Oxford university

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Plan:

Introduction

A Brief History of University

Structure of the Oxford University

Staff of the University

Teaching and Research

International Links

Students

Famous Oxonians

Oxford is renowned the world over, as the home of one of the oldest and most highly revered Universities in Europe. The city lies at the confluence of the Rivers Cherwell and Thames, or "Isis", as it is locally known, giving the opportunity for boating, punting and many pleasant riverside walks. Oxford is a compact city; its main streets radiate from Carfax Tower in the centre, with most of the colleges and University buildings all within easy walking distance. It was Mathew Arnold whose description lingers in the mind, and best sums up Oxford. "And that sweet City with her dreaming spires, she needs not June for beauty's heightening". Just outside the City on Boar's Hill is the best place to see an overall view of the "dreaming spires", a hauntingly beautiful and unforgettable sight.

The University Church of St. Mary the Virgin - First mentioned in the Domesday Book, one of the best views of Oxford is from the magnificent tower, which was built in the 13th century, the nave dates from the 15th and 16th centuries.

The Ashmolean Museum - Britain's oldest public museum, housing the University's collections of paintings, glass, silver, ceramics and artefacts from the ancient world.

Other Museums in Oxford - Museum of Modern Art, Museum of Oxford, Museum of the History of Science, Oxford University Museum of Natural History, the Bate Collection and the Pitt Rivers Museum.

The Radcliffe Camera (closed to the public) a rotunda, whose dome is a landmark in Oxford's centre, was designed by James Gibb (1737-49). Inspired by the Tower of the Winds in Athens, it is regarded as one of Europe's most beautiful buildings. It originally housed the Radcliffe Library, today the 16 sided room on the ground floor is a reading room for the Bodleian Library.

The Bodleian Library - 15th century Divinity School, 17th century Old Schools Quadrangle and Exhibition Room.

Carfax Tower - 16th century church tower and viewpoint.

Curioxity - Hands on science exhibits for all ages.

The Oxford Story - Ride through exhibition interpreting the fascinating 800 year history of Oxford University.

Sheldonian Theatre - The ceremonial hall of the University designed by Sir Christopher Wren.

University of Oxford Botanic Gardens - Opposite Magdalen College in Rose Lane is the oldest Botanic Gardens in Britain. Laid out in 1621 on the instructions of Henry, Earl of Danby, as a Physic Garden. Entrance is through the beautiful Italianate Gateway designed by Nicholas Stone, beautiful flowerbeds, trees and greenhouses filled with rare plants, collected over the centuries from around the world. The gardens are in a beautiful and peaceful setting, bounded on one side by the curve of the River Cherwell.

Nearby at Magdalen Bridge punts are available for hire on the Cherwell and the Thames, other boat houses are located at Bardwell Road and Folly Bridge, St. Aldates.

The famous Christ Church Meadow, painted by J.M.W. Turner, still exists and provides rural walkways in the heart of the city.

Today's Oxford, offers interesting shopping facilities, from the well-known high street names, modern shopping centres and malls to the interesting Victorian covered market in the High Street. From the University's shop, to many small specialists, offering old maps and prints, books, jewellery and local souvenirs you will find shopping interesting in Oxford.

When it comes to eating out, you will have no trouble finding just the right place. Oxford is well experienced in catering for customers from around the world, of all ages and all tastes. There is a wide choice from Coffee Houses through to gourmet Restaurants.

Реферат опубликован: 24/05/2009