Welcome to the Summer Learning Series

Each session is designed to challenge your thinking, spark creativity, and give you a taste of college-level learning in a vibrant, supportive environment. Explore topics that matter, connect with inspiring faculty, and discover new ways to see—and shape—the world around you. 

Access to Academic Resources

As a Pre-College Summer Program student, you’ll have access to the same world-class academic resources available to Oxford College undergraduates. From day one, you’ll be immersed in a learning environment that supports exploration, collaboration, and academic growth. 

• State-of-the-art labs and technology for hands-on experimentation and research 
• Oxford’s library collections and digital databases to support your coursework and curiosity 
• Study spaces and academic support centers designed to foster focus and collaboration 
• Guidance from faculty mentors and peer tutors to help you sharpen your skills and deepen your understanding

Faculty Mentorship

Unlock your potential through transformative mentorship with Oxford College's distinguished faculty and master educators. You won't just sit in lecture halls—you'll engage in intimate, discussion-driven seminars where every voice matters, and every idea is explored. Experience the power of personalized academic coaching tailored specifically to your growth, while building meaningful one-on-one relationships with mentors who are genuinely invested in your success. This isn't just education—it's an intellectual awakening in a community designed to challenge, inspire, and elevate your academic journey to extraordinary heights. 

College-Level Learning

The program mirrors the expectations of a real college experience, with:

• Rigorous coursework and critical thinking challenges
• Structured study sessions and collaborative projects
• Academic advising and peer mentoring
• Emphasis on time management and independent learning

Students will leave with a stronger sense of confidence and preparedness for college academics.

Summer Learning Series

Explore bold ideas, hands-on experiences, and interdisciplinary adventures across three themed sessions. Whether you are into science, storytelling, social change, or strange math, there is a course for you.

SESSION I: Sound & Vision (May 31, 2026 – June 12, 2026)

The Science and Storytelling of Music and Media

Discover how rhythm, resonance, and visual storytelling shape culture, emotion, and identity. Whether you are a future scientist, musician, artist, or storyteller, this session will challenge you to think across disciplines and experience the world in a whole new way.

• Physics of Music - From Sound Waves to Synthesizers: Explore the science behind sound! Learn how instruments produce unique tones, build waveforms using Fourier series, and uncover the physics powering modern music production. No advanced math required—just curiosity and creativity.
• History of Rock and R&B - The Soundtrack of Social Change: Trace five decades of musical revolution—from rhythm & blues to rock, punk, and hip-hop. Discover how music became a voice for youth, rebellion, and identity through listening sessions, cultural analysis, and deep dives into iconic artists.
• Visual Literacy & Nonverbal Communication in Graphic Novels: Decode the language of images and explore how graphic novels convey emotion, sound, and movement. Analyze acclaimed titles and connect visual storytelling to real-world psychology and social intelligence.

SESSION II: Belief & Beyond (June 21, 2026 – July 3, 2026)

How Stories, Symbols, and Systems Shape Our World

Step into a world of ideas where myths meet media, rituals reveal power, and games become gateways to culture. This session invites you to explore how humans make meaning through belief, storytelling, and play.

• What is Religion? Power, Identity, and Belief in America: Examine how religion is defined, who gets to decide, and why it matters. Explore the intersections of race, politics, and social justice in shaping religious identity and classification in the U.S.
• Game On! A Brief History of Video Games: From Pong to PlayStation, trace the evolution of gaming and its cultural impact. Discover the stories behind legendary titles and explore how games became a global phenomenon.
• Anthropology Adventure and Discovery: Become a campus archaeologist! Use maps, 3D scanning, and scientific analysis to uncover hidden artifacts and solve ancient puzzles. Present your findings and join the exclusive Oxplorer’s Society.

SESSION III: Strange Systems (July 12, 2026 – July 24, 2026)

Where Biology Evolves, Math Twists, and Everything Transforms

Explore the fascinating side of change—where biology evolves, math bends reality, and systems reveal the hidden logic behind transformation. This session is perfect for curious minds who love puzzles, patterns, and unexpected connections.

• What Makes a Species? From Sandwiches to Skulls: Investigate what defines a species—from quirky classification debates to 3D-printed ancient skulls. Explore evolution, hybridization, and conservation through hands-on simulations and real-world case studies.
• Misery by Numbers - Economics, Empathy, and Evidence: Decode economic headlines and explore one of society’s biggest debates: inflation vs. unemployment. Analyze real data, historical case studies, and learn how economic forces shape everyday life.
• Twisted Topology & Demented Dimensions: Enter a world where donuts become coffee cups and objects exist in fractional dimensions. Explore topology, fractals, and 4D geometry through hands-on activities—no advanced math required, just a sense of wonder.