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Oxbridge
Kenneth Alpern, Senior Tutor and Professor of Philosophy
Goals for Student Learning
The outcome of The Oxbridge Honors Program at William Jewell College is a widely read, articulate individual who can evaluate conflicting evidence, make a convincing case in writing, defend it orally, and who can synthesize and integrate material from a wide variety of sources.
More specifically, a student completing The Oxbridge Honors Program shall have the following attainments and abilities to a degree expressive of a strong honors program:
- knowledge of a major subject area,
- read with sophisticated understanding
- write with clarity of expression and coherence in organization, with excellent mechanics
- articulate thoughts clearly and coherently in oral discussion
- think critically, with sophistication in analysis and evaluation, making connections and drawing conclusions, informed by solid scholarship
- think independently
- take responsibility for his/her own learning
Thus, a student completing The Oxbridge Honors Program should be in position to exercise intellectual leadership over a lifetime of learning.
Consult the Oxbridge Handbook for specific major requirements.
Course Descriptions
Following the tutorial title, the number in the first set of parentheses indicates the credits that will be awarded following completion of the course. The number in the second set of parentheses indicates the total credits that are earned upon successful completion of comprehensive exams.
OXA 100 Introductory Seminar (4 cr. hrs.)
Tutor: Kenneth Alpern, Oxbridge Senior Tutor and Professor of Philosophy
An introduction to reading, interpretation, critical analysis, writing and discussion at the college honors level and in preparation for tutorial study. The subject matter may vary, but students will in all cases be engaged intensively, with significant critical analysis and writing. OXA 100 may substitute for CTI 102 in the College’s core curriculum. Prerequisite: acceptance into the Oxbridge Honors Program. Successful completion of the seminar is prerequisite to tutorial study.
OXA 450 Senior Revisions (1 or 2 cr. hrs.)
Independent reading by seniors in preparation for comprehensive exams–in Oxford or Cambridge terms, “revising” for examinations. The Coordinator of the Oxbridge major will approve the list of readings to be undertaken and will determine with the student what writing will be appropriate. Examples of writing assignments might include essays, annotated bibliographies, journals, or other assignments. Prerequisite: Good standing as a senior in an Oxbridge major.
Tutorial Credits
Full credit for a tutorial, including a tutorial taken in England in the major subject, is achieved only when the collection (special examination) paper or related comprehensive examination papers have been completed. As credit hours are shown for the tutorials listed below, the second number indicates the credits earned when tutorial work is completed through the collection or comprehensive examination; the first number indicates the credits earned by tutorial participation and syllabus activities alone. A student who for any reason, including transfer out of the college or withdrawal from the program, satisfactorily finishes syllabus assignments and participates in tutorial sessions but does not finish the work of the tutorial by satisfactory performance on the collection or examination will have earned the first number of credit hours shown. Prerequisite: A tutorial must be related to the comprehensive examination fields of a student’s Oxbridge major.
Tutorials in Literature and Theory
Mark Walters, Professor and Chair of English, Coordinator of the major
OXE 106: Introduction to Contemporary Critical Theory (4 cr. hrs.)
Tutor: Mark Walters, Professor and Chair of English
This course introduces students to contemporary critical theory—the critical perspectives and methodologies that inform current literary study. It is a co-requisite of the first OXE tutorial course taken by a student exploring or entering the Oxbridge Literature and Theory major. Prerequisites: successful completion of OXA 100, concurrent enrollment in an OXE tutorial course.
OXE 110 British Literature (2 cr. hrs.) (4)
Tutor: Sara Morrison, Assistant Professor of English
This tutorial examines significant works of English literature from medieval to modern periods through a range of critical approaches and within their historical and cultural contexts.
OXE 220 United States Literature (2 cr. hrs.) (4)
Tutor: Mark Walters, Professor and Chair of English
This tutorial examines canonical United States literary works from colonial to contemporary periods, interpreting these texts through a range of critical methodologies and attempting to discern significant movements and trends and aesthetic and technical developments that derive from and are influenced by particular historical contexts.
OXE 241 Global Literatures and Theory (2 cr. hrs.) (4)
Tutor: Jennifer Cotter, Assistant Professor of English
This tutorial is a rigorous theoretical inquiry into global literatures in English translation, with an emphasis on literatures emanating from colonized and/or formerly colonized societies. In the course of its inquiries into global literatures, the tutorial engages in a sustained examination of contemporary theories and debates of the global, post-coloniality and empire. The course, therefore, examines theoretical debates on—as well as the literary and aesthetic conventions and strategies through which global literatures map and re-map—questions of the nation, empire, (anti-)colonialism, post-colonialism, national struggle, history, decolonization, the post- or trans-nationality, imperialism, identity, hybridity, otherness and sub-alterity, race, class, gender, the cultural politics of representation, power relations, and the emerging global culture and social and economic relations.
OXE 489 Advanced Critical Theory (2 cr. hrs.) (4)
Tutor: Jennifer Cotter, Assistant Professor of English
This tutorial undertakes rigorous, critical and comparative examination of critical literary and cultural theory—that is, diverse conceptual methods of reading, interpreting, and analyzing literary and cultural texts. Students will analyze and critically compare diverse frames of reading and analysis in a range of primary theoretical texts in, for example, liberal humanism, new criticism, new historicism, psychoanalysis, post-structuralism, feminism, Marxism, cultural materialism, transnationalism, cyber theories… The tutorial places emphasis on critical and comparative examination of concepts that have become significant in contemporary critical theory: theory, representation, author/ity, reading, pleasure, critique, discourse, ideology, culture, material reality, difference, alterity, supplementarity, the virtual, race, gender, class, aesthetics, politics … In doing so, it addresses the cultural and conceptual assumptions of diverse theories, the historical conditions within which diverse theories have emerged, and the social consequences of different and conflicting modes of reading literature and culture.
OXE 490 Thesis (2 cr. hrs.) (4)
Tutor: Staff
The thesis tutorial allows a student to pursue research into a literary topic of particular interest and to complete either a substantial research paper on that topic or two drafts of an honors project paper.
OXE 495 English Language and Literature Synthesis (2 cr. hrs.) (4)
Tutors: Staff
Revisions for the comprehensive examinations. Intensive reading and rereading, writing of examination-style essays.
Tutorials in History
Fredrick M. Spletstoser, Professor of History, Coordinator of the major
OXH 111, 211, 411 U.S. 1787-1860. U.S. in the Pre-Civil War Crisis–Government,
Politics, Economics (2 cr. hrs.) (4)
Tutor: Fredrick M. Spletstoser, Professor of History
A detailed survey of antebellum American history (1787-1860), concentrating on government, politics and economics.
OXH 112, 212, 412. U.S. 1787-1860. Society, Culture, Thought–
Early National & Middle Period (2 cr. hrs.) (4)
Tutor: Fredrick M. Spletstoser, Professor of History
A detailed survey of antebellum American history (1787-1860), concentrating on American society, culture and thought.
OXH 115, 215, 415 CIVES ET CIVITAS: Citizenry
and the Roman State, 287-17 B.C.E (2 cr. hrs.) (4)
Tutor: Jane Woodruff, Professor in History and Languages
This tutorial examines the idea and the practice of citizenship in the Roman world, from the passage of the Lex Hortensia to the establishment of the Principate. Discussion/essay topics include the ordinary citizen’s rights and obligations (military, fiscal, electoral, legislative, judicial, and sacral munera), the differing munera of female citizens, the attractions of Roman citizenship for the people of Italy and the Roman empire and the political changes initiated by Augustus which affected the nature and value of Roman citizenship. Readings include selections from different types of primary sources as well as modern interpretations.
OXH 116, 216, 416 Arete: the Shaping of Greek Societies,
776-338 B.C.E. (2 cr. hrs.) (4)
Tutor: Jane Woodruff, Professor of History and Languages
This tutorial examines the writings of and about Greek societies in various periods to ascertain their varying definitions of excellence (Greek arete) and the success of these societies in instilling appreciation for and permitting or encouraging demonstration of such excellence.
OXH 231, 431 Renaissance Thought (2 cr. hrs.) (4)
Tutor: Staff
A study of the most influential Renaissance intellectuals (e.g., Petrarch, Salutati, Bruni, Valla, Machiavelli, More, Erasmus) in their European context. The tutorial will concentrate more on the Italian Renaissance than on the Northern Renaissance. A careful reading of primary sources related to these thinkers, and of secondary sources that interpret the period and the specific intellectuals. Student essays and discussions will focus on problems associated with this material.
OXH 232, 432 Reformation Thought (2 cr. hrs.) (4)
Tutor: Staff
A study of Reformation intellectuals (e.g., Biel, Staupitz, Luther, Zwingli, Calvin) in their European context. The tutorial will range across the interconnected Reformations: a careful reading of primary sources related to these thinkers, and of secondary sources that interpret the period and the specific intellectuals. Student essays and discussions will focus on problems associated with this material.
OXH 240, 440 The Urban Experience in America (2 cr. hrs.) (4)
Tutor: Fredrick M. Spletstoser, Professor of History
A detailed examination of major topics relating to the city in American history from colonial times to present. Heavy emphasis is placed on the development of the urban interpretation of American history and the rise of urban history as a distinct subfield within the discipline of history. Unique problems adherent to city building and urban life are analyzed as is the city’s continuing contribution to and dominance of American institutions.
OXH 150, 250, 450 Hitler’s Europe (2 cr. hrs.) (4)
Tutor: Staff
A consideration of major problems associated with the Weimar Republic and the Third Reich. Special attention will be given to Hitler’s emergence, triumph, and failure, and to Germany’s relationships with other European states.
OXH 155, 255, 455 The Soviet Union (2 cr. hrs.) (4)
Tutor: Staff
A consideration of major problems faced in the Soviet Union from 1917 to 1990. Attention will be given to issues of continuity and change in the exercise of power by Soviet leaders within Soviet institutions. Special consideration given to totalitarianism.
OXH 160, 260, 460 Politics and Society
in Eighteenth-Century Britain (2 cr. hrs.) (4)
Tutor: Elaine A. Reynolds, Professor of History
Examines the issues and events of 18th-century British politics from the Glorious Revolution of 1688 to the French Revolution of 1789. In between, examines topics such as the growth of political parties, the rise of Cabinet government, the nature of aristocratic society, the impact of King George III, the Stamp Act crisis, the importance of London and its politics and the rise of radicalism. An emphasis is also placed on examining the changing views of historians in regard to these crucial topics in British history.
OXH 165, 265, 465 The Old Regime and
Revolutionary France, 1770-1815 (2 cr. hrs.) (4)
Tutor: Elaine A. Reynolds, Professor of History
This course looks at the basic political, social, economic and cultural institutions of France and how they helped give rise to and were changed by the French Revolution. The Revolution is one of the pivotal events in the development of modern European politics, society, and thought. Topics examined include the origins of the Revolution, the impact of liberal thought on the course of the Revolution, the Reign of Terror, counterrevolution, Napoleon and his empire, and the historiography of the Revolution. Readings are in English, but there are plenty of opportunities for those with superior French reading skills to make use of them.
OXH 175, 275, 475 Politics and Society in Victorian Britain (2 cr. hrs.) (4)
Tutor: Elaine A. Reynolds, Professor of History
Highlights of British history in the 19th century, including industrialization, political and constitutional change, the emergence of class society, and imperialism.
OXH 180, 280 Survey of United States History (2 cr. hrs.) (4)
Tutor: Fredrick M. Spletstoser, Professor of History
An intensive survey of the American experience from the colonial era to the present. It introduces the student to and cultivates a solid understanding of major topics in American history and the basic interpretations of those topics which historians have propounded over the years. Designed specifically for the Oxbridge history student with little background in U.S. history.
OXH 490 Thesis (2 cr. hrs.) (4)
Tutor: Staff
This tutorial provides a structure for a final thesis project which Oxbridge history majors must pursue. It introduces students to the methods of research used by professional historians in their study. It also provides a flexible framework for students to use such methods in a project upon which they and their advisor agree.
OXH 495 History Synthesis (2 cr. hrs.) (4)
Tutor: Staff
This Synthesis Tutorial is designed to bring together the student’s Oxbridge experience in preparation for comprehensive examinations.
Tutorials in History of Ideas
Elizabeth Sperry, Professor of Philosophy, Coordinator of the major
OXQ 119 Moral Psychology (2 cr. hrs.) (4)
Tutor: Ken Alpern, Oxbridge Senior Tutor, Professor of Philosophy
This tutorial addressed issues of moral psychology and the good, including the nature of character and practical reasoning and their relation to living a good life and being moral. The tutorial examines intensively the most important canonical classical text, Aristotle’s Nicomachean Ethics, with attention to ancillary texts of Aristotle and to secondary exegetical and critical literature. Modern concerns with moral psychology and the good, especially in dialogue with Aristotle, will also be addressed.
OXQ 213: Moral Epistemology (2 cr. hrs.) (4)
Tutor: Elizabeth Sperry, Professor of Philosophy
This tutorial asks students to consider the source of our moral judgments and the ways in which moral theory itself is shaped by our access to knowledge. To what extent do skepticism and relativism undermine the possibility of moral knowledge? Is moral knowledge attained through foundationalist or coherentist methods? Can it be patterned on natural science and scientific knowledge? Does the possibility that morality is socially constructed enhance or impair moral knowledge?
OXQ 220: Social and Political Philosophy (2 cr. hrs.) (4)
Tutor: Randall Morris, Professor of Philosophy
This tutorial addresses traditional issues in social and political philosophy such as the nature and value of justice, equality, authority and individuality, power, and community. Readings will be from classical and contemporary sources such as Aristotle, Hobbes, Mill, Hobhouse, Rawls, Nozick, Sandel, and Sen.
OXQ 115, 215, 415 A History of Job Interpretation (2 cr. hrs.) (4)
Tutor: Milton Horne, Professor of Religion
This tutorial concerns the book of Job’s enduring and often interpreted perspectives upon the nature of God, humankind, and their complex relationship to each other, especially as that relationship is complicated by the suffering of humankind. The book of Job is examined from the perspectives of two major historical epochs, pre-modern and modern. In the pre-modern periods, essays address ancient Near Eastern, Biblical, Hellenistic Jewish and Early Christian, and Medieval Jewish and Christian perspectives. In the modern periods, essays address Historicocritical and literary interpretations of the book. The primary texts the tutorial treats in this tutorial include The Sumerian Job; The Babylonian Job; Biblical Job; The Testament of Job; Targum Job; and J. B. (MacLeish).
OXQ 423 Integration/Critique (2 cr. hrs.) (4)
Tutors: Drs. Alpern, Morris and Sperry
This tutorial integrates students’ studies in the major, addressing ways in which themes of ethics (theory and specific issues of individual good and social justice) and moral epistemology intertwine in the western tradition, and the tutorial also critiques that tradition.
OXQ 495 Synthesis (2 cr. hrs.) (4)
Tutors: Drs. Alpern, Horne, Morris and Sperry
This tutorial prepares students for comprehensive examinations by reviewing and critically reflecting upon the sum total of the History of Ideas major, guided by the reading and topics lists for the major. Practice (mock) examinations are included in preparation for the marked examinations.
Tutorials in Institutions and Policy
Michael Cook, Boatwright Professor of Economics, Coordinator of the major
OXI 111, 211, 411 Moral Theory (2 cr. hrs.) (4)
Tutor: Randall Morris, Professor of Philosophy
An examination of the enduring concepts and principles of moral philosophy and an application of them to arriving at reasonable judgments concerning timely moral issues. An intensive reading of, and preparing essays on, the classical and contemporary works that are well established as the most valuable for articulating moral issues and for evaluating the arguments in support of positions on them. A probing study of, and the development of moral positions on, the most timely moral issues.
OXI 112, 212, 412 Moral Issues (2 cr. hrs.) (4)
Tutor: Randall Morris, Professor of Philosophy
An examination of the enduring concepts and principles of moral philosophy and an application of them to arriving at reasonable judgments concerning timely moral issues. An intensive reading of, and preparing essays on, the classical and contemporary works that are well established as the most valuable for articulating moral issues and for evaluating the arguments in support of positions on them. A probing study of, and the development of moral positions on, the most timely moral issues.
OXI 121, 221, 421 Classical Political Economy (2 cr. hrs.) (4)
Tutor: Michael Cook, Boatwright Professor of Economics
The tutorial examines concepts developed by important classical economic writers.
OXI 122, 222, 422 Modern Economic Thought (2 cr. hrs.) (4)
Tutor: Michael Cook, Boatwright Professor of Economics
The tutorial examines concepts developed by important modern economic writers.
OXI 423 Modern Macroeconomic Thought (2 cr. hrs.) (4)
Tutor: Michael Cook, Boatwright Professor of Economics
Students will write essays on seven major schools of macroeconomic thought. They will begin by studying classical theory and Keynesian theory because these theories are the foundations from which more recent schools derive. Students will examine some attempts to integrate these two theories as well as schools that more fully develop each of these theories.
OXI 424 Modern Microeconomic Thought: Theory of the Firm (2 cr. hrs.) (4)
Tutor: Michael Cook, Boatwright Professor of Economics
This tutorial is focused on the behavior of individual economic entities including the consumer, entrepreneur, firm, and industry. The focus is with such economic properties/considerations as efficiency, innovation, competition, profit-maximization, and fairness. Prerequisite: Senior status in the Oxbridge Institutions and Policy major.
OXI 231, 431 The Industrial Revolution through the Great Depression (2 cr. hrs.) (4)
Tutor: Elizabeth R. Hoyt, Assistant Professor of Business Administration
An examination is made of the evolving relationship of man as worker in the industrial organization. Schools of thought which have both shaped and reflected this relationship are studied in their historical context. The experience of the worker in the United States over the last 100 years is emphasized. The reading of primary sources and the preparation of essays is the dominant mode of instruction.
OXI 232, 432 World War II to the Present (2 cr. hrs.) (4)
Tutor: Elizabeth R. Hoyt, Assistant Professor of Business Administration
An examination is made of the evolving relationship of man as worker in the industrial organization. Schools of thought which have both shaped and reflected this relationship are studied in their historical context. The experience of the worker in the United States over the last 50 years is emphasized. The reading of primary sources and the preparation of essays is the dominant mode of instruction.
OXI 150, 250, 450 The Modern Presidency (2 cr. hrs.) (4)
Tutor: Alan Holiman, Professor of Political Science
This tutorial examines the modern presidency with a focus on the institutions created after the second World War, decision making theory, and the influence of the White House staff. Specific policy decisions are evaluated as they relate to more abstract theoretical constructs.
OXI 260, 460 History of American Law (2 cr. hrs.) (4)
Tutor: Shawn Stogsdill, Adjunct Tutor in Institutions and Policy
A survey of the history of law in America from settlement to today, focusing on its development in the context of the society it was meant to serve.
OXI 170, 270, 470 Political Institutions: the State (2 cr. hrs.) (4)
Tutor: Alan Holiman, Professor of Political Science
An examination of the concept of the state as presented by some of the classic social theorists (Karl Marx, Emile Durkheim, and Max Weber) and an overview of the development of the state in the West. An examination of several of the most important topics in the literature on the state: democracy and political pluralism, democratic institutions, authoritarian political systems and dictatorship, political crises and regime change, institutions and political modernization, civic culture and civil society. The tutorial concludes with a discussion of the state as actor and the political capacity of the state.
OXI 271, 471 Modern Russian Politics (2 cr. hrs.) (4)
Tutor: Alan Holiman, Professor of Political Science
Russian politics today is a product not only of historical forces, but of specific decisions made by political leaders in moments of great uncertainty, stress, and crisis. The results have been mixed. Is the glass of democratic progress and modern economic development half full or half empty? This tutorial will explore this question and will acquaint the student with some of the key structures and forces driving Russian political development today. In so doing, the tutorial will also shed light on the crucial role that the state plays in modern societies.
OXI 175, 275, 475 International Regimes:
Alternatives to Anarchy in International Relations? (2 cr. hrs.) (4)
Tutor: Gary Armstrong, Professor of Political Science
This course will examine the construction, maintenance, and atrophy of international “regimes” within an anarchic international order. International regimes are institutionalized rules and procedures for the management of global policy problems. The course will survey crucial regimes such as Article 2(4) of the UN Charter (on the use of force), the Missile Technology Control Regime, the Law of the Seabed, and Human Rights Law. The course will pay special attention to theoretical arguments surrounding regimes, especially the debates about the impact of the relative decline of the USA on international order.
OXI 180, 280, 480 Modern Political Philosophy (2 cr. hrs.) (4)
Tutor: Rein Staal, Professor of Political Science
An examination of modern western political philosophy from the sixteenth century through the end of the nineteenth century. Students will undertake an intensive study of the seminal works of such thinkers as Machiavelli, Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau, Marx, and Mill. An attempt will be made to understand their ideas within the broader context of the social, political, and economic institutions and beliefs of their respective societies. Students will also reflect on the relevance of those ideas for our time.
OXI 490 Thesis (2 cr. hrs.) (4)
Tutor: Michael Cook, Boatwright Professor of Economics
This tutorial provides an opportunity to acquire research skills. Students will learn how to use various types of library resources, how to use an outline to organize a lengthy research paper, and how to write such a paper.
OXI 495 Synthesis (2 cr. hrs.) (4)
Tutor: Michael Cook, Boatwright Professor of Economics
The tutorial uses the casebook method to examine the moral responsibility of the individual and the corporation, both domestically and internationally.
Tutorials in Music
Ian Coleman, Professor of Music, Coordinator of the major
OXM 223, 423 The Operas of Mozart (2 cr. hrs.) (4)
Tutor: Ron Witzke, Professor of Music
This tutorial will investigate the ways in which Mozart responded to the changes around him through his compositions of one particular genre–opera. By studying the thematic material, musical devices, cultural settings, vocal and instrumental styles the tutorial will reveal the elements of the classical style that are critical for understanding music history from that time forward.
OXM 280, 480 Romantic Pianism and Its Rules (2 cr. hrs.) (4)
Tutor: Calvin Permenter, McKee Professor of Music
This course combines the disciplines of musicology and cultural history in investigating a specific repertoire of piano music, the great piano literature of the Romantic composers. The musicological approach to be used in this tutorial will be that of music criticism, which aims to integrate musical analysis with historical and biographical details, to achieve an aesthetic appreciation for the repertoire under consideration. Concurrent with the musical discipline, which will address the subject from the perspective of artistic expression, the tutorial will study the Romantic movement through the perspective of the cultural development of a major civilization, with particular emphasis on the cultural history of the period under review.
OXM 224, 424 Musical Modernism, 1880-1930 (2 cr. hrs.) (4)
Tutor: Ron Witzke, Professor of Music
This tutorial will investigate the broad Modernist aesthetic between 1880 and 1930 and consider important composers and their contributions to this movement.
OXM 231, 431 Instrumental Conducting (2 cr. hrs.) (4)
Tutor: Staff
Instrumental conducting in theory and practice: a technical, historical and practical basis for the development of the instrumental conductor.
OXM 232 Advanced Musical Analysis (2 cr. hrs.) (4)
Tutor: Ian Coleman, Professor of Music
This course introduces the students to three actively used advanced systems for musical analysis. These are studied in detail during the first nine weeks of the tutorial and weekly analysis assignments that offer practical application of texts read will form the basis of these weeks. The latter part of the tutorial is spent developing and writing a number of shorter, or one longer, analysis project that will employ the systems studied in the first part of the tutorial. This tutorial should be preceded by MUS 120 and 130 and is therefore more effectively taken in the second semester of the sophomore year or the first semester of the senior year.
OXM 240, 440 Symphonic Literature (2 cr. hrs.) (4)
Tutor: Ian Coleman, Professor of Music
Study of significant orchestral literature, organized by historical periods. The student will examine the music (through the use of scores and recordings), investigate musical performance and style, relate the musical life of the day with the historical period, and examine the life and works of selected composers.
OXM 250, 450 Choral Conducting (2 cr. hrs.) (4)
Tutor: Staff
A tutorial based upon the acquisition of choral conducting skill and techniques, including gesture; vocal and choral tone; diction; rehearsal procedures; score study; and performance practice. Rehearsal and performance opportunities with campus ensembles are included.
OXM 270, 470 Musical Composition (2 cr. hrs.) (4)
Tutor: Ian Coleman, Professor of Music
This tutorial is designed to offer students in the Oxbridge Music program structured and supervised opportunity for the composition and arrangement of significant musical works.
OXM 324 American Classical Music:
c1900 – Present. (2 cr. hrs.) (4)
Tutor: Ron Witzke, Professor of Music
The Western European model of art music proved irresistible to many of America’s most creative composers, but unlike most European composers, Americans faced many daunting challenges to propagation, acceptance, and performance of their music. This tutorial will examine the ways in which classically trained American musicians dealt with the complexities and challenges of American cultural identity in the twentieth-century.
OXM 490 Thesis (2 cr. hrs.) (4)
Tutor: Staff
This tutorial provides structure for a final project in the individual student’s music Oxbridge specialty. Normally, students in a performance, conducting or composition specialty will research supportive material while preparing for a full-length senior recital or the equivalent, while those students in a music history or church music specialty will research material leading to the writing of an undergraduate thesis in the specialty area.
OXM 495 Synthesis (2 cr. hrs.) (4)
Tutors: Staff
This tutorial is designed as the capstone course in the Oxbridge music program. Its primary goal is to help the student relate and consolidate the areas of music theory, history, literature and performance. In addition to synthesizing the material presented in the tutorials, it will also serve as a program of preparation for the comprehensive examinations in the program.
Tutorials in Science
Tara Allen, Professor and Chair of Biology, Coordinator of the major
OXS 100, 200 Cell and Molecular Biology: An Introduction (2 cr. hrs.) (4)
Tutors: Tara Allen, Professor and Chair of Biology; Scott Falke, Associate Professor of Biology; Lori Wetmore, Associate Professor of Chemistry
As an introduction to the study of the molecular biology of the cell, this tutorial will include a brief history of cell and molecular biology, a comparison of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells and an in-depth study of cellular evolution. The accompanying laboratory experience is designed to develop laboratory and analytical skills and to illustrate the topics explored during tutorial sessions. This tutorial requires a knowledge of first year college level chemistry.
OXS 211 Evolution (2 cr. hrs.) (4)
Tutor: Paul Klawinski, Professor of Biology
An introduction to the theory of evolution. Each student will explore some of the literature that has led to our current understanding of evolution. Darwin’s essay “The Origin of Species” will be referred to throughout the semester to compare with more contemporary thoughts on biogeography, selection, and the rate at which evolution occurs. Other topics to be explore are: Hardy-Weinburg equilibrium, adaptive radiation, species and speciation, and co-evolution. Students will define an evolutionary problem to explore through the semester with a research proposal and present the results of that investigation in the form of a written lab report.
OXS 245 Protein Structure and Function (2 cr. hrs.) (4)
Tutor: Jamie Sanford, Visiting Assistant Professor of Biology
Protein Structure and Function is an in-depth survey of proteins. The tutorial covers structural visualization techniques, structural determination techniques, common secondary, tertiary and quaternary arrangements, the function of cofactors, and protein folding. The conversations will be directed toward addressing the following major question: “Just what makes the ‘Native’ state of protein in its natural cellular environment?” The laboratory section of the tutorial will cover techniques of protein purification, two-dimensional protein gels, denaturation/renaturation, and visualizing protein structure using the molecular modeling program Chimera. Students will get a broad overview of laboratory techniques regarding how to monitor protein/protein interactions (CD, UV/Vis Spectroscopy, Raman Spectroscopy, NMR, X-ray Crystallography, Electron Microscopy, FRET, Chemical Crosslinking).
OXS 250 Genes (2 cr. hrs.) (4)
Tutor: Jamie Sanford, Visiting Assistant Professor of Biology
This is a comprehensive, in-depth study of prokaryotic and eukaryotic genes through the use of textual material, primary and secondary sources and problem sets. The tutorial covers the structure, function, regulation and manipulation of genes, as well as genomic analysis of DNA. The laboratory component exposes the student to the fundamental molecular genetic techniques such as molecular closing, mutagenesis and gene expression. Introductory level of cell and molecular biology is prerequisite.
OXS 281 Research Methodology I (1 cr. hr.)
OXS 282 Research Methodology II (1 cr. hr.)
Tutor: Research Mentor
Students pursue investigation of an independent laboratory project under the mentorship of an Oxbridge Science tutor in order to master laboratory techniques needed for their senior research project. At the end of the semester they will write a lab report in standard scientific journal paper format.
OXS 330, 430 Molecular Biology of the Cell: Cellular Membranes (2 cr. hrs.) (4)
Tutor: Tara Allen, Professor and Chair of Biology
The student will probe the nature of cellular membranes. This will include intensive studies of structures and the functions those structures support. The student will do extensive reading about, write weekly essays and complete problem sets on several cellular membranes (plasma, nuclear, mitochondrial, etc.).
OXS 465 Biochemistry of Macromolecules (2 cr. hrs.) (4)
Tutor: Lori Wetmore, Associate Professor of Chemistry
In this tutorial the student will analyze the relationship between the structures of macro-molecules and their biochemical functions. Special emphasis will be given to the structure and function of proteins and their corresponding interaction with lipids, carbohydrates, and nucleic acids. Primary and secondary literature sources, assigned essays, problem sets, and computer model illustration of molecular structures will be used to facilitate the student’s learning experience. Prerequisite: Oxbridge Science Senior status.
OXS 481 Research I (1 cr. hr.)
OXS 482 Research II (1 cr. hr.)
Tutors: Staff
The student will design and carry out a research project which culminates in both written and oral presentation of the results.
OXS 495 Molecular Biology Synthesis (2 cr. hrs.) (4)
Tutors: Tara Allen, Professor and Chair of Biology; Lori Wetmore, Associate Professor of Chemistry; Wei Wu, Assistant Professor of Biology
The framework provides a structure for the student to organize and synthesize concepts learned throughout the molecular Oxbridge tutorial and independent study, in preparation for comprehensive examinations.
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