‘The Final Classical School or the School of Literae Humaniores is the oldest, and is admitted on all hands to be the premier School in dignity and importance.... The course of combined studies for this School is peculiar to ... Oxford. It is believed to confer a fine mental discipline and to favour a catholic and genuine culture.’ The general programme of studies includes the classical languages and literature, Greek and Roman History, and Philosophy. While textual criticism receives due attention, it is literary study and treatment that is emphasized. The study of the classical historians, in the original, forms the basis of the work in history. In Philosophy, which includes Moral and Political Philosophy and Logic, the work is based on Plato and Aristotle, but includes also the general history of Philosophy. The ‘Greats’ man is generally familiar with the works of Maine, Mill, Green, Bryce, and other authorities. He is also expected to be acquainted with the outlines of the Theory of Knowledge from Descartes to Kant, more especially with the philosophy of Locke, Berkeley, Hume and Kant, and the study of Psychology receives some attention. The essay work for and with the College Tutor is especially valuable and a most important part of the classical training received. The subjects of study range far beyond the limits of classical antiquity. ‘The dominant note of the examination is ... general culture upon a firm classical basis.’ Quite a number of University prizes and scholarships are offered in Classics.
Modern History.
This is the first in numbers and the second in importance, of the Final Honour Schools. The reading to be done is very considerable, and a knowledge of French or German is now compulsory. The subjects of the examination include the Political and Constitutional History of England, some special period of European History, Political Science, and Political Economy. Those who aim at a ‘First’ or ‘Second’ in the Class Lists must further select one of a list of special subjects to be studied with reference to the original authorities, e. g. the Crusades, the French Revolution, &c. Certain other subjects connected with the history of Literature and Art are optional. Much stress is laid on Geography—for which special instruction is provided—and on the social and literary history of the period of European History studied. The courses of inter-collegiate lectures are particularly well organized and complete in Modern History, and an adequate teaching force supplies efficient tuition. There is no special training in historical method except as this is incidentally developed by independent work under tutorial supervision. The object of this School, as of most Honour Schools, is not to produce specialists but to lay the foundations of a liberal education. To stimulate and encourage historical study the University offers three prizes—the Stanhope, the Lothian, and the Arnold prizes. Special attention should be called to the splendid library facilities at the Bodleian Library, in addition to the various College libraries.
Mathematics.
An inter-collegiate association provides a very complete list of lectures in Mathematics. The subjects of the examination are Pure and Mixed Mathematics. The ordinary Professorial lectures ‘aim more at the introduction of students to advanced study than at preparation for the University examinations’. The Professors and College Tutors and Lecturers are always prepared to give personal advice and instruction. The University awards each year a Senior and a Junior Mathematical Scholarship.
Natural Science.
The Natural Science School really embraces seven distinct co-ordinate subjects or courses of study, viz. (1) Physics, (2) Chemistry, (3) Animal Physiology, (4) Zoology, (5) Botany, (6) Geology, and (7) Astronomy.
Special work may be done in any one of these subjects, and combinations of several are possible. The course of study will depend on the student’s choice of subject or subjects for his final examinations. It is impossible to go into all details here. Attention ought, however, to be called to the excellent facilities provided, which are generally underrated. Because of the heavy expenditure which would be involved under the distinctly collegiate system, the University undertakes most of the teaching in Natural Science as well as making provision for the practical work necessary and incidental thereto. Those who intend to take up the study of medicine are recommended to select either Physiology or Chemistry as a preliminary.