The Ely miner. [volume] (Ely, Minn.) 1895-1986, 1933-02-10

" ~ NJ oSANiSc'
THE prince of Wales recently
opened the splendid new $780,
600 extension of the Taylorian
institution at Oxford univer-
sity, thus adding another unit to the
already pretentious group of buildings
that make up one of England's famous
institutions of learning.
Oxford is, perhaps, the best known
In America of all foreign universities,
owing to the Rhodes scholarships,
granted since 1904 under the will Of
the late Cecil ]. Rhodes, South Afri-
can magnate. Each year 80 Ameri-
can college students, usually gradu-
ates, are selected on the basis of their
records in American colleges and a
personal interview, and are awarded
a three years. scholarship at an Ok
ford college. An equal number are
selected from the British common
wealths and the colonies Of the en-
pire. In all, about 200 Rhodes schol-
ars are In residence at Oxford each
year.
1sDouCo, WIN DcllcNCu tlidt CfCitudi-
ly all the English-speaking peoples of
the world would make common cause,
hoped through these scholarships to
produce leaders for his dream.
One hears unsympathetic observers
at Oxford refer to the American
Rhodes scholars at the university as
"the last of the aristocrats," implying
that they, too, often band together and
keep themselves aloof from their fell
low undergraduates. A difference in
age and different heritage of interests,
hobbies, and traditions do make flu
sion, even orientation, difficult.
Most Of the Rhodes scholars with
whom one becomes acquainted at Ok
ford are of fine type-friendly, help
full, bit reserved, as perhaps might
become national of another country,
and studiously inclined. Some of the
American Rhodes scholars have been
elected to Oxfords most exclusive So
cial and literary clubs and societies,
and most of them have enviable schol-
astic and athletic standings during
their residence at The university. The
Rhodes idea may be said to be full
filed to the extent that mutual under
standing has been fostered by the con-
tact and conflict of youthful ideas of
representative members of the Eng
disappearing nations.
Why Americans Like Oxford.
hou oil
since the first Rhodes scholars arrived
at Oxford. On the evening of July 5,
1929, a considerable number of that
first group attended the trustees din
ner in the Hall of Rhodes house, on
South Parks road. Nearly all the 220
guests were old Rhodes scholars. The
largest number were from the United
States, but there were some who had
come, for this event, all the way from
such distant lands as South Africa
and Australia. Stanley Baldwin pre-
sided and the prince of Wales, as
principal speaker, proposed the health
Of the Rhodes scholars.
In addition to Rhodes scholars,
many other Americans are attracted
to Oxford by the unrivaled resources
for research afforded by the Bodleian
library, and also because the atmO-
sphere of the city is conducive to lit
erary and academic work. Oxford Is
q mecca for American college profess
sors and instructors on sabbatical
leave.
The method of study at Oxford Is
quite distinct from that in American
universities. The actual time in col
lege is much less, too, for the Oxonian
usually comes up early in October for
term (the Michaelmas) of eight
weeks, followed by a vacation of six
weeks at Christmas; then another
term (the Hilary of eight weeks, with
six weeks vacation at Easter; and a
final (Trinity) term of eight weeks,
followed by three months vacation
In summer.
The long vacations are not entirely
'rest" periods A great deal of sup
Elementary reading is assigned for
these intervals. Three years is the
customary length of time required to
complete the course for the bachelor
of arts degree.
Study Mostly Under Tutors.
In contrast to American schools, Ok
ford's lectures have relatively little
importance. No attendance records
are kept and an undergraduate might
possibly go through his entire course
without attending single one. The
real check is the tutor, to whom the
undergraduate is Immediately assigned
upon his arrival and to whom he must
report at least once a week for as
signments, recitations and informal
discussions. The tutorial system al
lows for much greater development
of students natural bent and indi-
viduality, but it is practical only
where the number of students is not
large. The average number of stu
dents at an Oxford college is about
200 In the regular course of events,
examinations do not come until near
the end Of the second year of resi-
dence, and everything depends upon
the showing made In them.
The teaching staff at Oxford con-
sists of university professors, readers,
lecturers and demonstrators, number
Ing more than 100, and about 800 col.
lege fellows, tutors and lecturers.
AS Is the case In American univer-
sites, there are faculties leading to
specific degrees, the principal ones at