoming British Parliamentary-style debate.
Click here to learn more about our Oxford Academia program at Oxford, or view all seminar offerings here.