Oxford on Film

Oxford is famed for its writers, like Tolkien, Lewis and Carroll, in addition to canonic British mystery series, such as Endeavour, Lewis and Inspector Morse. While we explore its history of magic, fantasy and intrigue, we’ll also walk in the footsteps of contemporary filmmakers who use Oxford as their canvas. During class, we’ll welcome a British film director for a guest lecture and if we’re lucky, we may spot Philip Pullman at the local coffee shop. You’ll fulfill the Upper Division Writing Requirement, by taking Writing in Film Studies, while standing where Harry Potter first met Malfoy, walking along the same river Diana punted on in The Discovery of Witches, enjoying the view from the bridge on which Jamie defended his wife’s honor in Outlander and avoiding unwanted time travel at Stonehenge. 

In Search of Scotland

Scotland is a paradox. Independent or subjugated, practical or superstitious, forward thinking or forever mired in their own mythic past. This is a land where science and invention co-mingle with folk tales and myth. Great universities live alongside haunted graveyards, faerie mounds and sea monsters. In Search of Scotland will explore the complex, contradictory culture, history and life north of Hadrian’s Wall. Students will write reviews, travelogues, and feature articles, coming away with a deep understanding of Scotland, and vastly improved writing skills. Set primarily in Edinburgh, one of Europe’s most beautiful (and haunted) cities, In Search of Scotland provides intensive writing instruction coupled with field trips, ghost walks, and a three-day tour of the Highlands, including the Isle of Skye, Loch Ness and the haunted fields of Culloden.