This short course combines English language classes with academic subject classes. This course is for students with an advanced level of English; IELTS 6.0 is recommended.
Students select 3 subject classes from the following options (these may be subject to change):
Psychology and the Cinema (Anna Scarnà)
This course will use the medium of film to present basic psychological theories involving personality, abnormal and social psychology. Students will watch one film per session prior to a class discussion. The main protagonists of each film will be considered in the context of existing personality or diagnostic questionnaires. The history, experimental work and main debates surrounding each film and theory will be covered. Examples of films include Rain Man (for autistic spectrum disorder), As Good As It Gets (obsessive-compulsive disorder), Little Miss Sunshine (coping strategies, extraversion, stress, depression) Super Size Me (attitudes and beliefs, research methods). The course will develop students’ analytical skills and will introduce the concepts of experimental methods, ethics, questionnaire design and diagnostic criteria for psychological disorders.
Oxford Art and Architecture (Edward Clarke)
This course is designed to give students an opportunity to explore many of the significant buildings and art collections of a city famed for its architectural beauty and history. There is a continuous tradition of civic, ecclesiastical and collegiate architecture in Oxford, spanning over a thousand years. We will make excursions into the city to explore this legacy as well as the wide range of art displayed in different collections. Our broadly chronological survey of art and architecture in Oxford will also provide knowledge of general developments in art and architecture across Europe. Students will have the opportunity to focus on a particular architect, artist, building, collection, or individual work of art, for further independent study in greater depth.
Tribes: Identity, Diversity and the notion of Tolerance (Anna Castriota)
In the globally connected world in which we live, many issues (political, economic, religious, etc.) divide peoples. Among the issues that divide peoples, identity and diversity are arguably the most difficult to resolve. This course focuses on the concept of “identity” and how it is used to distinguish and unite us all. We will analyse the concept of “identity” through the following themes: National identity and the politics of multiculturalism; whose rights are right; culture, individual/group identities and tolerance in a globally connected world.
Photography (David Chaplin)
Smart phones and digital technology have made cameras more popular than ever, but what does it mean to take a successful photograph? This course will use practical exercises to explore picture making, and consider what we can do to make our pictures more exciting. Various genres of photography will be explored, such as portraits, landscapes, street scenes and still life, and elements such as lighting and composition considered. Digital cameras are often programmed to work automatically and perform much of the ‘thinking’ for us, but we can often take control of these settings to produce more interesting images. Learning about how cameras work is often the first step towards competent photography, and we will practice these skills on location. Oxford offers a variety of interesting opportunities for photographers, and full use will be made of this beautiful setting.
Understanding Different Societies (Jolanta Babiuch-Luxmoore)
What is Sociology? How does it contribute to our understanding of social phenomenon at group and societal levels? Are there different methodological and theoretical constructs to the scientific study of cultural, economic, religious and political aspects of social structures and institutions? This short introductory course to sociology will explore a selection of sociological issues through a research project, class debates and role playing activities. Students will be have the opportunity to suggest social issues/topics that are most interested in exploring.
Business, Management and Entrepreneurship (Kay Alty)
This course will explore how successful entrepreneurs can create a local business and build a global brand. Students will learn how to develop and pitch a business plan to potential investors and how business strategy is the key to growth. The course is case study based and we will examine a broad range of sectors, markets and brands. Students will be encouraged to think strategically and creatively about business issues, many of which can be solved or improved by the application of universal business solutions.
You can contact us for more detailed information about the course, the subjects on offer, how to enrol or any other questions you may have.
Email manuela.williams@stclares.ac.uk or call +44 1865 517707.