University of Oxford

Mansfield College

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History

History

Course Tutors

Gleadle, Kathryn -Tutorial Fellow in Modern History
Lacey, Helen -Supernumerary Fellow in Late Medieval History

Student Profile: History

Read what one of our students, Villacres, Michael (MSt Medieval History), says about life at Mansfield.

History is one of the larger subjects at Mansfield and each year around 11 students are admitted for the main and joint school ( History and Politics). Applicants pre and post A level (or equivalent) are welcomed equally. At interview applicants will have an opportunity to talk about their school or college work in history and their wider interests. During the interviews the History tutors wish to give every applicant the opportunity to demonstrate their intellectual ability and academic potential in as relaxed environment as possible.

Having arrived at Oxford, you will find that the course offers a wide spectrum of historical periods and themes during the three years of undergraduate study. During your time here, the faculty requires you to sample some medieval, some ‘early modern’ and some ‘later modern history’. However, beyond this, Oxford provides opportunities both to those who wish to specialise in one period and those who are keen to range more widely. In the joint schools we encourage students to make their choices in such a way as to bring the two parts of their subject together. The History syllabus is laid down by the University, and Undergraduate Prospectus.

Dr Kathryn Gleadle specialises in 18th and 19th century History, Dr Helen Lacey is a Lecturer in Medieval History. Students are sent to tutors in other colleges when they study periods beyond these fields. Lectures and seminars are provided on a university basis. Students are therefore able to enjoy the advantages of a large faculty with a very wide range of specialisms, with the personal support which is an integral part of the college system.

Teaching is mainly conducted by tutorial, usually in pairs, sometimes individually. Tutors also like to vary the students’ learning experiences through the provision of small class teaching as well. Each term, you will be required to prepare between eight and twelve essays and, in the tutorial, the tutor will encourage you to discuss and develop your understanding and views of a subject. Although the Oxford history course does not require knowledge of a foreign language, there are ample opportunities for students to take up or develop a foreign language if they wish, and to put this to use in their historical work. You will have access to the uniquely fine range of libraries which cater for students of History at Oxford. Mansfield is well-placed near the facilities of the University libraries - primarily the Bodleian and the Faculty Library - and the College Library also stocks many secondary authorities. In addition, Mansfield has its own history society in the Mahony society, which provides both an academic and social forum.

For Joint School courses see separate entries for History and Politics.