Difference between revisions of "University of Oxford" - New World Encyclopedia

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[[Category:Education]]
 
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[[Category:Universities and Colleges]]
 
[[Category:Universities and Colleges]]
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{{coor title d|51.761147|N|1.253386|W|type:landmark}}
 
 
{{Infobox University-Jen
 
{{Infobox University-Jen
 
|name            = University of Oxford
 
|name            = University of Oxford
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|image = [[Image:OUCOAcolourCopyrightKaihsuTai.png|150 px]]
 
|image = [[Image:OUCOAcolourCopyrightKaihsuTai.png|150 px]]
 
|motto          = Dominus Illuminatio Mea<br/>"The Lord is my Light"
 
|motto          = Dominus Illuminatio Mea<br/>"The Lord is my Light"
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|established    = Unknown, teaching existed since 1096<ref name="Oxford">{{cite web |url=http://www.ox.ac.uk/aboutoxford/history.shtml |title=A Brief History of the University |publisher=Oxford University |accessdate=2007-06-05}}</ref>
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|established    = Unknown, teaching existed since 1096<ref name="Oxford">Oxford University, [http://www.ox.ac.uk/aboutoxford/history.shtml A Brief History of the University.] Retrieved June 5, 2007.</ref>
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|endowment      = £3.6 billion (inc. colleges)<ref name="Observer">{{cite web |url=http://observer.guardian.co.uk/uk_news/story/0,,2010586,00.html |title=Biillion-pound boost for British universities |work=Observer article |accessdate=2007-02-11}}</ref>
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|endowment      = £3.6 billion (inc. colleges)<ref name="Observer">''Observer,'' [http://observer.guardian.co.uk/uk_news/story/0,,2010586,00.html Biillion-pound boost for British universities.] Retrieved February 11, 2007.</ref>
 
|chancellor      = The Rt Hon. [[Chris Patten|Lord Patten of Barnes]]
 
|chancellor      = The Rt Hon. [[Chris Patten|Lord Patten of Barnes]]
 
|vice_chancellor = [[John Hood|Dr John Hood]]
 
|vice_chancellor = [[John Hood|Dr John Hood]]
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}}
  
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The '''University of Oxford''' (usually abbreviated as '''Oxon.''' for [[Post-nominal letters|post-nominals]]), located in the city of [[Oxford]], [[England]], is the oldest university in the [[Anglosphere|English-speaking world]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ox.ac.uk/aboutoxford/|title=About Oxford University|publisher=University of Oxford |accessdate=2006-07-02}}</ref>
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The '''University of Oxford''' (usually abbreviated as '''Oxon.''' for [[Post-nominal letters|post-nominals]]), located in the city of [[Oxford]], [[England]], is the oldest university in the [[Anglosphere|English-speaking world]]. It is also regarded as one of the world's leading academic institutions. The University has 38 independent colleges, and six permanent private halls.
  
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The university traces its roots back to at least the end of the 11th century, although the exact date of foundation remains unclear. After a dispute between students and townsfolk broke out in 1209, some of the academics at Oxford fled north-east to the town of [[Cambridge]], where the [[University of Cambridge]] was founded. The two universities have since had a long history of competition with each other. (See [[Oxbridge rivalry]].)
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The university traces its roots back to at least the end of the eleventh century, although the exact date of foundation remains unclear. After a dispute between students and townsfolk broke out in 1209, some of the academics at Oxford fled north-east to the town of [[Cambridge, England|Cambridge]], where the [[University of Cambridge]] was founded. The two universities, often jointly referred to by the portmanteau term "Oxbridge," have had a long history of academic and athletic rivalry although there are also many links and much cooperation. Their similarities in having a collegiate structure and a tutorial system has set them apart from other educational institutions. Both provide an intensity, depth and breadth of education suitable for people who go on to reach the top of their professions. In this way, they serve society by providing outstanding leadership. Admissions are based almost exclusively on academic achievement and intellectual promise as the university aims to educate the students who can best benefit from an intensive education. Spiritual, moral, cultural and social education is also an important dimension of the Oxbridge experience which is why students have to be resident in a college for all or most of the term. For many centuries the colleges, and hence the university, were all male institutions. This has changed first with the founding of women's colleges and later by making other colleges mixed. Now there are approximately an equal number of men and women. About half the student body come from independent schools and half from state schools.
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{{toc}}
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The University of Oxford is a member of the [[Russell Group of Universities|Russell Group]] of research-led [[British universities]], the [[Coimbra Group]] (a network of leading European universities), the [[League of European Research Universities]], and is also a core member of the [[Europaeum]]. Academically, Oxford is consistently [[Academic Ranking of World Universities|ranked]] in the world's top ten universities.<ref>Institute of Higher Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University (2007), [http://ed.sjtu.edu.cn/rank/2007/ARWU2007_Top100.htm Academic Ranking of World Universities 2007.] Retrieved October 23, 2007</ref> For more than a century, it has served as the home of the prestigious [[Rhodes Scholarship]], which brings highly accomplished students from a number of countries to study at Oxford as postgraduates; these students often return to their home countries to pursue leadership positions in academia, business, or politics.
  
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The University of Oxford is a member of the [[Russell Group of Universities|Russell Group]] of research-led [[British universities]], the [[Coimbra Group]] (a network of leading European universities), the [[League of European Research Universities]], and is also a core member of the [[Europaeum]]. Academically, Oxford is consistently [[Academic Ranking of World Universities|ranked]] in the world's top ten universities.<ref>(2007) Institute of Higher Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University [[http://ed.sjtu.edu.cn/rank/2007/ARWU2007_Top100.htm"Academic Ranking of World Universities 2007"]] Retrieved October 23, 2007</ref> For more than a century it has served as the home of the prestigious [[Rhodes Scholarship]], which brings highly accomplished students from a number of countries to study at Oxford as postgraduates; these students often return to their home countries to pursue leadership positions in academia, business or politics.
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==Mission and reputation==
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Oxford has no definitive mission statement per se, but the Chancellor of the college reminds visitors that, "Oxford was the first University in the English-speaking world. Our aim is to remain at the forefront of centers of learning, teaching, and research."<ref name=welcome>The University of Oxford (2007), [http://www.ox.ac.uk/about_the_university/introducing_oxford/ Welcome from the Chancellor.] Retrieved October 22, 2007.</ref>  
  
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==Mission and Reputation==
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The school is dedicated to maintaining its long standing tradition of excellence, through its unique methods of tutorial and supervision style education.<ref name=welcome/> Oxford's reputation is, in fact, long and prestigious; it is often cited by educational sources as one of the top schools, both within England, and the world at large. The ''Times Good University Guide'' has named Oxford the best university in the UK since 2003.<ref name= "EducationGuardian 2005">''The Guardian,'' [http://education.guardian.co.uk/universityguide2005/table/0,,-5163901,00.html Education Guardian 2005.] Retrieved July 31, 2006.</ref> In 2006, Oxford was rated 3rd (after [[Harvard]] and [[University of Cambridge|Cambridge]]) in the ''THES—QS World University Rankings.''<ref>Topuniversities.com (2006), THES—QS World University Rankings.</ref> In the ''Academic Ranking of World Universities,'' Oxford achieved 9th place in 2003, 8th in 2004, and 10th in 2005, 2006, and 2007.<ref>Institute of Higher Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University (2005), [http://ed.sjtu.edu.cn/rank/2007/ARWU2007_Top100.htm Academic Ranking of World Universities 2007.] Retrieved October 23, 2007.</ref>
  
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Oxford has no definitive mission statement per say, but the Chancellor of the college does state on its home page that the school is dedicated to maintaining its long standing tradition of excellence, through its unique methods of tutorial and supervision style education.<ref> (2007) The University of Oxford [[http://www.ox.ac.uk/about_the_university/introducing_oxford/"Welcome from the Chancellor"]] Retrieved October 22, 2007</ref> Oxford's reputation is in fact long and prestigious; it is often cited by educational sources as one of the top schools, both within England, and the world at large. The ''Times Good University Guide'' has named Oxford the best university in the UK since 2003.<ref name=  "EducationGuardian 2005">{{cite web| year = 2005| month = | url = http://education.guardian.co.uk/universityguide2005/table/0,,-5163901,00.html| title = EducationGuardian 2005| format =| work = | pages = | publisher = ''The Guardian''| accessdate = 2006-07-31}}</ref> In 2006 Oxford was rated 3rd (after [[Harvard]] and [[Cambridge]]) in the ''[[THES - QS World University Rankings]]''<ref>(2006) Topuniversities.com [http://www.topuniversities.com/worlduniversityrankings/"THES - QS World University Rankings"]] Retrieved October 23, 2007</ref> In the ''[[Academic Ranking of World Universities]]'' Oxford achieved 9th place in 2003, 8th in 2004, and 10th in 2005, 2006, and 2007.<ref>(2005) Institute of Higher Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University [[http://ed.sjtu.edu.cn/rank/2007/ARWU2007_Top100.htm"Academic Ranking of World Universities 2007"]] Retrieved October 23, 2007</ref>
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However, such a reputation does have its downside. For much of its history, the University of Oxford remained the preserve of a social elite. Though the university strove to change this in recent years, Oxford's admissions policy has continued to attract considerable public controversy. Though the University puts enormous efforts into attracting working-class students, Oxbridge entrance remains a central focus for many private and selective-state schools, and the under-representation of comprehensive school pupils remains a point of controversy.<ref>Telegraph.co.uk (2006), [http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?view=BLOGDETAIL&grid=F11&blog=yourview&xml=/news/2006/07/27/ublview27.xml Should Oxford discriminate in favor of state school students?] Retrieved October 23, 2007. </ref>
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However, such a reputation does have its downside. For much of its history the University of Oxford remained the preserve of a social elite. Though the university has strived to change this in recent years, Oxford's admissions policy has continued to attract considerable public controversy. Though the University puts enormous efforts into attracting working-class students, Oxbridge entrance remains a central focus for many private and selective-state schools, and the under-representation of comprehensive school pupils remains a point of controversy.<ref>(2006) Telegraph.co.uk [[http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?view=BLOGDETAIL&grid=F11&blog=yourview&xml=/news/2006/07/27/ublview27.xml"Should Oxford discriminate in favour of state school students?"]] Retrieved October 23, 2007 </ref>
 
  
 
==History==
 
==History==
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The town of Oxford was already an important center of learning by the end of the twelfth century. Teachers from [[Continental Europe|mainland Europe]] and other scholars settled there, and lectures are known to have been delivered by as early as 1096. The expulsion of foreigners from the [[University of Paris]] in 1167, caused many English scholars to return from France and settle in Oxford. The historian [[Gerald of Wales]] lectured to the scholars in 1188, and the first foreign scholar, [[Emo of Friesland]], arrived in 1190. The head of the University was named a [[chancellor]] from 1201, and the masters were recognized as a ''universitas,'' or corporation, in 1231. The students associated together, on the basis of geographical origins, into two “nations,” representing the North (including the Scots) and the South (including the Irish and the Welsh). In later centuries, geographical origins continued to influence many students' affiliations when membership of a [[Colleges of the University of Oxford|college]] or [[Permanent Private Hall|hall]] became customary in Oxford. Members of many [[religious order]]s, including [[Dominican Order|Dominicans]], [[Franciscan]]s, [[Carmelite]]s, and [[Augustinian]]s, settled in Oxford in the mid-thirteenth century, gained influence, and maintained houses for students. At about the same time, private benefactors established colleges to serve as self-contained scholarly communities. Among the earliest were [[John de Balliol]], father of the future [[John of Scotland|King of Scots]]; [[Balliol College, Oxford|Balliol College]] bears his name.<ref>Richard Tames, ''A Traveler's History of Oxford'' (New York: Interlink, 2002, ISBN 1566564670).</ref>
  
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The town of Oxford was already an important centre of learning by the end of the 12th century. Teachers from [[Continental Europe|mainland Europe]] and other scholars settled there, and lectures are known to have been delivered by as early as 1096. The expulsion of foreigners from the [[University of Paris]] in 1167 caused many English scholars to return from France and settle in Oxford. The historian [[Gerald of Wales]] lectured to the scholars in 1188, and the first foreign scholar, [[Emo of Friesland]] arrived in 1190. The head of the University was named a [[chancellor]] from 1201, and the masters were recognised as a ''universitas'' or corporation in 1231. The students associated together, on the basis of geographical origins, into two “nations,” representing the North (including the Scots) and the South (including the Irish and the Welsh). In later centuries, geographical origins continued to influence many students' affiliations when membership of a [[Colleges of the University of Oxford|college]] or [[Permanent Private Hall|hall]] became customary in Oxford. Members of many [[religious order]]s, including [[Dominican Order|Dominicans]], [[Franciscan]]s, [[Carmelites]], and [[Augustinians]], settled in Oxford in the mid-[[13th century]], gained influence, and maintained houses for students. At about the same time, private benefactors established colleges to serve as self-contained scholarly communities. Among the earliest were [[John de Balliol]], father of the future [[John of Scotland|King of Scots]]; [[Balliol College, Oxford|Balliol College]] bears his name. Another founder, [[Walter de Merton]], a [[Lord Chancellor|chancellor]] of England and afterwards [[Bishop of Rochester]], devised a series of regulations for college life; [[Merton College, Oxford|Merton College]] thereby became the model for such establishments at Oxford as well as at the [[University of Cambridge]]. Thereafter, an increasing number of students forsook living in halls and religious houses in favour of living at colleges.
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Another founder, [[Walter de Merton]], a [[Lord Chancellor|chancellor]] of England and afterwards [[Bishop of Rochester]], devised a series of regulations for college life; [[Merton College, Oxford|Merton College]] thereby became the model for such establishments at Oxford as well as at the [[University of Cambridge]]. Thereafter, an increasing number of students forsook living in halls and religious houses in favor of living at colleges.
  
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The new learning of the [[Renaissance]] greatly influenced Oxford from the late [[15th century]] onward. Among university scholars of the period were [[William Grocyn]], who contributed to the revival of the [[Greek language]], and [[John Colet]], the noted [[Biblical Theology|biblical scholar]]. With the [[Protestant Reformation|Reformation]] and the breaking of ties with the [[Roman Catholic Church]], the method of teaching at the university was transformed from the medieval [[Scholasticism|Scholastic method]] to Renaissance education, although institutions associated with the university suffered loss of land and revenues. In 1636 [[Chancellor (education)|Chancellor]] [[William Laud]], [[archbishop of Canterbury]], codified the university statutes; these to a large extent remained the university's governing regulations until the mid-[[19th century]]. Laud was also responsible for the granting of a charter securing privileges for the [[Oxford University Press|university press]], and he made significant contributions to the [[Bodleian Library]], the main library of the university.
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The new learning of the [[Renaissance]] greatly influenced Oxford from the late [[fifteenth century]] onward. Among university scholars of the period were [[William Grocyn]], who contributed to the revival of the [[Greek language]], and [[John Colet]], the noted [[Biblical Theology|biblical scholar]]. With the [[Protestant Reformation|Reformation]] and the breaking of ties with the [[Roman Catholic Church]], the method of teaching at the university was transformed from the medieval [[Scholasticism|Scholastic method]] to Renaissance education, although institutions associated with the university suffered loss of land and revenues. In 1636, [[Chancellor (education)|Chancellor]] [[William Laud]], [[archbishop of Canterbury]], codified the university statutes; these to a large extent remained the university's governing regulations until the mid-nineteenth century. Laud was also responsible for the granting of a charter securing privileges for the [[Oxford University Press|university press]], and he made significant contributions to the [[Bodleian Library]], the main library of the university.
 
[[Image:John Speed's map of Oxford, 1605..jpg|thumb|300px|A map of Oxford, 1605.]]
 
[[Image:John Speed's map of Oxford, 1605..jpg|thumb|300px|A map of Oxford, 1605.]]
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The university was a centre of the [[Cavalier|Royalist]] Party during the [[English Civil War]] (1642–1649), while the town favoured the opposing [[Roundhead|Parliamentarian]] cause. Soldier-statesman [[Oliver Cromwell]], chancellor of the university from 1650 to 1657, was responsible for preventing both Oxford and Cambridge from being closed down by the Puritans, who viewed university education as dangerous to religious beliefs. From the mid-18th century onward, however, the University of Oxford took little part in political conflicts.
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The university was a center of the [[Cavalier|Royalist]] Party during the [[English Civil War]] (1642–1649), while the town favored the opposing [[Roundhead|Parliamentarian]] cause. Soldier-statesman [[Oliver Cromwell]], chancellor of the university from 1650 to 1657, was responsible for preventing both Oxford and Cambridge from being closed down by the Puritans, who viewed university education as dangerous to religious beliefs. From the mid-eighteenth century onward, however, the University of Oxford took little part in political conflicts.
  
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Administrative reforms during the 19th century included the replacement of oral examinations with written entrance tests, greater tolerance for [[English Dissenters|religious dissent]], and the establishment of four colleges for women. Women have been eligible to be full members of the university and have been entitled to take degrees since 1920. Although Oxford's emphasis traditionally had been on classical knowledge, its curriculum expanded in the course of the 19th century and now attaches equal importance to [[Science|scientific]] and [[Medicine|medical]] studies.
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Administrative reforms during the nineteenth century included the replacement of oral examinations with written entrance tests, greater tolerance for [[English Dissenters|religious dissent]], and the establishment of four colleges for women. Women have been eligible to be full members of the university and have been entitled to take degrees since 1920. Although Oxford's emphasis traditionally had been on classical knowledge, its curriculum expanded in the course of the nineteenth century and now attaches equal importance to [[Science|scientific]] and [[Medicine|medical]] studies.
  
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The list of distinguished scholars at the University of Oxford is long and includes many who have made major contributions to [[Politics of the United Kingdom|British politics]], the sciences, medicine, and literature. More than forty Nobel laureates and more than fifty World leaders have been affiliated with the University of Oxford. Since its foundation in 1823, the [[Oxford Union]], a private club devoted to formal debating and other social activities, has numbered among its members many of Britain's most noted political leaders.
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The list of distinguished scholars at the University of Oxford is long and includes many who have made major contributions to [[Politics of the United Kingdom|British politics]], the sciences, medicine, and literature. More than forty [[Nobel Prize|Nobel]] laureates and more than fifty world leaders have been affiliated with the University of Oxford. Since its foundation in 1823, the [[Oxford Union]], a private club devoted to formal debating and other social activities, has numbered among its members many of Britain's most noted political leaders.
  
 
==Facilities==
 
==Facilities==
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[[Image:Radcliffe Camera (2005).jpg|thumb|right|250px|The [[Radcliffe Camera]], built 1737-1749, holds books from the [[Bodleian Library]]'s English and History collections.]]
  
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[[Image:Radcliffe Camera (2005).jpg|thumb|right|250px|The [[Radcliffe Camera]], built 1737-1749, holds books from the [[Bodleian Library]]'s English and History collections]]
 
 
===Libraries===
 
===Libraries===
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Oxford’s central research library is the [[Bodleian Library|Bodleian]], founded in 1598 by [[Sir Thomas Bodley]]. With over 8 million volumes housed on 117 miles of shelving, it is the second-largest library in the UK, after the [[British Library]]. It is a [[legal deposit library]], which means that it is entitled to request a free copy of every book published in the UK. As such, its collection is growing at a rate of over 3 miles of shelving every year.<ref>(2005) Oxford University Gazzette [[http://www.ox.ac.uk/gazette/2005-6/supps/1_4743.htm"A University Library for the Twenty-first Century"]] Retrieved October 23, 2007</ref> Its main central site is comprised of the [[Radcliffe Camera]], the Old Schools Quadrangle, the [[Clarendon Building]], and the New Bodleian Building. A tunnel underneath [[Broad Street, Oxford|Broad St]] connects the buildings. There are plans to build a new book depository in Osney Mead,<ref>(2005) Oxford University Gazzette [[http://www.ox.ac.uk/gazette/2005-6/supps/1_4743.htm"A University Library for the Twenty-first Century"]] Retrieved October 23, 2007</ref> and to remodel the New Bodleian building<ref>(2005) Oxford University Gazzette [[http://www.ox.ac.uk/gazette/2005-6/supps/1_4743.htm"A University Library for the Twenty-first Century"]] Retrieved October 23, 2007</ref> to better showcase the library’s various treasures (which include a Shakespeare [[First Folio]] and a [[Gutenberg Bible]]) as well as temporary exhibitions. Several other libraries, such as the [[Radcliffe Science Library]] and the [[Oriental Institute Library]] also fall within the Bodleian Group’s remit.
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Oxford’s central research library is the [[Bodleian Library|Bodleian]], founded in 1598 by [[Sir Thomas Bodley]]. With over 8 million volumes housed on 117 miles of shelving, it is the second-largest library in the UK, after the [[British Library]]. It is a [[legal deposit library]], which means that it is entitled to request a free copy of every book published in the UK. As such, its collection grows at a rate of over three miles of shelving every year.<ref name=library>''Oxford University Gazzette'' (2005), [http://www.ox.ac.uk/gazette/2005-6/supps/1_4743.htm A University Library for the Twenty-first Century.] Retrieved October 23, 2007.</ref> Its main central site is comprised of the [[Radcliffe Camera]], the Old Schools Quadrangle, the [[Clarendon Building]], and the New Bodleian Building. A tunnel underneath [[Broad Street, Oxford|Broad St]] connects the buildings. There are plans to build a new book depository in Osney Mead, and to remodel the New Bodleian building to better showcase the library’s various treasures (which include a Shakespeare [[First Folio]] and a [[Gutenberg Bible]]) as well as temporary exhibitions.<ref name=library/> Several other libraries, such as the [[Radcliffe Science Library]] and the [[Oriental Institute Library]] also fall within the Bodleian Group’s remit.
  
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As well as the Bodleian, there are a number of other specialised libraries in Oxford, such as the [[Sackler Library]] which holds classical collections. In addition, most academic departments maintain their own library, as do all colleges. The University’s entire collection is catalogued by the [[OLIS|Oxford Libraries Information System]], though with such a huge collection, this is an ongoing task. Oxford University Library Services, the head of which is Bodley’s Librarian, is the governing administrative body responsible for libraries in Oxford. The Bodleian is currently engaged in a mass-digitisation project with [[Google]].<ref> (2006) Bodleian Library [[http://www.bodley.ox.ac.uk/google/"Oxford-Google Digitization Programme"]] Retrieved October 23, 2007 </ref>
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As well as the Bodleian, there are a number of other specialized libraries in Oxford, such as the [[Sackler Library]] which holds classical collections. In addition, most academic departments maintain their own library, as do all colleges. The University’s entire collection is cataloged by the [[OLIS|Oxford Libraries Information System]], though with such a huge collection, this is an ongoing task. Oxford University Library Services, the head of which is Bodley’s Librarian, is the governing administrative body responsible for libraries in Oxford. The Bodleian is currently engaged in a mass-digitization project with [[Google]].<ref>Bodleian Library (2006), Oxford-Google Digitization Programme.</ref>
 
[[Image:Pitt-rivers-m2.jpg|thumb|left|200px|[[Pitt Rivers Museum]] interior]]
 
[[Image:Pitt-rivers-m2.jpg|thumb|left|200px|[[Pitt Rivers Museum]] interior]]
  
 
===Museums===
 
===Museums===
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Oxford maintains a number of museums and galleries, in addition to its libraries. The [[Ashmolean Museum]], founded in 1683, is the oldest museum in the UK, and the oldest university museum in the world.<ref> (2005) University of Oxford - Ashmolean Museum [[http://www.ashmolean.org/about/historyandfuture"About the Museum:History & Future"]] Retrieved October 22, 2007</ref> It holds significant collections of art and archaeology, including works by [[Michaelangelo]], [[da Vinci]], [[J. M. W. Turner|Turner]], and [[Pablo Picasso|Picasso]], as well as treasures such as the [[Parian Chronicle|Parian Marble]] and the [[Alfred Jewel]]. The Ashmolean is currently undertaking a £60m redevelopment<ref> (2005) University of Oxford - Ashmolean Museum[[http://www.ashmolean.org/transforming/"Transforming the Ashmolean"]] Retrieved October 23, 2007</ref> which will double the display space as well as provide new facilities.
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Oxford maintains a number of [[museum]]s and galleries, in addition to its libraries. The [[Ashmolean Museum]], founded in 1683, is the oldest museum in the UK, and the oldest university museum in the world.<ref>University of Oxford—Ashmolean Museum (2005), [http://www.ashmolean.org/about/historyandfuture About the Museum: History & Future.] Retrieved October 22, 2007.</ref> It holds significant collections of art and [[archaeology]], including works by [[Michaelangelo]], [[da Vinci]], [[J. M. W. Turner|Turner]], and [[Pablo Picasso|Picasso]], as well as treasures such as the [[Parian Chronicle|Parian Marble]] and the [[Alfred Jewel]]. The Ashmolean is currently undertaking a £60m redevelopment,<ref>University of Oxford—Ashmolean Museum (2005), [http://www.ashmolean.org/transforming/ Transforming the Ashmolean.] Retrieved October 23, 2007.</ref> which will double the display space as well as provide new facilities.
  
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The [[Oxford University Museum of Natural History|Museum of Natural History]] holds the University’s anatomical and natural history specimens. It is housed in a large neo-Gothic building in the University’s Science Area. Among its collection are the skeletons of a [[Tyrannosaurus rex]] and [[triceratops]], and the most complete remains of a [[dodo]] found anywhere in the world. It also hosts the [[Charles Simonyi|Simonyi]] Professorship of the Public Understanding of Science, currently held by [[Richard Dawkins]].  
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The [[Oxford University Museum of Natural History|Museum of Natural History]] holds the University’s anatomical and natural history specimens. It is housed in a large neo-Gothic building in the University’s Science Area. Among its collection are the skeletons of a ''[[Tyrannosaurus rex]]'' and [[triceratops]], and the most complete remains of a [[dodo]] found anywhere in the world. It also hosts the [[Charles Simonyi|Simonyi]] Professorship of the Public Understanding of Science.  
  
 
[[Image:Oxford Botanic Garden in Autumn 2004.jpg|thumb|300px|right|Autumn in the Walled Garden of the [[Oxford Botanic Garden|Botanic Garden]]]]Adjoining the Museum of Natural History is the [[Pitt Rivers Museum]], founded in 1884, which displays the University’s archaeological and anthropological collections, currently holding over 500,000 items. It recently built a new research annexe; its staff have been involved with the teaching of anthropology at Oxford since its foundation, when as part of his donation General [[Augustus Pitt Rivers]] stipulated that the University establish a lectureship in anthropology.
 
[[Image:Oxford Botanic Garden in Autumn 2004.jpg|thumb|300px|right|Autumn in the Walled Garden of the [[Oxford Botanic Garden|Botanic Garden]]]]Adjoining the Museum of Natural History is the [[Pitt Rivers Museum]], founded in 1884, which displays the University’s archaeological and anthropological collections, currently holding over 500,000 items. It recently built a new research annexe; its staff have been involved with the teaching of anthropology at Oxford since its foundation, when as part of his donation General [[Augustus Pitt Rivers]] stipulated that the University establish a lectureship in anthropology.
  
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The [[Museum of the History of Science, Oxford|Museum of the History of Science]] is housed on Broad St in the world’s oldest-surviving purpose-built museum building.<ref>(2006) Museum of the History of Science, Oxford[[http://www.mhs.ox.ac.uk/about/index.htm?text"Overview"]] Retrieved October 23, 2007</ref> It contains 15,000 artefacts, from antiquity to the 20th century, representing almost all aspects of the [[history of science]]. In the Faculty of Music on [[St Aldate’s, Oxford|St Aldate’s]] is the [[Bate Collection]] of Musical Instruments, a collection mostly comprising of instruments from Western classical music, from the medieval period onwards. The [[Oxford Botanic Garden|Botanic Garden]] is the oldest botanic garden in the UK, and the third-oldest scientific garden in the world. It contains representatives from over 90% of the world’s higher plant families. [[Christ Church Picture Gallery]] holds a collection of over 200 [[old master]] paintings.
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The [[Museum of the History of Science, Oxford|Museum of the History of Science]] is housed on Broad St in the world’s oldest-surviving purpose-built museum building.<ref>Museum of the History of Science, Oxford (2006), [http://www.mhs.ox.ac.uk/about/index.htm?text Overview.] Retrieved October 23, 2007.</ref> It contains 15,000 artifacts, from antiquity to the twentieth century, representing almost all aspects of the [[history of science]]. In the Faculty of Music on [[St Aldate’s, Oxford|St Aldate’s]] is the [[Bate Collection]] of Musical Instruments, a collection mostly comprising of instruments from Western classical music, from the medieval period onwards. The [[Oxford Botanic Garden|Botanic Garden]] is the oldest botanic garden in the UK, and the third-oldest scientific garden in the world. It contains representatives from over 90 percent of the world’s higher plant families. [[Christ Church Picture Gallery]] holds a collection of over 200 [[old master]] paintings.
  
 
===Buildings and parks===
 
===Buildings and parks===
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In addition to the museums and library, the University of Oxford is also compromised of several historical buildings and locations:
 
In addition to the museums and library, the University of Oxford is also compromised of several historical buildings and locations:
  
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*[[Sheldonian Theatre]]
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*[http://www.sheldon.ox.ac.uk/ Sheldonian Theatre]
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*[[Tom Tower]]
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*[http://www.bluffton.edu/~sullivanm/england/oxford/wren/tomtower.html/ Tom Tower]
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*[[Radcliffe Camera]]
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*[http://www.chem.ox.ac.uk/oxfordtour/panohtml/universitychurchradcliffesq.htm/ Radcliffe Camera]
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*[[University Church of St Mary the Virgin]]
+
*[http://www.chem.ox.ac.uk/oxfordtour/panohtml/universitychurchradcliffesq.htm/ University Church of St Mary the Virgin]
−
*[[Christ Church Cathedral, Oxford]]
+
*[http://www.chch.ox.ac.uk/index.php/ Christ Church Cathedral, Oxford]
−
*[[Oxford University Parks]]
+
*[http://www.parks.ox.ac.uk/ Oxford University Parks]
−
*[[University of Oxford Botanic Garden|Oxford Botanic Garden and Harcourt Arboretum]]
+
*[http://www.botanic-garden.ox.ac.uk/ Oxford Botanic Garden and Harcourt Arboretum]
−
*[http://www.rhodeshouse.ox.ac.uk/ Rhodes Trust], the centre of the [[Rhodes Scholarship]]
+
*[http://www.rhodeshouse.ox.ac.uk/ Rhodes Trust the centre of the [[Rhodes Scholarship]
  
 
==Programs==
 
==Programs==
−
 
+
===Central governance===
−
===Central Governance===
 
−
 
 
 
[[Image:Hepworth Achaean.jpg|thumb|left|300px|[[St Catherine's College, Oxford|St Catherine's College]], founded in 1962, is the youngest undergraduate college]]
 
[[Image:Hepworth Achaean.jpg|thumb|left|300px|[[St Catherine's College, Oxford|St Catherine's College]], founded in 1962, is the youngest undergraduate college]]
  
 
The university's formal head is the [[List of Chancellors of the University of Oxford|Chancellor]] (currently [[Lord Patten of Barnes|Lord Patten]]), though as with most British universities, the Chancellor is a titular figure, rather than someone involved with the day-to-day running of the university. Elected by the members of [[Convocation]], a body comprising all graduates of the university, the Chancellor holds office until death.  
 
The university's formal head is the [[List of Chancellors of the University of Oxford|Chancellor]] (currently [[Lord Patten of Barnes|Lord Patten]]), though as with most British universities, the Chancellor is a titular figure, rather than someone involved with the day-to-day running of the university. Elected by the members of [[Convocation]], a body comprising all graduates of the university, the Chancellor holds office until death.  
  
−
The [[List of Vice-Chancellors of the University of Oxford|Vice-Chancellor]], currently [[John Hood|Dr John Hood]], is the de facto head of the University. Five Pro-Vice-Chancellors have specific responsibilities for Education; Research; Planning and Resources; Development and External Affairs; and Personnel and Equal Opportunities. The University Council is the executive policy-forming body, which consists of the Vice-Chancellor as well as heads of departments and other members elected by Congregation, in addition to observers from the Student Union. [[Congregation (university)|Congregation]], the ‘parliament of the dons’, comprises over 3,700 members of the University’s academic and administrative staff, and has ultimate responsibility for legislative matters: it discusses and pronounces on policies proposed by the University Council. Oxford and Cambridge (which is similarly structured) are unique for this democratic form of governance.
+
The Vice-Chancellor is the de facto head of the University. Five Pro-Vice-Chancellors have specific responsibilities for Education; Research; Planning and Resources; Development and External Affairs; and Personnel and Equal Opportunities. The University Council is the executive policy-forming body, which consists of the Vice-Chancellor as well as heads of departments and other members elected by Congregation, in addition to observers from the Student Union. [[Congregation (university)|Congregation]], the "parliament of the dons," comprises over 3,700 members of the University’s academic and administrative staff, and has ultimate responsibility for legislative matters: It discusses and pronounces on policies proposed by the University Council. Oxford and Cambridge (which is similarly structured) are unique for this democratic form of governance.  
  
−
Two university proctors, who are elected annually on a rotating basis from two of the colleges, supervise undergraduate discipline. The collection of University Professors is called the Statutory Professors of the University of Oxford. They are particularly influential in the running of the graduate programmes within the University. Examples of Statutory Professors include the Chichele Professorships, the Drummond Professor of Political Economy, etc. The various academic faculties, departments, and institutes are organised into four divisions, each with their own Head and elected board. They are the Humanities Division; the Social Sciences Division; the Mathematical, Physical and Life Sciences Division; and the Medical Sciences Division.
+
Two university proctors, who are elected annually on a rotating basis from two of the colleges, supervise undergraduate discipline. The collection of University Professors is called the Statutory Professors of the University of Oxford. They are particularly influential in the running of the graduate programs within the University. Examples of Statutory Professors include the Chichele Professorships, the Drummond Professor of Political Economy, and so forth. The various academic faculties, departments, and institutes are organized into four divisions, each with their own Head and elected board. They are the Humanities Division; the Social Sciences Division; the Mathematical, Physical and Life Sciences Division; and the Medical Sciences Division.
  
−
===Teaching and Degrees===
+
===Teaching and degrees===
−
Undergraduate teaching is centred upon the tutorial, where 1-3 students spend an hour with an academic discussing their week’s work, usually an essay (arts) or problem sheet (sciences). Students usually have around two tutorials a week. These tutorials are complemented by lectures, classes and seminars, which are organised on a departmental basis. Graduate students undertaking taught degrees are usually instructed through classes and seminars, though naturally there is more focus upon individual research.
+
Undergraduate teaching is centered upon the tutorial, where one to three students spend an hour with a teacher discussing their week’s work, usually an essay (arts) or problem sheet (sciences). Students usually have around two tutorials a week. These tutorials are complemented by lectures, classes, and seminars, which are organized on a departmental basis. Graduate students undertaking taught degrees are usually instructed through classes and seminars, though naturally there is more focus upon individual research.
  
−
The university itself is responsible for conducting examinations and conferring degrees. The passing of two sets of examinations is a prerequisite for a first degree. The first set of examinations, called either Honour Moderations (‘Mods’ and ‘Honour Mods’) or Preliminary Examinations (‘Prelims’), are usually held at the end of the first year (or after five terms in the case of Classics). The second set of examinations, the Final Honour School (‘Finals’), is held at the end of the undergraduate course. Successful candidates receive first-, upper or lower second-, or third-class honours based on their performance in Finals. Research degrees at the master's and doctoral level are conferred in all subjects studied at graduate level at the university.
+
The university itself is responsible for conducting examinations and conferring degrees. The passing of two sets of examinations is a prerequisite for a first degree. The first set of examinations, called either Honor Moderations ("Mods" and "Honor Mods") or Preliminary Examinations ("Prelims"), are usually held at the end of the first year (or after five terms in the case of Classics). The second set of examinations, the Final Honor School ("Finals"), is held at the end of the undergraduate course. Successful candidates receive first, second, or third-class honors based on their performance in Finals. Research degrees at the master's and doctoral level are conferred in all subjects studied at graduate level at the university.
  
 
==Colleges==
 
==Colleges==
 
[[Image:Magdalen-may-morning-2007-panorama.jpg|thumb|right|300px|[[Magdalen College, Oxford|Magdalen College]] on [[May Morning]], 2007.]]
 
[[Image:Magdalen-may-morning-2007-panorama.jpg|thumb|right|300px|[[Magdalen College, Oxford|Magdalen College]] on [[May Morning]], 2007.]]
−
There are 39 [[colleges of the University of Oxford]] and 7 [[Permanent Private Hall]]s, each with its own internal structure and activities. All students, and most academic staff, are affiliated to a college. The heads of Oxford colleges are known by various titles, according to the college, including warden, provost, principal, president, rector or master. The colleges join together as the Conference of Colleges to discuss policy and to deal with the central University administration. Teaching members of the colleges (fellows and tutors) are collectively and familiarly known as dons (though the term is rarely used by members of the university itself). In addition to residential and dining facilities, the colleges provide social, cultural, and recreational activities for their members. Colleges have responsibility for admitting undergraduates and organising their tuition; for graduates, this responsibility falls upon the departments.
+
There are 39 [[colleges of the University of Oxford]] and seven [[Permanent Private Hall]]s, each with its own internal structure and activities. Colleges have responsibility for admitting undergraduates and organizing their tuition; for graduates, this responsibility falls upon the departments. All students and many of the academics are attached to colleges, where they live, eat and socialise. It is also the place where students receive one on one teaching sessions, known as tutorials. Each college appoints its own teaching staff and fellows in each subject; decides which students to admit, in accordance with University regulations and is responsible for the domestic arrangements and welfare of its own undergraduates, graduates, post-doctoral researchers, and staff in general. Colleges admit students to study a wide variety of subjects. This is deliberate as it means that students to meet, talk to and make friends with people from different disciplines thus broadening their education. A graduate remains a member of his or her college for life.
 +
 
 +
The heads of Oxford colleges are known by various titles, according to the college, including warden, provost, principal, president, rector, or master. The colleges join together as the Conference of Colleges to discuss policy and to deal with the central University administration. Teaching members of the colleges (fellows and tutors) are collectively and familiarly known as dons (though the term is rarely used by members of the university itself).
  
−
Many University of Oxford colleges host overseas students (primarily from [[United States|American]] universities) enrolled in [[study abroad]] programmes during the summer months.
+
Many University of Oxford colleges host overseas students (primarily from [[United States|American]] universities) enrolled in [[study abroad]] programs during the summer months.
  
 
[[Oxford University Department for Continuing Education]] caters mainly for mature and part-time students.
 
[[Oxford University Department for Continuing Education]] caters mainly for mature and part-time students.
  
−
Oxford's other principal higher education institutions are [[Ruskin College, Oxford]], an [[adult education]] college, which although not part of the University of Oxford has close links with it, [[Oxford Brookes University]] and the former  Lady Spencer Churchill teaching college (now the Wheatley campus of Oxford Brookes).  
+
==Student life==
−
 
+
[[Image:2002-oxbridge-boat-race.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Exhausted crews just after the finish of the 2002 Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race.]]
−
There are other higher and [[further education]] institutions in Oxford, including various independent "colleges," not associated with either of the universities. These institutions vary considerably in the standard of teaching they provide.
+
Beyond the prestige involved with attending the University of Oxford, students are able to enjoy a host of activities. There various clubs and societies are listed below:
  
−
==Student Life==
+
*[http://www.ousu.org/ Oxford University Student Union]
−
[[Image:2002-oxbridge-boat-race.jpg|thumb|left|200px|Exhausted crews just after the finish of the 2002 Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race]]
+
*[http://www.oxfordstudent.com/ Oxford Union Society] (debating society)
−
===Clubs and societies===
+
*[http://www.ouds.org/ Oxford University Dramatic Society]
−
*[[Oxford University Student Union]]
+
*[http://www.oubc.rowing.org.uk/new/home.jsp/ Oxford University Boat Club] (rowing club participating in [[the Boat Race]])
−
*[[Oxford Union Society]] (debating society)
+
*[http://www.ourfc.org/ Oxford University RFC] (rugby club participating in [[the Varsity Match]])
−
*[[Oxford University Dramatic Society]]
+
*[http://www.ouafc.com/ Oxford University A.F.C.] (association football club)
−
*[[Oxford University Boat Club]] (rowing club participating in [[the Boat Race]])
+
*[http://www.oup.co.uk/ Oxford University Press] (world's largest university press)
−
*[[Oxford University RFC]] (rugby club participating in [[the Varsity Match]])
+
*[http://www.oxideradio.co.uk/ Oxide Radio] ([[Campus radio|Student radio]] station)  
−
*[[Oxford University A.F.C.]] (association football club)
+
*''[http://www.isismagazine.org.uk/ Isis magazine]'' (Student publication)
−
 
+
*''[http://www.cherwell.org/ Cherwell (newspaper)]'' (Student publication)
−
 
+
*''[http://www.oxfordstudent.com/ The Oxford Student]'' (Student publication)
−
*[[Oxford University Press]] (world's largest university press)
 
−
*Oxide Radio ([[Campus radio|Student radio]] station) <!--article deleted per AfD —>
 
−
*''[[Isis magazine|Isis]]'' (Student publication)
 
−
*''[[Cherwell (newspaper)|Cherwell]]'' (Student publication)
 
−
*''[[The Oxford Student]]'' (Student publication)
 
  
 
==Traditions==
 
==Traditions==
−
 
+
[[Image:Students Oxford University.jpg|thumb|250px|Students in subfusc outside Examination Schools. Note variety of gowns such as the Commoners' gown and the Graduate Student gown.]]
 
The University of Oxford has a long tradition of [[academic dress]], and a visitor to Oxford during term will see academic dress worn on a regular basis.
 
The University of Oxford has a long tradition of [[academic dress]], and a visitor to Oxford during term will see academic dress worn on a regular basis.
−
 
−
Regulations regarding gowns differ from college to college, but gowns are commonly worn to:
 
−
 
−
* [[Formal Hall]] (formal dinner, which occurs as frequently as every night in some colleges and as rarely as once a term in others, or not at all)
 
−
* Chapel
 
−
* College [[Collection (Oxford Colleges)|collections]] (tests that take place at the start of term)
 
−
* Head of house's collections (end of term academic progress reports)
 
−
* College [[matriculation]]
 
−
 
−
Gowns and caps are worn to disciplinary hearings in the Proctors' Court.
 
−
 
−
In addition, gowns are worn with cap, hood (for graduates), and ''[[#Subfusc|subfusc]]'' to:
 
−
 
−
* University examinations
 
−
* University [[matriculation]]
 
−
* [[Graduation]] ceremonies
 
−
* The annual [[Encaenia]] (Commemoration) ceremony.
 
−
 
−
==Components of Oxford academic dress==
 
−
===Gowns===
 
−
The gowns in use in Oxford can be divided into two basic shapes. All gowns are open-fronted, except for the [[Doctorate|Doctor]]s' convocation habit which is closed at the front.
 
  
 
====''Clerical-type'' gowns====
 
====''Clerical-type'' gowns====
−
 
 
* [[Scholar]]'s gown
 
* [[Scholar]]'s gown
 
* BA gown
 
* BA gown
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* Proctors' dress gown
 
* Proctors' dress gown
  
−
The ''clerical-type'' gown has no collar, but instead has the voluminous material of its back and sleeves gathered into a yoke. All of the above have open bell-shaped sleeves, with the exception of the MA gown and the Doctors' convocation habit. The MA gown has long closed sleeves with arm slits just above the elbow and a crescent-shaped cut at the foot of the sleeve, forming two forward-facing points. The Doctors' convocation habit is sleeveless.
+
The ''clerical-type'' gown has no collar, but instead has the voluminous material of its back and sleeves gathered into a yoke. All of the above have open bell-shaped sleeves, with the exception of the MA gown and the Doctors' convocation habit. The MA gown has long closed sleeves with arm slits just above the elbow and a crescent-shaped cut at the foot of the sleeve, forming two forward-facing points. The Doctors' convocation habit is sleeveless.<ref>G.W. Shaw, ''Academical Dress of British and Irish Universities'' (Chichester: Philmore & Co. Ltd, 1995, ISBN 085033974X).</ref>
−
 
 
−
Gowns of the same basic shape are worn by [[barrister]]s (see [[court dress]]), preachers and [[bishop]]s in the [[Church of England]].
 
  
 
====''Lay-type'' gowns====
 
====''Lay-type'' gowns====
−
 
 
* Commoners' gown
 
* Commoners' gown
 
* Graduate students' gown
 
* Graduate students' gown
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* Chancellor's gold laced gown
 
* Chancellor's gold laced gown
  
−
The ''lay-type'' gown derives from a garment fashionable in [[Elizabethan]] times. It is less voluminous than the ''clerical-type'' gown, and has a flap collar and long closed sleeves with arm slits just above the elbow, except for the Commoners' gown, which is sleeveless.
+
The ''lay-type'' gown derives from a garment fashionable in [[Elizabeth I of England|Elizabethan]] times. It is less voluminous than the ''clerical-type'' gown, and has a flap collar and long closed sleeves with arm slits just above the elbow, except for the Commoners' gown, which is sleeveless.
  
 
Gowns of the same basic shape are worn by [[solicitor]]s, [[Queen's Counsel]], court ushers, the [[Speaker of the British House of Commons|Speaker of the House of Commons]], the [[Chancellor of the Exchequer]], and the [[Lord Chancellor]].
 
Gowns of the same basic shape are worn by [[solicitor]]s, [[Queen's Counsel]], court ushers, the [[Speaker of the British House of Commons|Speaker of the House of Commons]], the [[Chancellor of the Exchequer]], and the [[Lord Chancellor]].
  
 
===Hoods===
 
===Hoods===
−
[[Image:Academic dress Oxford walking.jpg|thumb|300px|MA hoods seen from rear]]
+
[[Image:Academic dress Oxford walking.jpg|thumb|300px|MA hoods seen from rear.]]
−
Hoods in Oxford are of three shapes. Doctors (except Doctors of Clinical Psychology) and Bachelors of Divinity wear hoods in the ''Oxford full shape'', scarlet in the case of doctors and black in the case of Bachelors of Divinity. All other hoods can be either in the ''Burgon shape'' or the ''Oxford simple shape'', though some are traditionally made in one shape or the other.
+
Hoods in Oxford are of three shapes. Doctors (except Doctors of Clinical Psychology) and Bachelors of Divinity wear hoods in the ''Oxford full shape,'' scarlet in the case of doctors and black in the case of Bachelors of Divinity. All other hoods can be either in the ''Burgon shape'' or the ''Oxford simple shape,'' though some are traditionally made in one shape or the other.
  
−
Generally hoods are worn by graduates whenever ''subfusc'' is worn, but sometimes they are worn with an ordinary tie, e.g. by a lecturer at a public lecture.
+
Generally, hoods are worn by graduates whenever ''[[subfusc]]'' is worn, but sometimes they are worn with an ordinary tie, such as by a lecturer at a public lecture.
  
 
===Academic caps===
 
===Academic caps===
−
 
+
Men wear a [[mortarboard]] (also known as a ''square'' or trencher cap), which is not worn indoors, except by the Chancellor, Vice-Chancellor, and Proctors. When meeting the Vice-Chancellor, Proctors, or other senior official of the university in the street, it is traditional for a man to touch or raise his cap. In practice, few people now wear their caps, and instead carry their caps on occasions where caps are required.  
−
Men wear a [[mortarboard]] (also known as a ''square'' or trencher cap), which is not worn indoors, except by the Chancellor, Vice-Chancellor and Proctors. When meeting the Vice-Chancellor, Proctors, or other senior official of the university in the street, it is traditional for a man to touch or raise his cap. In practice few people wear their caps nowadays, and instead carry their caps on occasions where caps are required.  
 
  
 
Women may choose between the mortarboard or the ''soft cap''. The soft cap is not removed indoors, although the mortarboard may now be removed or left on indoors at the wearer's discretion.
 
Women may choose between the mortarboard or the ''soft cap''. The soft cap is not removed indoors, although the mortarboard may now be removed or left on indoors at the wearer's discretion.
  
−
Doctors in the lay faculties (i.e. those except Divinity and Philosophy) wear [[Tudor bonnet]]s, which are round and made of velvet.
+
Doctors in the lay faculties (those except Divinity and Philosophy) wear [[Tudor bonnet]]s, which are round and made of velvet.
  
 
=== ''Subfusc''===
 
=== ''Subfusc''===
−
[[Image:Students Oxford University.jpg|thumb|300px|Students in subfusc outside Examination Schools. Note variety of gowns such as the Commoners' gown and the Graduate Student gown.]]
+
''Subfusc'' comes from the [[Latin language|Latin]] for "of a dark/dusky color," and refers to the clothes worn with full academic dress in Oxford. Generally, this means, for men:
−
''Subfusc'' comes from the [[Latin language|Latin]] for "of a dark/dusky colour," and refers to the clothes worn with full academic dress in Oxford. Generally, this means, for men:
 
  
−
*Dark suit.
+
*Dark suit
−
*Black socks and shoes.
+
*Black socks and shoes
−
*White shirt and collar.
+
*White shirt and collar
−
*White bow tie.
+
*White bow tie
  
 
For women:
 
For women:
  
−
*White blouse.
+
*White blouse
−
*Black tie.
+
*Black tie
−
*Black skirt or trousers.
+
*Black skirt or trousers
−
*Black stockings or tights.
+
*Black stockings or tights
−
*Black shoes.
+
*Black shoes
−
*Dark coat (if desired).
+
*Dark coat (if desired)
  
 
In addition, doctors in the higher faculties and senior university officials wear bands, such as those worn with [[court dress|legal court dress]].
 
In addition, doctors in the higher faculties and senior university officials wear bands, such as those worn with [[court dress|legal court dress]].
  
−
Members of Her Majesty's [[Armed force|Forces]] may wear their service [[uniform]] with gown and hood (for graduates) in place of ''subfusc''. On occasion uniform swords may be worn. Persons in [[Holy Orders]] may wear clerical dress instead of ''subfusc''.
+
Members of Her Majesty's [[Armed force|Forces]] may wear their service [[uniform]] with gown and hood (for graduates) in place of ''subfusc''. On occasion, uniform swords may be worn. Persons in [[Holy Orders]] may wear clerical dress instead of ''subfusc''.
  
−
''Subfusc'' is worn at university [[matriculation]], at university examinations and degree ceremonies and at [[Encaenia]]. During exams, candidates often also wear a [[carnation]] in their buttonholes: white for the first exam, pink thereafter, and red for the final exam of the run. Although this system has differed over time, this is the one currently advised by the University and its Colleges.
+
''Subfusc'' is worn at university [[matriculation]], at university examinations and degree ceremonies and at [[Encaenia]]. During exams, candidates often also wear a [[carnation]] in their buttonholes: White for the first exam, pink thereafter, and red for the final exam of the run. Although this system has differed over time, this is the one currently advised by the University and its Colleges.
  
 
===Formal Hall===
 
===Formal Hall===
 
'''Formal Hall''' or '''Formal Meal''' is the traditional meal held at some of the older [[university|universities]] in the [[United Kingdom]] at which students dress in [[formal attire]] and often [[academic dress|gown]]s to dine. The nature of Formals varies widely between the colleges and halls that hold them. In some colleges, Formals may be held every night, and are simply a second sitting of hall at which gowns are worn and grace is read. In other colleges, Formals may be special events to which guests from outside the college are invited.
 
'''Formal Hall''' or '''Formal Meal''' is the traditional meal held at some of the older [[university|universities]] in the [[United Kingdom]] at which students dress in [[formal attire]] and often [[academic dress|gown]]s to dine. The nature of Formals varies widely between the colleges and halls that hold them. In some colleges, Formals may be held every night, and are simply a second sitting of hall at which gowns are worn and grace is read. In other colleges, Formals may be special events to which guests from outside the college are invited.
  
−
The wearing of [[Academic dress|gowns]] at formals is compulsory at some colleges and various other traditions are usually observed, including [[grace (prayer)|grace]] said in [[Latin]] or [[English language|English]]. The wearing of gowns may sometimes constitute the only dress code; in other cases formal wear (for example a [[Suit (clothes)|lounge suit]] for men or equivalent for women) is required in addition to, or instead of, the gown.  
+
The wearing of [[Academic dress|gowns]] at formals is compulsory at some colleges and various other traditions are usually observed, including [[grace (prayer)|grace]] said in [[Latin]] or [[English language|English]]. The wearing of gowns may sometimes constitute the only dress code; in other cases, formal wear (for example, a [[Suit (clothes)|lounge suit]] for men or equivalent for women) is required in addition to, or instead of, the gown.  
  
 
Almost all Oxford formal halls include a [[High Table]], exclusively for the [[Senior Common Room]] of the college and their guests, with students eating at the lower tables. The high table is often raised above the floor level of the hall. A few of the more modern colleges, for example Linacre College and Wolfson College, have discontinued (or never had) this practice, in order to promote equality between fellows and students.
 
Almost all Oxford formal halls include a [[High Table]], exclusively for the [[Senior Common Room]] of the college and their guests, with students eating at the lower tables. The high table is often raised above the floor level of the hall. A few of the more modern colleges, for example Linacre College and Wolfson College, have discontinued (or never had) this practice, in order to promote equality between fellows and students.
Line 223: Line 191:
 
There may be one or more [[after dinner speaker]]s at the end of the dinner or even between courses if it is a special occasion.
 
There may be one or more [[after dinner speaker]]s at the end of the dinner or even between courses if it is a special occasion.
  
−
==Notable Alumni==
+
==Notable alumni==
−
 
 
 
There are many famous Oxonians, as alumni of the University are known:
 
There are many famous Oxonians, as alumni of the University are known:
  
−
Oxford has had a role in educating four [[British monarch|British]] and at least eight foreign [[monarch|kings]], 56 [[Nobel prize|Nobel prize-winners]], 3 [[Fields medal]]lists, 3 [[Academy Award|Oscar]] winners, 25 [[British Prime Minister]]s, 28 foreign [[president]]s and [[prime minister]]s, 7 [[saint]]s, 86 [[archbishop]]s, 18 [[Cardinal (Catholicism)|cardinals]], and 1 [[pope]]. 8 of [[List of Prime Ministers of the United Kingdom|the last 12 British Prime Ministers]] have been Oxford graduates. All four Prime Ministers of the United Kingdom who served between 1880 and 1905 - [[William Ewart Gladstone|Gladstone]], [[Robert Arthur Talbot Gascoyne-Cecil, 3rd Marquess of Salisbury|Lord Salisbury]], [[Archibald Primrose, 5th Earl of Rosebery|Lord Rosebery]] and [[Arthur Balfour|Balfour]] - were educated at Eton and then at Christ Church.
+
Oxford has had a role in educating four [[British monarch|British]] and at least eight foreign [[monarch|kings]], 56 [[Nobel prize|Nobel prize-winners]], three [[Fields medal]]lists, three [[Academy Award|Oscar]] winners, 25 [[Prime Minister of the United Kingdom|British Prime Minister]]s, 28 foreign [[president]]s and [[prime minister]]s, seven [[saint]]s, 86 [[archbishop]]s, 18 [[Cardinal (Catholicism)|cardinals]], and one [[Papacy|pope]]. Eight of the last 12 British Prime Ministers have been Oxford graduates. All four Prime Ministers of the United Kingdom who served between 1880 and 1905—[[William Ewart Gladstone|Gladstone]], [[Robert Arthur Talbot Gascoyne-Cecil, 3rd Marquess of Salisbury|Lord Salisbury]], [[Archibald Primrose, 5th Earl of Rosebery|Lord Rosebery]], and [[Arthur Balfour|Balfour]]—were educated at Eton and then at Christ Church.
  
−
[[T. E. Lawrence]] was both a student and a don at Oxford, while other illustrious members have ranged from the explorer, courtier, and man of letters [[Walter Raleigh|Sir Walter Raleigh]] to the media magnate [[Rupert Murdoch]]. The founder of [[Methodism]], [[John Wesley]], studied at Christ Church and was elected a fellow of [[Lincoln College, Oxford|Lincoln College]]. The Burmese Democracy Activist and [[List of Nobel laureates|Nobel Laureate]] [[Aung San Suu Kyi]] was a student of St Hugh's College, Oxford.
+
[[T. E. Lawrence]] was both a student and a don at Oxford, while other illustrious members have ranged from the explorer, courtier, and man of letters [[Walter Raleigh|Sir Walter Raleigh]] to the [[mass media|media]] magnate [[Rupert Murdoch]]. The founder of [[Methodism]], [[John Wesley]], studied at Christ Church and was elected a fellow of [[Lincoln College, Oxford|Lincoln College]]. The Burmese Democracy Activist and Nobel Laureate [[Aung San Suu Kyi]] was a student of St Hugh's College, Oxford.
  
−
Amongst the long list of writers associated with Oxford are [[Evelyn Waugh]], [[Lewis Carroll]], [[Aldous Huxley]], [[Oscar Wilde]], [[C.S. Lewis]], [[J.R.R. Tolkien]], [[Graham Greene]], [[Phillip Pullman]], [[Vikram Seth]] and [[Plum Sykes]], the poets [[Percy Bysshe Shelley]], [[John Donne]], [[A. E. Housman]], [[W. H. Auden]], and [[Philip Larkin]], and [[Poet Laureate|Poets Laureate]] [[Thomas Warton]], [[Henry James Pye]], [[Robert Southey]], [[Robert Bridges]], [[Cecil Day-Lewis]], [[John Betjeman|Sir John Betjeman]], and [[Andrew Motion]].
+
Amongst the long list of writers associated with Oxford are [[Evelyn Waugh]], [[Lewis Carroll]], [[Aldous Huxley]], [[Oscar Wilde]], [[C. S. Lewis]], [[J.R.R. Tolkien]], [[Graham Greene]], [[Phillip Pullman]], [[Vikram Seth]], and [[Plum Sykes]], the poets [[Percy Bysshe Shelley]], [[John Donne]], [[A. E. Housman]], [[W. H. Auden]], and [[Philip Larkin]], and [[Poet Laureate|Poets Laureate]] [[Thomas Warton]], [[Henry James Pye]], [[Robert Southey]], [[Robert Bridges]], [[Cecil Day-Lewis]], Sir [[John Betjeman]], and [[Andrew Motion]].
  
−
Some contemporary scientists include [[Stephen Hawking]], [[Richard Dawkins]] and Nobel prize-winner [[Anthony James Leggett]], and [[Tim Berners-Lee]], co-inventor of the [[World Wide Web]].  
+
Scientists include [[Stephen Hawking]], [[Richard Dawkins]], and Nobel prize-winner [[Anthony James Leggett]], and [[Tim Berners-Lee]], co-inventor of the [[World Wide Web]].  
  
−
Actors [[Hugh Grant]], [[Kate Beckinsale]], [[Dudley Moore]], [[Michael Palin]], and [[Terry Jones]] were undergraduates at the University, as were [[Academy Award|Oscar]] winner [[Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck]] and film-maker [[Ken Loach]].  
+
Actors [[Hugh Grant]], [[Kate Beckinsale]], [[Dudley Moore]], [[Michael Palin]], and [[Terry Jones]] were undergraduates at the University, as were [[Academy Award|Oscar]] winner [[Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck]] and filmmaker [[Ken Loach]].
  
−
More complete information on famous senior and junior members of the University can be found in the individual [[Colleges of the University of Oxford|college]] articles (an individual may be associated with two or more colleges, as an undergraduate, postgraduate, and/or member of staff).
+
==Notes==
 +
<references/>
 +
 
 +
==References==
 +
*Brooke, Christopher, and Roger Highfield. ''Oxford and Cambridge.'' Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1988. ISBN 0521301394.
 +
*Catto, Jeremy (ed.). ''The History of the University of Oxford.'' Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1993. ISBN 978-0199510122.
 +
*De-la-Noy, Michael. ''Exploring Oxford.'' London: Trafalgar Square, 1992. ISBN 978-0747203865.
 +
*Feiler, Bruce. ''Looking for Class: Days and Nights at Oxford and Cambridge.'' New York: Perennial, 2004. ISBN 006052703X.
 +
*Hibbert, Christopher. ''The Encyclopaedia of Oxford.'' Papermac, 1992. ISBN 978-0333486146.
 +
*Kerr, Alex (ed.). ''The Burgon Society Annual 2004.'' The Burgon Society, 2005. ISBN 0954411064.
 +
*Miles, Jebb. ''The Colleges of Oxford.'' London: Constable, 1992. ISBN 978-0094691803.
 +
*Morris, Jan. ''The Oxford Book of Oxford.'' Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2002. ISBN 0192804073.
 +
*Seccombe, Thomas, and H. Scott (eds.). ''In Praise of Oxford.'' London: Constable, 1912.
 +
*Shaw, G.W. ''Academical Dress of British and Irish Universities.'' Chichester: Philmore & Co. Ltd, 1995. ISBN 085033974X.
 +
*Snow, Peter. ''Oxford Observed.'' London: John Murray, 1992. ISBN 978-0719547072.
 +
*Tames, Richard. ''A Traveler's History of Oxford.'' New York: Interlink, 2002. ISBN 1566564670.
 +
*Venables, D.R., and R.E. Clifford. ''Academic Dress of the University of Oxford.'' Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1998. ISBN 0952163004.
  
 
==Gallery==
 
==Gallery==
 
<Gallery>
 
<Gallery>
 
Image:UniChurchOxford20040124CopyrightKaihsuTai.jpg|University Church of St Mary the Virgin
 
Image:UniChurchOxford20040124CopyrightKaihsuTai.jpg|University Church of St Mary the Virgin
−
Image:Worc College - MKung Personal.jpg|Worcester College, Backs of medieval cottages
+
Image:Sheldonian Theatre Oxford.jpg|The Sheldonian Theatre, built by Sir Christopher Wren between 1664-1668, hosts the University's Congregation, as well as concerts and degree ceremonies
−
Image:Sheldonian Theatre Oxford.jpg|The [[Sheldonian Theatre]], built by [[Sir Christopher Wren]] between 1664-1668, hosts the University's [[Congregation (university)|Congregation]], as well as concerts and degree ceremonies
+
Image:Oxf-uni-mus-nh.jpg|Oxford University Museum of Natural History
−
Image:Oxf-uni-mus-nh.jpg|thumb||Oxford University Museum of Natural History
+
Image:Tom Quad, Christ Church 2004-01-21.jpg|Tom Quad, Christ Church in the snow.
−
Image:Tom Quad, Christ Church 2004-01-21.jpg|[[Tom Quad]], [[Christ Church]] in the snow.
+
Image:Dphil gown.jpg|Oxford University D.Phil. graduate in Full Academic Dress
−
Image:Dphil gown.jpg|[[Oxford University]] [[DPhil]] graduate in Full Academic Dress
+
Image:Oxford Matriculation 2003.jpg|Students entering the Sheldonian Theatre for their matriculation ceremony at the University of Oxford
−
Image:Oxford Matriculation 2003.jpg|Students entering the Sheldonian theatre for their matriculation ceremony at the University of Oxford
 
 
Image:The Queens' College Oxford, quad.jpg|The Queen's College, Oxford, quad.
 
Image:The Queens' College Oxford, quad.jpg|The Queen's College, Oxford, quad.
 
</Gallery>
 
</Gallery>
−
 
−
==Notes==
 
−
<references/>
 
−
 
−
==References==
 
−
*Shaw, G.W. (1995) ''Academical Dress of British and Irish Universities'', Chichester: Philmore & Co. Ltd, ISBN 0-85033-974-X
 
−
*Venables, D.R. and Clifford, R.E. (1998) ''Academic Dress of the University of Oxford'', Oxford: Oxford University Press, ISBN 0-9521630-0-4
 
−
*Kerr, Alex (ed.) (2005) ''The Burgon Society Annual 2004'', The Burgon Society. ISBN 0-9544110-6-4
 
−
 
−
 
−
*Annan, Noel, ''The Dons: Mentors, Eccentrics and Geniuses'' [[HarperCollins]] (London, 1999)
 
−
*Batson, Judy G., ''Oxford in Fiction'', Garland (New York, 1989).
 
−
*Betjeman, John, ''An Oxford University Chest'', Miles (London, 1938).
 
−
*Brooke, Christopher and Roger Highfield, ''Oxford and Cambridge'', [[Cambridge University Press]] (Cambridge, 1988).
 
−
*Casson, Hugh, ''Hugh Casson's Oxford'', Phaidon (London, 1988).
 
−
*Catto, Jeremy (ed.), ''The History of the University of Oxford'', Oxford University Press (Oxford, 1994).
 
−
*De-la-Noy, Michael, ''Exploring Oxford'', Headline (London, 1991).
 
−
*Dougill, John, ''Oxford in English Literature'', [[University of Michigan]] Press (Ann Arbor, 1998).
 
−
*Feiler, Bruce, ''Looking for Class: Days and Nights at Oxford and Cambridge'', Perennial (New York, 2004).
 
−
*Fraser, Antonia (ed.), ''Oxford and Oxfordshire in Verse'', Penguin (London, 1983).
 
−
*Kenny, Anthony & Kenny, Robert, ''Can Oxford be Improved?'', Imprint Academic (Exeter, 2007)
 
−
*Knight, William (ed.), ''The Glamour of Oxford'', Blackwell (New York, 1911).
 
−
*Pursglove, Glyn and Alistair Ricketts (eds.), ''Oxford in Verse'', Perpetua (Oxford, 1999).
 
−
*Hibbert, Christopher, ''The Encyclopaedia of Oxford'', Macmillan (Basingstoke, 1988).
 
−
*Horan, David, ''Cities of the Imagination: Oxford'', Signal (Oxford, 2002).
 
−
*Miles, Jebb, ''The Colleges of Oxford'', Constable (London, 1992).
 
−
*Morris, Jan, ''Oxford'', Faber and Faber/OUP (London, 1965/2001).
 
−
*Morris, Jan, ''The Oxford Book of Oxford'', Oxford Univ. Press (Oxford, 2002).
 
−
*Pursglove, G. and A. Ricketts (eds.), ''Oxford in Verse'', Perpetua (Oxford, 1999).
 
−
*Seccombe, Thomas and H. Scott (eds.), ''In Praise of Oxford'' (2 vols.), Constable (London, 1912).
 
−
*Snow, Peter, ''Oxford Observed'', [[John Murray (publisher)|John Murray]] (London, 1991).
 
−
*Tames, Richard, ''A Traveller's History of Oxford'', Interlink (New York, 2002).
 
−
*Thomas, Edward, ''Oxford'', Black (London, 1902).
 
−
*Tyack, Geoffrey, ''Blue Guide: Oxford and Cambridge'', Black (New York, 2004).
 
−
*Tyack, Geoffrey, ''Oxford: An Architectural Guide'', Oxford Univ. Press (Oxford, 1998).
 
−
 
−
 
−
==Affiliations==
 
−
University of Oxford is an Educational Alliance Partner of the [[Meade 4M Community]] who supports the university's Project Jetwatch program.
 
  
 
==External links==
 
==External links==
 +
All links retrieved May 3, 2023.
  
 
*[http://www.ox.ac.uk/ University of Oxford website]
 
*[http://www.ox.ac.uk/ University of Oxford website]
−
 
−
* [http://www.admin.ox.ac.uk/statutes/regulations/48-012.shtml Oxford University Academic Dress Regulations].
 
−
* [http://www.shepherdandwoodward.co.uk/acatalog/ Shepherd and Woodward]—''a shop in Oxford selling academic dress—contains pictures of various gowns.
 
−
 
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{{Credits|University_of_Oxford|162430429|Academic_dress_of_the_University_of_Oxford|159446611}}
 
{{Credits|University_of_Oxford|162430429|Academic_dress_of_the_University_of_Oxford|159446611}}

Latest revision as of 13:07, 3 May 2023


University of Oxford
OUCOAcolourCopyrightKaihsuTai.png
Latin: Universitas Oxoniensis (Arms)
Motto Dominus Illuminatio Mea
"The Lord is my Light"
Established Unknown, teaching existed since 1096[1]
Type Public
Location Oxford, England
Website http://www.ox.ac.uk/

The University of Oxford (usually abbreviated as Oxon. for post-nominals), located in the city of Oxford, England, is the oldest university in the English-speaking world. It is also regarded as one of the world's leading academic institutions. The University has 38 independent colleges, and six permanent private halls.

The university traces its roots back to at least the end of the eleventh century, although the exact date of foundation remains unclear. After a dispute between students and townsfolk broke out in 1209, some of the academics at Oxford fled north-east to the town of Cambridge, where the University of Cambridge was founded. The two universities, often jointly referred to by the portmanteau term "Oxbridge," have had a long history of academic and athletic rivalry although there are also many links and much cooperation. Their similarities in having a collegiate structure and a tutorial system has set them apart from other educational institutions. Both provide an intensity, depth and breadth of education suitable for people who go on to reach the top of their professions. In this way, they serve society by providing outstanding leadership. Admissions are based almost exclusively on academic achievement and intellectual promise as the university aims to educate the students who can best benefit from an intensive education. Spiritual, moral, cultural and social education is also an important dimension of the Oxbridge experience which is why students have to be resident in a college for all or most of the term. For many centuries the colleges, and hence the university, were all male institutions. This has changed first with the founding of women's colleges and later by making other colleges mixed. Now there are approximately an equal number of men and women. About half the student body come from independent schools and half from state schools.

The University of Oxford is a member of the Russell Group of research-led British universities, the Coimbra Group (a network of leading European universities), the League of European Research Universities, and is also a core member of the Europaeum. Academically, Oxford is consistently ranked in the world's top ten universities.[2] For more than a century, it has served as the home of the prestigious Rhodes Scholarship, which brings highly accomplished students from a number of countries to study at Oxford as postgraduates; these students often return to their home countries to pursue leadership positions in academia, business, or politics.

Mission and reputation

Oxford has no definitive mission statement per se, but the Chancellor of the college reminds visitors that, "Oxford was the first University in the English-speaking world. Our aim is to remain at the forefront of centers of learning, teaching, and research."[3]

The school is dedicated to maintaining its long standing tradition of excellence, through its unique methods of tutorial and supervision style education.[3] Oxford's reputation is, in fact, long and prestigious; it is often cited by educational sources as one of the top schools, both within England, and the world at large. The Times Good University Guide has named Oxford the best university in the UK since 2003.[4] In 2006, Oxford was rated 3rd (after Harvard and Cambridge) in the THES—QS World University Rankings.[5] In the Academic Ranking of World Universities, Oxford achieved 9th place in 2003, 8th in 2004, and 10th in 2005, 2006, and 2007.[6]

However, such a reputation does have its downside. For much of its history, the University of Oxford remained the preserve of a social elite. Though the university strove to change this in recent years, Oxford's admissions policy has continued to attract considerable public controversy. Though the University puts enormous efforts into attracting working-class students, Oxbridge entrance remains a central focus for many private and selective-state schools, and the under-representation of comprehensive school pupils remains a point of controversy.[7]

History

The town of Oxford was already an important center of learning by the end of the twelfth century. Teachers from mainland Europe and other scholars settled there, and lectures are known to have been delivered by as early as 1096. The expulsion of foreigners from the University of Paris in 1167, caused many English scholars to return from France and settle in Oxford. The historian Gerald of Wales lectured to the scholars in 1188, and the first foreign scholar, Emo of Friesland, arrived in 1190. The head of the University was named a chancellor from 1201, and the masters were recognized as a universitas, or corporation, in 1231. The students associated together, on the basis of geographical origins, into two “nations,” representing the North (including the Scots) and the South (including the Irish and the Welsh). In later centuries, geographical origins continued to influence many students' affiliations when membership of a college or hall became customary in Oxford. Members of many religious orders, including Dominicans, Franciscans, Carmelites, and Augustinians, settled in Oxford in the mid-thirteenth century, gained influence, and maintained houses for students. At about the same time, private benefactors established colleges to serve as self-contained scholarly communities. Among the earliest were John de Balliol, father of the future King of Scots; Balliol College bears his name.[8]

Another founder, Walter de Merton, a chancellor of England and afterwards Bishop of Rochester, devised a series of regulations for college life; Merton College thereby became the model for such establishments at Oxford as well as at the University of Cambridge. Thereafter, an increasing number of students forsook living in halls and religious houses in favor of living at colleges.

The new learning of the Renaissance greatly influenced Oxford from the late fifteenth century onward. Among university scholars of the period were William Grocyn, who contributed to the revival of the Greek language, and John Colet, the noted biblical scholar. With the Reformation and the breaking of ties with the Roman Catholic Church, the method of teaching at the university was transformed from the medieval Scholastic method to Renaissance education, although institutions associated with the university suffered loss of land and revenues. In 1636, Chancellor William Laud, archbishop of Canterbury, codified the university statutes; these to a large extent remained the university's governing regulations until the mid-nineteenth century. Laud was also responsible for the granting of a charter securing privileges for the university press, and he made significant contributions to the Bodleian Library, the main library of the university.

A map of Oxford, 1605.

The university was a center of the Royalist Party during the English Civil War (1642–1649), while the town favored the opposing Parliamentarian cause. Soldier-statesman Oliver Cromwell, chancellor of the university from 1650 to 1657, was responsible for preventing both Oxford and Cambridge from being closed down by the Puritans, who viewed university education as dangerous to religious beliefs. From the mid-eighteenth century onward, however, the University of Oxford took little part in political conflicts.

Administrative reforms during the nineteenth century included the replacement of oral examinations with written entrance tests, greater tolerance for religious dissent, and the establishment of four colleges for women. Women have been eligible to be full members of the university and have been entitled to take degrees since 1920. Although Oxford's emphasis traditionally had been on classical knowledge, its curriculum expanded in the course of the nineteenth century and now attaches equal importance to scientific and medical studies.

The list of distinguished scholars at the University of Oxford is long and includes many who have made major contributions to British politics, the sciences, medicine, and literature. More than forty Nobel laureates and more than fifty world leaders have been affiliated with the University of Oxford. Since its foundation in 1823, the Oxford Union, a private club devoted to formal debating and other social activities, has numbered among its members many of Britain's most noted political leaders.

Facilities

The Radcliffe Camera, built 1737-1749, holds books from the Bodleian Library's English and History collections.

Libraries

Oxford’s central research library is the Bodleian, founded in 1598 by Sir Thomas Bodley. With over 8 million volumes housed on 117 miles of shelving, it is the second-largest library in the UK, after the British Library. It is a legal deposit library, which means that it is entitled to request a free copy of every book published in the UK. As such, its collection grows at a rate of over three miles of shelving every year.[9] Its main central site is comprised of the Radcliffe Camera, the Old Schools Quadrangle, the Clarendon Building, and the New Bodleian Building. A tunnel underneath Broad St connects the buildings. There are plans to build a new book depository in Osney Mead, and to remodel the New Bodleian building to better showcase the library’s various treasures (which include a Shakespeare First Folio and a Gutenberg Bible) as well as temporary exhibitions.[9] Several other libraries, such as the Radcliffe Science Library and the Oriental Institute Library also fall within the Bodleian Group’s remit.

As well as the Bodleian, there are a number of other specialized libraries in Oxford, such as the Sackler Library which holds classical collections. In addition, most academic departments maintain their own library, as do all colleges. The University’s entire collection is cataloged by the Oxford Libraries Information System, though with such a huge collection, this is an ongoing task. Oxford University Library Services, the head of which is Bodley’s Librarian, is the governing administrative body responsible for libraries in Oxford. The Bodleian is currently engaged in a mass-digitization project with Google.[10]

Pitt Rivers Museum interior

Museums

Oxford maintains a number of museums and galleries, in addition to its libraries. The Ashmolean Museum, founded in 1683, is the oldest museum in the UK, and the oldest university museum in the world.[11] It holds significant collections of art and archaeology, including works by Michaelangelo, da Vinci, Turner, and Picasso, as well as treasures such as the Parian Marble and the Alfred Jewel. The Ashmolean is currently undertaking a £60m redevelopment,[12] which will double the display space as well as provide new facilities.

The Museum of Natural History holds the University’s anatomical and natural history specimens. It is housed in a large neo-Gothic building in the University’s Science Area. Among its collection are the skeletons of a Tyrannosaurus rex and triceratops, and the most complete remains of a dodo found anywhere in the world. It also hosts the Simonyi Professorship of the Public Understanding of Science.

Autumn in the Walled Garden of the Botanic Garden

Adjoining the Museum of Natural History is the Pitt Rivers Museum, founded in 1884, which displays the University’s archaeological and anthropological collections, currently holding over 500,000 items. It recently built a new research annexe; its staff have been involved with the teaching of anthropology at Oxford since its foundation, when as part of his donation General Augustus Pitt Rivers stipulated that the University establish a lectureship in anthropology.

The Museum of the History of Science is housed on Broad St in the world’s oldest-surviving purpose-built museum building.[13] It contains 15,000 artifacts, from antiquity to the twentieth century, representing almost all aspects of the history of science. In the Faculty of Music on St Aldate’s is the Bate Collection of Musical Instruments, a collection mostly comprising of instruments from Western classical music, from the medieval period onwards. The Botanic Garden is the oldest botanic garden in the UK, and the third-oldest scientific garden in the world. It contains representatives from over 90 percent of the world’s higher plant families. Christ Church Picture Gallery holds a collection of over 200 old master paintings.

Buildings and parks

In addition to the museums and library, the University of Oxford is also compromised of several historical buildings and locations:

Programs

Central governance

St Catherine's College, founded in 1962, is the youngest undergraduate college

The university's formal head is the Chancellor (currently Lord Patten), though as with most British universities, the Chancellor is a titular figure, rather than someone involved with the day-to-day running of the university. Elected by the members of Convocation, a body comprising all graduates of the university, the Chancellor holds office until death.

The Vice-Chancellor is the de facto head of the University. Five Pro-Vice-Chancellors have specific responsibilities for Education; Research; Planning and Resources; Development and External Affairs; and Personnel and Equal Opportunities. The University Council is the executive policy-forming body, which consists of the Vice-Chancellor as well as heads of departments and other members elected by Congregation, in addition to observers from the Student Union. Congregation, the "parliament of the dons," comprises over 3,700 members of the University’s academic and administrative staff, and has ultimate responsibility for legislative matters: It discusses and pronounces on policies proposed by the University Council. Oxford and Cambridge (which is similarly structured) are unique for this democratic form of governance.

Two university proctors, who are elected annually on a rotating basis from two of the colleges, supervise undergraduate discipline. The collection of University Professors is called the Statutory Professors of the University of Oxford. They are particularly influential in the running of the graduate programs within the University. Examples of Statutory Professors include the Chichele Professorships, the Drummond Professor of Political Economy, and so forth. The various academic faculties, departments, and institutes are organized into four divisions, each with their own Head and elected board. They are the Humanities Division; the Social Sciences Division; the Mathematical, Physical and Life Sciences Division; and the Medical Sciences Division.

Teaching and degrees

Undergraduate teaching is centered upon the tutorial, where one to three students spend an hour with a teacher discussing their week’s work, usually an essay (arts) or problem sheet (sciences). Students usually have around two tutorials a week. These tutorials are complemented by lectures, classes, and seminars, which are organized on a departmental basis. Graduate students undertaking taught degrees are usually instructed through classes and seminars, though naturally there is more focus upon individual research.

The university itself is responsible for conducting examinations and conferring degrees. The passing of two sets of examinations is a prerequisite for a first degree. The first set of examinations, called either Honor Moderations ("Mods" and "Honor Mods") or Preliminary Examinations ("Prelims"), are usually held at the end of the first year (or after five terms in the case of Classics). The second set of examinations, the Final Honor School ("Finals"), is held at the end of the undergraduate course. Successful candidates receive first, second, or third-class honors based on their performance in Finals. Research degrees at the master's and doctoral level are conferred in all subjects studied at graduate level at the university.

Colleges

Magdalen College on May Morning, 2007.

There are 39 colleges of the University of Oxford and seven Permanent Private Halls, each with its own internal structure and activities. Colleges have responsibility for admitting undergraduates and organizing their tuition; for graduates, this responsibility falls upon the departments. All students and many of the academics are attached to colleges, where they live, eat and socialise. It is also the place where students receive one on one teaching sessions, known as tutorials. Each college appoints its own teaching staff and fellows in each subject; decides which students to admit, in accordance with University regulations and is responsible for the domestic arrangements and welfare of its own undergraduates, graduates, post-doctoral researchers, and staff in general. Colleges admit students to study a wide variety of subjects. This is deliberate as it means that students to meet, talk to and make friends with people from different disciplines thus broadening their education. A graduate remains a member of his or her college for life.

The heads of Oxford colleges are known by various titles, according to the college, including warden, provost, principal, president, rector, or master. The colleges join together as the Conference of Colleges to discuss policy and to deal with the central University administration. Teaching members of the colleges (fellows and tutors) are collectively and familiarly known as dons (though the term is rarely used by members of the university itself).

Many University of Oxford colleges host overseas students (primarily from American universities) enrolled in study abroad programs during the summer months.

Oxford University Department for Continuing Education caters mainly for mature and part-time students.

Student life

Exhausted crews just after the finish of the 2002 Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race.

Beyond the prestige involved with attending the University of Oxford, students are able to enjoy a host of activities. There various clubs and societies are listed below:

Traditions

Students in subfusc outside Examination Schools. Note variety of gowns such as the Commoners' gown and the Graduate Student gown.

The University of Oxford has a long tradition of academic dress, and a visitor to Oxford during term will see academic dress worn on a regular basis.

Clerical-type gowns

  • Scholar's gown
  • BA gown
  • MA gown
  • Doctors' full dress gown
  • Doctors' convocation habit
  • Proctors' dress gown

The clerical-type gown has no collar, but instead has the voluminous material of its back and sleeves gathered into a yoke. All of the above have open bell-shaped sleeves, with the exception of the MA gown and the Doctors' convocation habit. The MA gown has long closed sleeves with arm slits just above the elbow and a crescent-shaped cut at the foot of the sleeve, forming two forward-facing points. The Doctors' convocation habit is sleeveless.[14]

Lay-type gowns

  • Commoners' gown
  • Graduate students' gown
  • Higher faculties bachelors' and masters' laced gown
  • Doctors' undress laced gown
  • Chancellor's gold laced gown

The lay-type gown derives from a garment fashionable in Elizabethan times. It is less voluminous than the clerical-type gown, and has a flap collar and long closed sleeves with arm slits just above the elbow, except for the Commoners' gown, which is sleeveless.

Gowns of the same basic shape are worn by solicitors, Queen's Counsel, court ushers, the Speaker of the House of Commons, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, and the Lord Chancellor.

Hoods

MA hoods seen from rear.

Hoods in Oxford are of three shapes. Doctors (except Doctors of Clinical Psychology) and Bachelors of Divinity wear hoods in the Oxford full shape, scarlet in the case of doctors and black in the case of Bachelors of Divinity. All other hoods can be either in the Burgon shape or the Oxford simple shape, though some are traditionally made in one shape or the other.

Generally, hoods are worn by graduates whenever subfusc is worn, but sometimes they are worn with an ordinary tie, such as by a lecturer at a public lecture.

Academic caps

Men wear a mortarboard (also known as a square or trencher cap), which is not worn indoors, except by the Chancellor, Vice-Chancellor, and Proctors. When meeting the Vice-Chancellor, Proctors, or other senior official of the university in the street, it is traditional for a man to touch or raise his cap. In practice, few people now wear their caps, and instead carry their caps on occasions where caps are required.

Women may choose between the mortarboard or the soft cap. The soft cap is not removed indoors, although the mortarboard may now be removed or left on indoors at the wearer's discretion.

Doctors in the lay faculties (those except Divinity and Philosophy) wear Tudor bonnets, which are round and made of velvet.

Subfusc

Subfusc comes from the Latin for "of a dark/dusky color," and refers to the clothes worn with full academic dress in Oxford. Generally, this means, for men:

  • Dark suit
  • Black socks and shoes
  • White shirt and collar
  • White bow tie

For women:

  • White blouse
  • Black tie
  • Black skirt or trousers
  • Black stockings or tights
  • Black shoes
  • Dark coat (if desired)

In addition, doctors in the higher faculties and senior university officials wear bands, such as those worn with legal court dress.

Members of Her Majesty's Forces may wear their service uniform with gown and hood (for graduates) in place of subfusc. On occasion, uniform swords may be worn. Persons in Holy Orders may wear clerical dress instead of subfusc.

Subfusc is worn at university matriculation, at university examinations and degree ceremonies and at Encaenia. During exams, candidates often also wear a carnation in their buttonholes: White for the first exam, pink thereafter, and red for the final exam of the run. Although this system has differed over time, this is the one currently advised by the University and its Colleges.

Formal Hall

Formal Hall or Formal Meal is the traditional meal held at some of the older universities in the United Kingdom at which students dress in formal attire and often gowns to dine. The nature of Formals varies widely between the colleges and halls that hold them. In some colleges, Formals may be held every night, and are simply a second sitting of hall at which gowns are worn and grace is read. In other colleges, Formals may be special events to which guests from outside the college are invited.

The wearing of gowns at formals is compulsory at some colleges and various other traditions are usually observed, including grace said in Latin or English. The wearing of gowns may sometimes constitute the only dress code; in other cases, formal wear (for example, a lounge suit for men or equivalent for women) is required in addition to, or instead of, the gown.

Almost all Oxford formal halls include a High Table, exclusively for the Senior Common Room of the college and their guests, with students eating at the lower tables. The high table is often raised above the floor level of the hall. A few of the more modern colleges, for example Linacre College and Wolfson College, have discontinued (or never had) this practice, in order to promote equality between fellows and students.

There may be one or more after dinner speakers at the end of the dinner or even between courses if it is a special occasion.

Notable alumni

There are many famous Oxonians, as alumni of the University are known:

Oxford has had a role in educating four British and at least eight foreign kings, 56 Nobel prize-winners, three Fields medallists, three Oscar winners, 25 British Prime Ministers, 28 foreign presidents and prime ministers, seven saints, 86 archbishops, 18 cardinals, and one pope. Eight of the last 12 British Prime Ministers have been Oxford graduates. All four Prime Ministers of the United Kingdom who served between 1880 and 1905—Gladstone, Lord Salisbury, Lord Rosebery, and Balfour—were educated at Eton and then at Christ Church.

T. E. Lawrence was both a student and a don at Oxford, while other illustrious members have ranged from the explorer, courtier, and man of letters Sir Walter Raleigh to the media magnate Rupert Murdoch. The founder of Methodism, John Wesley, studied at Christ Church and was elected a fellow of Lincoln College. The Burmese Democracy Activist and Nobel Laureate Aung San Suu Kyi was a student of St Hugh's College, Oxford.

Amongst the long list of writers associated with Oxford are Evelyn Waugh, Lewis Carroll, Aldous Huxley, Oscar Wilde, C. S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien, Graham Greene, Phillip Pullman, Vikram Seth, and Plum Sykes, the poets Percy Bysshe Shelley, John Donne, A. E. Housman, W. H. Auden, and Philip Larkin, and Poets Laureate Thomas Warton, Henry James Pye, Robert Southey, Robert Bridges, Cecil Day-Lewis, Sir John Betjeman, and Andrew Motion.

Scientists include Stephen Hawking, Richard Dawkins, and Nobel prize-winner Anthony James Leggett, and Tim Berners-Lee, co-inventor of the World Wide Web.

Actors Hugh Grant, Kate Beckinsale, Dudley Moore, Michael Palin, and Terry Jones were undergraduates at the University, as were Oscar winner Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck and filmmaker Ken Loach.

Notes

  1. ↑ Oxford University, A Brief History of the University. Retrieved June 5, 2007.
  2. ↑ Institute of Higher Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University (2007), Academic Ranking of World Universities 2007. Retrieved October 23, 2007
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 The University of Oxford (2007), Welcome from the Chancellor. Retrieved October 22, 2007.
  4. ↑ The Guardian, Education Guardian 2005. Retrieved July 31, 2006.
  5. ↑ Topuniversities.com (2006), THES—QS World University Rankings.
  6. ↑ Institute of Higher Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University (2005), Academic Ranking of World Universities 2007. Retrieved October 23, 2007.
  7. ↑ Telegraph.co.uk (2006), Should Oxford discriminate in favor of state school students? Retrieved October 23, 2007.
  8. ↑ Richard Tames, A Traveler's History of Oxford (New York: Interlink, 2002, ISBN 1566564670).
  9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 Oxford University Gazzette (2005), A University Library for the Twenty-first Century. Retrieved October 23, 2007.
  10. ↑ Bodleian Library (2006), Oxford-Google Digitization Programme.
  11. ↑ University of Oxford—Ashmolean Museum (2005), About the Museum: History & Future. Retrieved October 22, 2007.
  12. ↑ University of Oxford—Ashmolean Museum (2005), Transforming the Ashmolean. Retrieved October 23, 2007.
  13. ↑ Museum of the History of Science, Oxford (2006), Overview. Retrieved October 23, 2007.
  14. ↑ G.W. Shaw, Academical Dress of British and Irish Universities (Chichester: Philmore & Co. Ltd, 1995, ISBN 085033974X).

References
ISBN links support NWE through referral fees

  • Brooke, Christopher, and Roger Highfield. Oxford and Cambridge. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1988. ISBN 0521301394.
  • Catto, Jeremy (ed.). The History of the University of Oxford. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1993. ISBN 978-0199510122.
  • De-la-Noy, Michael. Exploring Oxford. London: Trafalgar Square, 1992. ISBN 978-0747203865.
  • Feiler, Bruce. Looking for Class: Days and Nights at Oxford and Cambridge. New York: Perennial, 2004. ISBN 006052703X.
  • Hibbert, Christopher. The Encyclopaedia of Oxford. Papermac, 1992. ISBN 978-0333486146.
  • Kerr, Alex (ed.). The Burgon Society Annual 2004. The Burgon Society, 2005. ISBN 0954411064.
  • Miles, Jebb. The Colleges of Oxford. London: Constable, 1992. ISBN 978-0094691803.
  • Morris, Jan. The Oxford Book of Oxford. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2002. ISBN 0192804073.
  • Seccombe, Thomas, and H. Scott (eds.). In Praise of Oxford. London: Constable, 1912.
  • Shaw, G.W. Academical Dress of British and Irish Universities. Chichester: Philmore & Co. Ltd, 1995. ISBN 085033974X.
  • Snow, Peter. Oxford Observed. London: John Murray, 1992. ISBN 978-0719547072.
  • Tames, Richard. A Traveler's History of Oxford. New York: Interlink, 2002. ISBN 1566564670.
  • Venables, D.R., and R.E. Clifford. Academic Dress of the University of Oxford. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1998. ISBN 0952163004.

Gallery

  • University Church of St Mary the Virgin

  • The Sheldonian Theatre, built by Sir Christopher Wren between 1664-1668, hosts the University's Congregation, as well as concerts and degree ceremonies

  • Oxford University Museum of Natural History

  • Tom Quad, Christ Church in the snow.

  • Oxford University D.Phil. graduate in Full Academic Dress

  • Students entering the Sheldonian Theatre for their matriculation ceremony at the University of Oxford

  • The Queen's College, Oxford, quad.

External links

All links retrieved May 3, 2023.


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