La Salle University
Program/University Overview:
The Centre for Medieval & Renaissance Studies was founded in 1975 by Dr John Feneley to achieve two purposes: to establish in Oxford a permanent institute for the interdisciplinary study of the Middle Ages and Renaissance, and to provide an academic training for overseas students who wish to complete part of their education in Oxford but are not matriculated members of the University.
The emphasis at CMRS is on scholarship. The academic programme is carefully devised so that students can receive either specialized training in Medieval and Renaissance Studies or a more general course of studies in the Liberal Arts. Teaching at CMRS is provided by one-to-one tutorials, by small seminar classes, and by lecture courses. The Oxford tutorial system ensures the closest possible cooperation between teachers and pupils.
The overall aim of CMRS is to provide each student with a rigorous training in particular disciplines within the context of a broad and well-balanced academic, cultural, and social life. Certain qualities are necessary if a student is to obtain maximum benefit from an education here: an enquiring mind, a critical approach to facts and, above all, a capacity for creative as well as analytical thought.
Website of Program/University:
www.cmrs.org.uk
Unique Aspects of Program:
Ten weeks of each semester coincide with the University’s Michaelmas or Hilary Terms, and the CMRS programme of tutorials and seminars is planned to take full advantage of Oxford’s academic and cultural life. The remaining four weeks are devoted to the intensive lectures and field trips of an integral course, which provides a framework for the more detailed work of the tutorials and seminars. During a semester a student takes four courses in all for a total of 16 semester credits (4 SMC courses): two tutorial courses, one seminar course, and the Integral Course.
The teaching of the Integral Course is designed for students to obtain from its lectures, Colloquium and field trips a comprehensive overview of the Middle Ages, or Renaissance and early modern period; a first-hand knowledge of seminal writers of each period; and a deeper understanding of the relationship between faith and learning. The seminars focus on the development of presentational and other scholarly skills and the writing of a research paper; and the tutorials develop skills in reading, critical analysis and essay writing.
Country and/or City Information:
The city offers a wealth of cultural activities in drama, music and applied arts. There are several world-famous museums and art galleries, such as the Pitt Rivers and Ashmolean, and two good theatres, the Playhouse and the New Theatre. Oxford also offers all the facilities of a modern city with a good shopping centre, restaurants and sports facilities. St Michael’s Hall and the adjacent St Peter’s College are situated in the very heart of the city.
Oxford is well-situated as a centre for rail and coach travel to all parts of the United Kingdom. Evening visits to the theatre at Stratford-upon-Avon and London are quite feasible, departing in the late afternoon and returning by midnight.
Admission Requirements:
3.5 GPA, will consider those above a 3.0 GPA. Open to students who are juniors or seniors.
Courses Offered:
Tutorial Courses: Art History, Studio Art, History, History of Science, Languages, Literature, Music, Philosophy, Political Thought, Religious Studies, Women’s Studies
Integral Course:
The Making of Europe 1000 – 1400
Seminar Courses:
Art History, History, Literature, Philosophy, Political Thought, Religious Studies, Interdisciplinary
Housing:
Room: Shared rooms in St Michael’s Hall. Students are provided with a bed, bed linen, pillows, duvet, wardrobe, chest, desk or table, desk lamp and chair. They must supply their own towels, toiletries, and any other furnishings.
Board: CMRS students may eat at St Peter’s College throughout the semester and the Breakfast, lunch and dinner (brunch on Sundays) are served in the College’s Hall
Kitchen: There is a fitted kitchen and dining room in St Michael’s Hall where CMRS students may prepare their own meals. It is equipped with standard and microwave ovens, ceramic hobs, and refrigerators.
Cost:
If you are a student at one of the US Lasallian universities or colleges, you will remain enrolled at your school and pay tuition and program fees there. Tuition is based on your campus tuition rates and may include an additional surcharge depending on the program. Contact the person on your campus responsible for study abroad.
Scholarship Information: N/A
Academic Calendar:
Fall semester – September through December
Spring semester – January through May
Application Deadlines:
Fall semester – March 1
Spring semester – October 1
Application Details:
Must complete SMC online application and a Center for Medieval and Renaissance Studies (CMRS) application.For instructions on how to apply with CMRS, please go to:
- For instructions on how to apply with CMRS, please go to:
http://www.cmrs.org.uk/admissions_general.asp
Please be sure to include a printed copy of all your application pieces in the packet to be sent to Saint Mary’s College of California.
For more information, please visit La Sallian International Programs Consortium.