Course description

This course allows you to explore the language, literature, theatre, film, and linguistics of German, and gives you the opportunity to have a taster of two other European languages at a beginners’ level.

Over the first two days, you will focus on German – a language you already study at A-level (or can speak to an equivalent level). There will be sessions to hone your language skills as well as lectures and discussions introducing you to an exciting array of topics in literature, culture, or linguistics, from the medieval period to the present day. 

During the latter part of the week, you will be given the opportunity to have a taste of two unfamiliar languages taken from scratch, from a pool of Italian, Portuguese and Russian. This is a great opportunity to learn some beginners’ grammar and new phrases, and to explore new cultures through its literature, film, or linguistics. 

Our aim is to give you a taste of what it is really like to study Modern Languages at Oxford, and to give you a sense of the breadth of our courses – including several of the languages you can study here as a beginner.

You will be expected to do some preparatory reading before the course; the short texts will be sent to all successful applicants in early June. Pre-reading for the sessions on early modern and modern literature will be circulated in advance, so that this can be discussed in the seminars.