Almost any topic in the literal arts can be studied in a tutorial in the Brockport Oxford Program. Each semester a few students also pursue tutorials in mathematics and non lab-based natural and physical sciences. You can visit Oxford's website at: http://www.oxfordprogram.com/Program/listings.html

Credits:

Seven credit hours may be earned in the primary tutorial; five credits may be earned in the secondary tutorial. Thus, a maximum of twelve credit hours may be earned for a single term's work. Summer semester students would do one secondary tutorial for a maximum of six credits.

At the conclusion of the term, the tutors will submit grades (and a detailed tutorial report) to the program's academic advisor who will forward these to Brockport. Grades are based on the tutorial essays, tutorial discussions, and sometimes on written examinations.

Curriculum:

All instruction at Oxford is arranged on an individual basis. Normally a participant in the Brockport Oxford program will (prior to arriving in Oxford) identify a topic to be studied in a primary tutorial of seven meetings and a secondary subject to be studied in a secondary tutorial of five meetings. The program's acdademic advisors at Oxford will assign to each participant two tutors--one for the primary tutorial and one for the tutorial in the second topic (all tutors are fellows or lecturers of the Colleges at Oxford University). These tutors will, in conference with the participant, develop a detailed and highly individualized academic program of tutorial meetings. Normally these meetings are one-on-one, but sometimes students studying the same topic are "paired.

For each tutorial the student will (after consulting a reading list provided by the tutor) write an essay that is usually read at the meeting. The tutorial system encourages individual research and independence of thought. Sometimes the tutor offers a related lecture or seminar that s/he will invite the student to attend.

The Tutorial Method:

Teaching in Oxford consists of an individual weekly meeting ("tutorial") with your professor ("tutor"), who will assign a paper to be written for each meeting. The essay will be the basis for a discussion and critique of the issues it examines. The process - research, writing, analysis and discussion - is the heart of a tutorial.

Tutorial Topics:

At the start of each term (participants in Brockport's Oxford Program are required to be in residence at Oxford for 12 weeks in order to ensure they are able to complete a substantial and coherent body of academic work in one term) the student will meet with the program's academic adviser (who holds an appointment as a fellow or lecturer at a college of Oxford University). The student and adviser will jointly plan an academic program that is consistent with Brockport's academic requirements and the requirements of the participant's own degree program.

One of the most important features of the Brockport Oxford Program is that participants are able to study -- on an individual basis (one tutor, one student) -- almost any academic subject normally taught at the upper division level (Junior or Senior year) except the laboratory sciences.

Summer Semester:

A recent addition to Brockport's list of Oxford offerings is the summer program. This is a unique six-week program from mid-May to late June which takes advantage ofthe later end date of Oxford University's academic year. Participants take one tutorial course comprising five OR six one-on-one tutorial meetings with a written essay required for each tutorial. The level of depth and analysis is the same as during any other term: students simply participate for a shorter period than a full Oxford term. This provides a unique opportunity to experience the t utorial system during Oxford's academic year at a very affordable cost. The program is of special value to students who are unable to participate for a longer period, and for students proceeding to a Senior Year Honors Thesis on account of the rigor of of analytical writing required. Students are housed with other two-term or full year program participants, become members of an Oxford college, and are entitled to participate in the full range of social and extracurricular activities. A maximum of six credits may be earned for six essays submitted.

Summer (late Trinity) Oxford Program:

A select number of well-qualified students who have completed their second or third year at an accredited US university may be eligible to participate during the late Trinity term. The minimum GPA requirement is 3.2. Students participate on the same basis as other Associate students. Participants have an on-site orientation on arrival, become associate members of the Junior Common Room of an Oxford College, and are entitled to use their College Library, dine in College and participate in all social and athletic activities. They are also entitled to join the Bodleian Library. Participants will take five OR six tutorials in one subject over a period of six weeks. Any liberal arts discipline may be requested subject to availability of tutors. Students are advised to select from mainstream Oxford disciplines: English, History, Politics, International Relations, Psychology, Philosophy, Economics, and European Union. The period is approximately 16 May to 25 June, these dates change slightly from year to year. Application deadline is 1 February and a decision on applications is made by 25 February. Students who withdraw after being accepted are entitled to a full refund for withdrawal prior to 1 April, a 50% refund for withdrawal prior to 15 April, and no refund for withdrawal thereafter.