Students at Oxford Academia explored English literature through hands-on classes, literary discussions, and cultural excursions around Oxford. From studying Brideshead Revisited to discovering C.S. Lewis at Magdalen College, their summer journey was filled with academic and personal growth. Read this blog post from the summer of 2023 to learn more about their experiences:
In our English Literature major, we explored many aspects of literature and various works. Throughout the week, our class analyzed and discussed literary works in multiple settings, immersing ourselves in the rich culture of Oxford as both a city and a university.
Tuesday, July 2nd: Defining Literature
In our first official class, we delved into different definitions of literature and its purpose. We examined its diverse forms, from books to social media posts, Twitter poetry, and using Ella Minnow Pea as an example of a unique literary expression.
Wednesday, July 3rd: Walking Through Brideshead Revisited
Our class began reading an excerpt from Brideshead Revisited at University College. We traced the narrator’s journey through Oxford, stopping at notable sites along the way. At a café by the University Church of St. Mary the Virgin, we enjoyed Earl Grey tea and learned the proper etiquette for eating a British scone. We analyzed the excerpt in the café until the rain cleared, allowing us to continue our tour and visit a second-hand bookshop for further literary exploration.
Thursday, July 4th: Discovering C.S. Lewis at Magdalen College
We headed to Magdalen College to learn about the renowned author C.S. Lewis. The Magdalen librarian invited us to the upper room of the Old Library, dating from the 1300s, where we studied Lewis’s life and influences. Later, we toured the campus with another class from the program, History’s Secrets, discovering the college’s traditions and learning about its famous past residents, such as Oscar Wilde.
Friday, July 5th: Exploring Empathy in Literature
We focused on empathy in literature by analyzing passages from works like Heart of Darkness, On the Road, and a poetry book inspired by Shakespeare, Self Portrait as Othello. We considered the context and background of the authors and their works. Later, Professor Jim Basker joined us for a discussion on empathy in literature, during which we read snippets of Shakespeare’s plays and an essay from The Idler by Samuel Johnson.
Sunday, July 6th: The AI Summit
On Sunday morning, we gathered with three other classes in the Music Room of St. Hilda’s College to discuss the influence of AI on the future of education in four disciplines: English Literature and Creative Writing, Psychology, Business, and Art History. There were presentations by each of the tutors, followed by a general discussion.
Monday, July 8th: Outdoor Reading and Sensory Writing
After a weekend of activities, our class reconvened on Monday. We sat outside in the pleasant weather, each reading from a book we had purchased during a previous excursion. We then broke off for a writing assignment focused on the five senses. Afterwards, we visited Shelley’s memorial and wrote poems inspired by the themes in his poems “Ozymandias” and “Adonais”.
Tuesday, July 9th: Exploring Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland
Our class had a tour focused on Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, guided by Carroll scholar Dr. Franziska Kohlt. We visited Christ Church’s library and its Lewis Carroll exhibition. By special request, the librarian presented rarely seen items from their collection, including manuscripts, drawings, first editions, and magic lantern slides. Throughout the college, we spotted hidden Alice in Wonderland motifs and explored the places that inspired Carroll’s iconic books.
This immersive week provided us with a deeper understanding of literature and its connection to the historic and vibrant city of Oxford.
