Subjects in brief

(Autumn) means the course is only available in the autumn semester - September to December
(Spring) means the course is only available in the spring semester - January to May
(Both) means the course is available in both semesters
Courses with * are at higher level. Usually students taking these courses are required to have studied an introductory level course in the subject.

English and Communications
EAP English for Academic Purposes
This course concentrates on the specific language skills needed for academic study in English, e.g. note taking, answering examination questions, using libraries. This course supports the student's academic work in their other subjects. (Both)

CM1* European Media Analysis
How the British media construct views of other European countries. Includes the study of media practice and the impact of globalisation. (Both)

EL1 Shakespeare
An introductory course with no knowledge of Shakespeare required. Three plays from different Shakespearean periods are studied including one which can be seen at Stratford-upon-Avon. (Both)

EL3 Oxford through Literature
A selection of writers in several genres from Chaucer's Miller to Dexter's Inspector Morse. All the authors have lived or worked in Oxford and have a significant Oxford connection. There will be many study and location visits in Oxford. (Both)

History
HI1 Introduction to British History from 1485
A chronological study of the main political, social and economic developments in British history. The course leads to a broad overview of modern Britain. (Both)

HI4* Topics in World History since 1945
A study of a selection of the main themes in world history since the Second World War; typical topics are the Chinese Revolution, The Cold War and Détente, Southern Africa, racism and revolution. New topics are introduced to reflect current concerns. (Both)

HI5* Topics in European History since 1945
European History since 1945 with special reference to the effect of the Cold War on individual European countries. Important themes are the union of western Europe and the collapse of communist systems in the East. (Both)

Social Science
POL1 Introduction to Politics
This course will examine both the theory and practice of government. What is its purpose? How is this best achieved? (Autumn)

PSY1 Introduction to Psychology
Includes approaches to psychology; biological and developmental approaches, perception and consciousness, learning, motivation, 'tests', personality, mental health and social psychology. (Both)

PSY2* Theories of Personality
Explores and contrasts various major theorists including Freud, Jung, Rogers, Kelly, Cattell and Skinner. (Spring)

SSC1 Introduction to Sociology
The development of Sociology as a separate subject and its use of scientific methodology. The course looks at family, gender roles, education, religion, class and health. (Both)

SSC2* Comparative Political Systems
The course looks at different constitutional concepts, issues and structures. It examines party politics and ideology. Issues relating to the state and individual rights are studied in relation to North America, Europe, Africa and Asia. (Both)

SSC3* The European Union
The origins and development of the Common Market leading towards European union. (Both)

SSC4 Urban Sociology of Oxford
Key ideas in urban sociology studied locally within Oxford including an introduction to survey methods of social investigation and field work. (Both)

Economics and Business
EB1 Introduction to Economics
A foundation for other courses in Economics but complete in itself. Consists of microeconomics (supply, demand, distribution) and macroeconomics (income, employment, inflation). The course links these to world problems. (Both)

EB2* International Economics
Theoretical micro and macroeconomic aspects of international trade with particular attention to current issues for practical application. (Both)

EB3* Development Economics
A general introduction to the economics of development and underdevelopment, in theory and practice; uneven development in the Third World and also in First and Second world blocs. (Both)

EB4 Introduction to Business I
Business terms and practices and business within the national economy; includes public/private sector, decision-making and marketing. (Autumn)

EB5 Introduction to Business II
Continues and develops from EB4, adding the role of marketing, production and finance in further detail as well as business within the national and global economy. (Spring)

Philosophy and Religion
PHL1 Introduction to Philosophy
For beginners or as a refresher course. Aims to clarify the nature of philosophical enquiry and to train students in philosophical thinking. (Both)

PHL2* Ethics
Addresses the fundamental question 'how should I live?'. The course includes theoretical ethics (moral philosophy) and the problems of everyday practical ethics. (Both)

PHL5* Business Ethics
The study of ethical theories and case histories, and their application to problems arising from the practice of modern business. (Both)

REL1 Comparative Religion
Considers the features of Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Eastern and Primal religions under such headings as Ideas of God, Ritual and Religious Experience. (Both)

REL2 The Concept of God
Analysis, based on close study of major philosophers, of the central philosophical and religious questions concerning the existence and nature of God. (Both)

Mathematics
MA3 Mathematics
This course supports study in subjects such as Business and Economics. It includes the study of functions, statistics, data analysis and probability. (Autumn)

MA4* Advanced Mathematics
Continues and develops from MA3. This course includes calculus, trigonometry and numerical analysis. (Spring)

Art History and Studio Art
AHI1 Introduction to Art History I (Egypt - Gothic)
A survey of the main periods of Art History from Ancient Egypt to the Middle Ages including an introduction to the analysis of form, content and expression. (Autumn)

AHI2 English Art and Architecture I
The principal developments during the period 1066-1600 studied in architecture, painting, sculpture and the decorative arts, linked to study visits within and beyond Oxford. (Autumn)

AHI4 Introduction to Art History II (Renaissance - Modern)
From the early Italian Renaissance to Surrealism and beyond and giving a broad introduction to analysing form, content and expression. Incorporates many visits to galleries and exhibitions in Oxford and London. (Spring)

AHI5 English Art and Architecture II
Continues where AHI2 leaves off combining introductions and survey with specialised study of chosen buildings and paintings dating from 1600-1850, mainly in Oxford. (Spring)

STA1 Fundamentals of Drawing
Basic approaches to developing a visual vocabulary, exploring the use of charcoal, pencil, ink, chalk and pastels, mainly in the studio but also out and about in Oxford. (Both)

STA3 Painting
An introduction to media and techniques used in painting including working in acrylics, oils and water-colour. Areas include still-life, portraiture, nature and the human figure. (Autumn)