All Seminars

Explore Seminars in Oxford, Paris, & Siena
Oxford Academia programs are designed for intellectually driven students to pursue an academic interest, without the pressure of grades or credit. Students enroll in a major seminar and a minor seminar, taught by academic faculty and active professionals, and engage with course material through lectures from guest speakers and scholars, small group projects, classroom discussion, and field-based learning. Seminars challenge students to ask questions, sharpen critical thinking and teamwork, and develop techniques essential for success at the university level.

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In this discussion-based workshop, use firsthand experience, interviews, and case studies to gain an understanding of what defines human culture based on physical remains from the distant past. Dive into the timeline of human history and use it to further...
In this seminar, explore how we interact with space through hands-on exercises paired with critique sessions, small-scale construction projects, and guest designers. Dive deep into topics centered on utility and aesthetics with digital drafting and historic styles. Throughout the session,...
As the epicenter of Western artistic development, Paris is home to the most renowned artworks in the world and iconic architectural landmarks. In this field-based seminar, explore art history from prehistory through today, using the city as your classroom. In...
Experience firsthand the rich artistic heritage of the Italian Renaissance in all its forms, from painting to sculpture, from architecture to music. In the living classroom of Siena and Tuscany, understand not only the genius and craft of storied artists...
Drawing on Oxford as a center of medical and scientific research, as well as ethics and moral philosophy, this seminar investigates the many dimensions of human interaction with the biological world. Topics include genetic testing and modification, animal research, cross-species...
This hands-on seminar begins by examining the economic players and the playing field where firms operate, with discussions of supply and demand, regulations and free trade, international trade, and currency flows. Through guest speakers and case studies, explore the challenges...
Whether you want to write your first novel or create a poem that captures a specific emotion or experience, this dynamic workshop-style seminar is a step toward finding your voice and pushing your boundaries as a creative writer. Through personalized...
In this seminar, look critically at the criminal justice system, as well as current explanations of, and responses to, criminal behavior. Engage with key debates in criminological thinking to explore how the lived experience of offenders is shaped by social...
For the absolute beginner as well as the experienced debater, this seminar focuses on every aspect of public speaking from voice, posture, and projection to research and argumentation. Students practice speaking every day and gain exposure to extemporaneous speaking and...
Dive into the fine arts and explore a multi-sensory artmaking approach as eyes and hands join to capture the beauty of Siena and Tuscany. Engage with Siena’s rich culture and heritage as you make discoveries about your own perceptions and...
Discover various disciplines in the field of engineering; electrical, industrial, mechanical, and aerospace through daily hands-on seminars, workshops, and field visits. Develop skills in critical thinking, communication, and experimentation as you work in teams to tackle engineering design challenges, producing...
In “the city of dreaming spires,” as the poet Matthew Arnold called it, this seminar looks at a range of major writers inspired by Oxford, including Shakespeare, Sidney, Johnson, Shelley, Wordsworth, Oscar Wilde, Virginia Woolf, T. S. Eliot, Lewis Carroll,...
Drawing from our evolutionary past, explore solutions for many of the world’s more pressing issues, like climate change, preserving species and biodiversity, feeding a global population, and understanding genetically based diseases. Through hands-on activities, guest speakers, and field visits, this...
Immerse yourself in Italian cuisine and food culture, considering issues of sustainability, preservation, innovation, revenue, and communication. Meet local farmers and producers, from small niche biodynamic orchards to major agribusiness protagonists, in order to better understand the synergy among land,...
Is there any country as fashionable as Italy? Experience firsthand the skill, vision, creativity, and mastery that combine to make Italy the fashion capital of the world. Join artisans in turning beautiful natural materials into signature style, and get real-world...
Named in 2010 by UNESCO as part of Humanity’s Intangible Cultural Heritage, French gastronomy is fundamental to identity, family, and tradition. In this hands-on seminar, trace the history of food from the Gauls to the slow-food gastronomic movement, and meet...
In this introductory language seminar, lay the groundwork for a solid understanding of French grammar, pronunciation, and vocabulary. Through classroom instruction and real-life practice with native speakers, learn how to communicate effectively in everyday situations. Daily interactive language lessons provide...
In this immersive language course taught entirely in French, experience the rich and diverse world of French cooking, eating, and culture. Each day, prepare a new recipe in our private kitchen with your classmates as you travel across the city...
With Paris as both backdrop and classroom, combine classroom instruction, real-life scenarios, and authentic experiences to improve comprehension and spoken command of the language. Explore Paris’ dynamic contemporary cultural scene, learning about French society, youth culture, film and media, music,...
With more than 1,000 years of history, Oxford is the perfect setting in which to go beyond conventional textbooks and explore the many ways history’s secrets can be uncovered—examining archeological remains, forgotten manuscripts, clues in paintings and statues, architectural detail,...
Since the establishment of Lutetia in the first century B.C., Paris has been shaped by some of the most significant events in human history. From Roman settlement through the Middle Ages, and from the Enlightenment through the World Wars, Paris...
In this seminar, lay the groundwork for a better understanding of the state of global diplomacy through lectures, thought-provoking discussions, and interactive exercises. Whether it’s human rights, commerce and trade, human migration, climate change, or cybersecurity, world leaders are constantly...
Whether a principiante or maestro, beginner or whiz, learn how to better communicate in words and gestures just like Italians. In this seminar, build a solid foundation in phrases, expressions and cultural customs, with plenty of active onsite practice at...
In this skills-based seminar, begin with an introduction to the principles and practices of journalism and digital media through a simulated daily “newsroom.” Engage in dynamic assignments that cover topics such as how to find story ideas, how to effectively...
In this seminar, explore legal principles to better understand why laws exist, their place in our social world, and the state’s role in defining what may be ambiguous or evolving doctrine. Examine the different forms of constitutional governments, and apply...
From cave paintings to papyrus, medieval manuscripts to the Gutenberg printing press, radio and TV to digital media and the metaverse, this seminar examines the impact of technological innovations at key junctures in every aspect of human history—social, cultural, psychological,...
Led by a practicing doctor or professor of medicine, this seminar introduces students to every aspect of medicine, from the science prerequisites in the pre-med major, to the systems of the body and how they correlate to the various specializations...
From its cafes and museums to its boulevards and parks, Paris has served as muse for centuries of artists, creators, and visionaries. In this field-based creative course, immerse yourself in this palpable tradition as you hone your own artistic vision...
From its beginning in the 11th century, Oxford has been a center of philosophical inquiry and teaching. How was the universe formed and what is humankind’s place in it? What values should we live by and how do we discover...
Begin this seminar by learning the basic goals of psychology, then examine theories that attempt to explain the many aspects of personality and behavior. Build upon these key concepts to start to understand the challenges and opportunities that come with...
In this seminar, explore the work of Shakespeare and why it continues to fascinate us and stay relevant over 400 years later. Deconstruct his prose and poetry as you delve into his famous works, using the idyllic town of Oxford...
In this seminar, probe the ways that societal and economic trends are driving changes in the organization and practice of sports around the world. Explore how the practice of sport emerged in Victorian England and evolved rapidly during the 20th...
In this discussion-based seminar, dive into a timeline of major world events and wars through guided readings, engaging discussions, field visits, and guest speakers. Examine historical and political conditions that led to many world wars, and how the outcome of...
In this discussion-based workshop, use firsthand experience, interviews, and case studies to gain an understanding of what defines human culture based on physical remains from the distant past. Dive into the timeline of human history and use it to further...
In this seminar, explore how we interact with space through hands-on exercises paired with critique sessions, small-scale construction projects, and guest designers. Dive deep into topics centered on utility and aesthetics with digital drafting and historic styles. Throughout the session,...
Drawing on Oxford as a center of medical and scientific research, as well as ethics and moral philosophy, this seminar investigates the many dimensions of human interaction with the biological world. Topics include genetic testing and modification, animal research, cross-species...
This hands-on seminar begins by examining the economic players and the playing field where firms operate, with discussions of supply and demand, regulations and free trade, international trade, and currency flows. Through guest speakers and case studies, explore the challenges...
Whether you want to write your first novel or create a poem that captures a specific emotion or experience, this dynamic workshop-style seminar is a step toward finding your voice and pushing your boundaries as a creative writer. Through personalized...
In this seminar, look critically at the criminal justice system, as well as current explanations of, and responses to, criminal behavior. Engage with key debates in criminological thinking to explore how the lived experience of offenders is shaped by social...
For the absolute beginner as well as the experienced debater, this seminar focuses on every aspect of public speaking from voice, posture, and projection to research and argumentation. Students practice speaking every day and gain exposure to extemporaneous speaking and...
Discover various disciplines in the field of engineering; electrical, industrial, mechanical, and aerospace through daily hands-on seminars, workshops, and field visits. Develop skills in critical thinking, communication, and experimentation as you work in teams to tackle engineering design challenges, producing...
In “the city of dreaming spires,” as the poet Matthew Arnold called it, this seminar looks at a range of major writers inspired by Oxford, including Shakespeare, Sidney, Johnson, Shelley, Wordsworth, Oscar Wilde, Virginia Woolf, T. S. Eliot, Lewis Carroll,...
Drawing from our evolutionary past, explore solutions for many of the world’s more pressing issues, like climate change, preserving species and biodiversity, feeding a global population, and understanding genetically based diseases. Through hands-on activities, guest speakers, and field visits, this...
With more than 1,000 years of history, Oxford is the perfect setting in which to go beyond conventional textbooks and explore the many ways history’s secrets can be uncovered—examining archeological remains, forgotten manuscripts, clues in paintings and statues, architectural detail,...
In this seminar, lay the groundwork for a better understanding of the state of global diplomacy through lectures, thought-provoking discussions, and interactive exercises. Whether it’s human rights, commerce and trade, human migration, climate change, or cybersecurity, world leaders are constantly...
In this skills-based seminar, begin with an introduction to the principles and practices of journalism and digital media through a simulated daily “newsroom.” Engage in dynamic assignments that cover topics such as how to find story ideas, how to effectively...
In this seminar, explore legal principles to better understand why laws exist, their place in our social world, and the state’s role in defining what may be ambiguous or evolving doctrine. Examine the different forms of constitutional governments, and apply...
From cave paintings to papyrus, medieval manuscripts to the Gutenberg printing press, radio and TV to digital media and the metaverse, this seminar examines the impact of technological innovations at key junctures in every aspect of human history—social, cultural, psychological,...
Led by a practicing doctor or professor of medicine, this seminar introduces students to every aspect of medicine, from the science prerequisites in the pre-med major, to the systems of the body and how they correlate to the various specializations...
From its beginning in the 11th century, Oxford has been a center of philosophical inquiry and teaching. How was the universe formed and what is humankind’s place in it? What values should we live by and how do we discover...
Begin this seminar by learning the basic goals of psychology, then examine theories that attempt to explain the many aspects of personality and behavior. Build upon these key concepts to start to understand the challenges and opportunities that come with...
In this seminar, explore the work of Shakespeare and why it continues to fascinate us and stay relevant over 400 years later. Deconstruct his prose and poetry as you delve into his famous works, using the idyllic town of Oxford...
In this seminar, probe the ways that societal and economic trends are driving changes in the organization and practice of sports around the world. Explore how the practice of sport emerged in Victorian England and evolved rapidly during the 20th...
In this discussion-based seminar, dive into a timeline of major world events and wars through guided readings, engaging discussions, field visits, and guest speakers. Examine historical and political conditions that led to many world wars, and how the outcome of...
As the epicenter of Western artistic development, Paris is home to the most renowned artworks in the world and iconic architectural landmarks. In this field-based seminar, explore art history from prehistory through today, using the city as your classroom. In...
This hands-on seminar begins by examining the economic players and the playing field where firms operate, with discussions of supply and demand, regulations and free trade, international trade, and currency flows. Through guest speakers and case studies, explore the challenges...
Whether you want to write your first novel or create a poem that captures a specific emotion or experience, this dynamic workshop-style seminar is a step toward finding your voice and pushing your boundaries as a creative writer. Through personalized...
Named in 2010 by UNESCO as part of Humanity’s Intangible Cultural Heritage, French gastronomy is fundamental to identity, family, and tradition. In this hands-on seminar, trace the history of food from the Gauls to the slow-food gastronomic movement, and meet...
In this introductory language seminar, lay the groundwork for a solid understanding of French grammar, pronunciation, and vocabulary. Through classroom instruction and real-life practice with native speakers, learn how to communicate effectively in everyday situations. Daily interactive language lessons provide...
In this immersive language course taught entirely in French, experience the rich and diverse world of French cooking, eating, and culture. Each day, prepare a new recipe in our private kitchen with your classmates as you travel across the city...
With Paris as both backdrop and classroom, combine classroom instruction, real-life scenarios, and authentic experiences to improve comprehension and spoken command of the language. Explore Paris’ dynamic contemporary cultural scene, learning about French society, youth culture, film and media, music,...
Since the establishment of Lutetia in the first century B.C., Paris has been shaped by some of the most significant events in human history. From Roman settlement through the Middle Ages, and from the Enlightenment through the World Wars, Paris...
In this seminar, explore legal principles to better understand why laws exist, their place in our social world, and the state’s role in defining what may be ambiguous or evolving doctrine. Examine the different forms of constitutional governments, and apply...
Led by a practicing doctor or professor of medicine, this seminar introduces students to every aspect of medicine, from the science prerequisites in the pre-med major, to the systems of the body and how they correlate to the various specializations...
From its cafes and museums to its boulevards and parks, Paris has served as muse for centuries of artists, creators, and visionaries. In this field-based creative course, immerse yourself in this palpable tradition as you hone your own artistic vision...
In this discussion-based seminar, dive into a timeline of major world events and wars through guided readings, engaging discussions, field visits, and guest speakers. Examine historical and political conditions that led to many world wars, and how the outcome of...
Experience firsthand the rich artistic heritage of the Italian Renaissance in all its forms, from painting to sculpture, from architecture to music. In the living classroom of Siena and Tuscany, understand not only the genius and craft of storied artists...
This hands-on seminar begins by examining the economic players and the playing field where firms operate, with discussions of supply and demand, regulations and free trade, international trade, and currency flows. Through guest speakers and case studies, explore the challenges...
Whether you want to write your first novel or create a poem that captures a specific emotion or experience, this dynamic workshop-style seminar is a step toward finding your voice and pushing your boundaries as a creative writer. Through personalized...
Dive into the fine arts and explore a multi-sensory artmaking approach as eyes and hands join to capture the beauty of Siena and Tuscany. Engage with Siena’s rich culture and heritage as you make discoveries about your own perceptions and...
Immerse yourself in Italian cuisine and food culture, considering issues of sustainability, preservation, innovation, revenue, and communication. Meet local farmers and producers, from small niche biodynamic orchards to major agribusiness protagonists, in order to better understand the synergy among land,...
Is there any country as fashionable as Italy? Experience firsthand the skill, vision, creativity, and mastery that combine to make Italy the fashion capital of the world. Join artisans in turning beautiful natural materials into signature style, and get real-world...
Whether a principiante or maestro, beginner or whiz, learn how to better communicate in words and gestures just like Italians. In this seminar, build a solid foundation in phrases, expressions and cultural customs, with plenty of active onsite practice at...
In this seminar, explore legal principles to better understand why laws exist, their place in our social world, and the state’s role in defining what may be ambiguous or evolving doctrine. Examine the different forms of constitutional governments, and apply...