Oxford Tutorial Model

For 25 years St. Alcuin House has offered educational programs associated with several resources including Ligonier Ministries, The Teaching Company and major research libaries in North America and England. Our focus is research combined with occasional class work. Philosophically, we are in tune with The Tutorial Method which has been used at Oxford for more than 500 years. It is a rigorous, individualized method of learning and is designed with the adult student in mind. Each student has an academic tutor (a Fellow or Professor). The Oxford model emphasizes thinking through a research project and writing. Students are responsible for planning their own time ensuring the requisite work is accomplished.

The Oxford Method has characteristics not usually seen at American seminaries and colleges, among them:

• Students are treated as individuals.
• It is easy to consult with faculty members, even senior ones.
• Independent learning is emphasized as opposed to teaching by the faculty.
• Learning is accomplished through research and writing.
• Students are expected to discuss their written work with their tutors one-on-one.
• Degree programs are more specialized.

Conversely, most American universities offer their programs and courses with:

• Large lecture classes
• Standardized courses
• Negligible writing assignments
• Little one-on-one contact with faculty
• Little customization of an individual student's program

St. Alcuin House uses the Oxford Tutorial Method, the Internet and email. Student-scholars work with Fellows and Tutors by email or telephone. If the student-scholar lives near a Faculty member, they can arrange to meet. This personal approach to learning, featuring interaction affords the student researcher more flexibility and support than do conventional schools.

St. Alcuin House student-researchers must be able to present and defend their own opinions. Developing topics in depth and defending the arguments in written work sharpens thinking. Our online adaptation of the Oxford method develops these skills:

• Time management: the ability to organize your own work schedule rather than have it imposed on you
• Argumentation: the ability to present a point of view
• Critical assessment: the ability to understand, evaluate and respond to the ideas of others

The student’s success depends on the ability to study independently. The primary purpose of the Oxford Tutorial Method is that you teach yourself. To this end, we encourage use of local libraries and periods of residency at selected university libraries, including The Bodleian Library, Oxford; Princeton Theological Seminary Library and Friends of Princeton Libraries. We encourage scholarly participation at the Karl Barth Conference held at Princeton every June.  From time to time, we offer courses in theology, philosophy and ethics and Christian literature.

To enroll, submit an application. Attach a detailed resume (a portfolio which lists all of your academic work, college credits, continuing education, etc).