THE 23rd SEMINAR AT OXFORD

Life, Love, Politics and Power in the English Country Home

Oxford University, England

August 2010 (Specific Dates TBA)

 

 “It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a wife” (Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice)

 

Join University of Virginia and British faculty at Oxford University for lectures, special tours, and lively discussions focused on the English country home in the 19th and 20th century, the social and political history that it reflects, and the work of the writers and artists that immortalized it.

The English Country Home in this era became an arena where the tranquility and beauty of the countryside was juxtaposed against the struggles of the English aristocracy and those of their “downstairs” staff, as traditional lives and lifestyles were changing on all fronts.  The occupants of these homes were redefining gender roles, sexual mores, social status, and family and religious values.  England was changing, too, as empire reached its apex and then declined; urban sophistication and an industrial economy called; and England’s role in an increasingly threatening world was shaken to its foundations.  The country home played stage to all this upheaval just as it offered solace from it.  

 

The program is a lively mix of activities. While "up at Oxford," both faculty and participants live the scholar’s life, lodging, dining and studying "in college," enjoying interactive sessions and small group discussions.  We’ll also travel beyond the dreaming spires of Oxford, visiting beautiful country homes and meeting firsthand some of their inhabitants.     

 

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS:

 

• Examine country life and history through the lenses of books by and film adaptations of Jane Austen, Trollope, Hardy, Foster, James, Waugh, Coward, Forster, and more
• Visit traditional country homes in Oxfordshire and the Cotswalds
• Talk with members of the aristocracy today about their lives, traditions, and values
• Live in one of the oldest of Oxford colleges, enjoying the historic buildings, chapel, lawn, dining hall and gardens as your home for your week at Oxford
• Attend evensong at Christ Church.
• Explore the villages, shops and pubs of the region and experience English countrylife first hand.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND?

The University of Virginia Seminar at Oxford is perfect for anyone who enjoys travel and learning opportunities that provide intellectual stimulation in a welcoming and congenial environment.  Offering unsurpassed value, rich content, and a long history of exceptional participant satisfaction, this program will give you an insider’s view of life and culture of the English country home.  It is sure to tempt history, architecture and design enthusiasts, Anglophiles, bookworms, teachers, and more.

 

PROGRAM LOCATION

“And yet tonight, in the quiet of this room, I find that what really remains with me from this first day's travel is not Salisbury Cathedral, nor any of the other charming sights of this city, but rather that marvellous view encountered this morning of the rolling English countryside.”

(Kazuo Ishiguro, The Remains of the Day)

 

Oxford, home to England's oldest University and surrounded by the English countryside, is located on the north bank of the River Thames, fifty-six miles northwest of London.  Thames walks and cow pastures are steps away from the city center.

 

Frequent bus connections to Heathrow and Gatwick airports and extensive bus and train connections to London make it very easy to travel to and from Oxford.  In advance of the program you will receive extensive information about getting to and enjoying Oxford.

 

Participants often comment on how much they enjoy feeling like residents, not tourists, during their week in Oxford.

Please e-mail us if you would like to be added to our inquiry list and be among the first to receive the most up to date information on this program.