Lectures

Lectures

Most subject-matters are taught at Oxford through a combination of lectures and tutorials. Lectures are technically optional, but generally, attending them is well worth your while, and absolutely indispensable in some areas, especially in mathematical and natural sciences. Lectures for many “papers” are given only one term each year. You could, for example, take a tutorial in the Politics of the Middle East during Hilary Term but have lectures in Michaelmas Term. Chances are that your regular tutor will not be giving your lectures. Oxford has very many tutors, but lectures are generally given by professors—an exalted title at Oxford. The lecturer is usually one of Oxford’s, and thus the world’s, most experienced scholars on the topic in question.

Ask your tutor at the beginning of the term if there are lectures that correspond with your tutorials. Be sure to check the lecture lists, which can be found online on Canvas, (many faculties have now opted out of the printed lecture lists). (Beware: much like the Oxford course catalogue, this can be confusing – consult the Faculty Director for a translation). 

You are entitled to attend all University lectures intended for undergraduates, so feel free to attend any which catch your interest, but always have your University ID Card with you in case you are asked to show identification. In addition to attending any lectures recommended by your tutor, you can sometimes find lectures by leading scholars in their fields. This is a unique benefit of being at Oxford. Skim the lecture lists to see if there are any names you recognize, and then impress your professors back at Williams by saying that you went to lectures by the person who wrote your textbook.

Many lectures are recorded and posted online. If you’re interested in something but don’t have time to make the haul to the Social Sciences library, take a look at the course Canvas page.