Academics » Oxford Program
Summer Program in Oxford a Success
Students and faculty declared the first Summer Program in Oxford a success! Entitled, “The Philosophical Foundations of the Social Sciences”, the month-long program enabled a select number of students from IPS and other institutions to study with renowned faculty from the University of Oxford, University of St. Andrews, and Notre Dame University. Among the notable luminaries in the fields of psychology, philosophy and theology included Professor Daniel Robinson, Professor Roger Scruton, Professor John Finnis and Professor John Haldane. Students had the unique opportunity to work closely with the esteemed faculty through seminars, lectures, work groups and private mentoring while earning six hours of credit. Outside the classroom, students explored the local British sights and savored the many cultural offerings of this uniquely historical area.
Theresa Grimm, a graduate of St. Thomas Aquinas College, had this to say about her experience at Oxford last summer:
“For me, the IPS summer program in Oxford was a blessing even before it began. Applying and preparing really helped to keep my intellect alive, and reminded me how much I liked to study. The prospect of studying in Oxford was particularly exciting and I had confidence in the reputation of IPS. I had high hopes and I was not disappointed when I arrived.
The classes were excellent. Studying with Professors Robinson, Finnis, Haldane, and Scruton was a great experience. Under their guidance, I was challenged to think more deeply, and came to a greater appreciation of the importance of sound philosophical principles. Oxford – a university with an unrivaled history and aura – was the perfect location for such study. I greatly enjoyed walking its old streets, thinking and praying.
Furthermore, the group of students was a varied and interesting one, with a cheerful and friendly spirit. The conversations we had outside of class – in the pub, the ice cream shop, at the Scrutons’ farm, or the rainy streets of Oxford – added to the intellectual stimulation and fostered good friendships. The fact that many of us shared in daily mass together was a unifying principle, and unquestionably a source of grace for the whole group. Overall, the exposure to top notch professors, a strong spiritual life, the atmosphere of Oxford, and a great bunch of people made this a wonderful experience for me!”
For more information about the program, click here. The next Summer in Oxford is scheduled for 2009.