THE TUTORIAL SYSTEM
The teaching is Oxford is based on the Tutorial System. It
consists of eight weekly tutorials for a Major Tutorial, and
four tutorials fortnightly (every other week) for a Minor
Tutorial. At the start of the term in ‘0’th week you will have
an Introductory Meeting with each of your two tutors.
During this meeting the whole term’s work will be discussed
and a syllabus will be set with an essay topic for each
tutorial, and an extensive reading list. The tutorials are
one-to-one, and last an hour, during which you will read
aloud your essay, which is then commented on by your tutor
and followed by a discussion arising from your essay and
the reading you have done. These tutorials are demanding
but extremely rewarding as you are able to study topics in
depth. By the end of each term you will have written twelve
essays.
The tutorial system works well because of the individual
attention your tutor devotes to you. The tutors are
approachable and eager to help you. They understand that
you will be new to Oxford and new to the system. The
tutors want you to excel, and they enjoy sharing their love
of their particular subject with you.
When you choose your tutorial topics you need to make sure
you cover your degree requirements; but do try to choose
subjects that enhance your stay in the UK. Studying various
periods of history can also involve visits to historic sites;
studying English Literature may involve additional visits to
the theatre, and the locations from which an author came.
Art History may include visits to Art Galleries around the
country but especially London; Music History may involve
visits to concerts and recitals. These are examples of how
you may enrich your tutorial experience. It is important to
bear this in mind when choosing your subjects.
