Talk:University of Oxford

From Tolkien Gateway
Revision as of 13:56, 15 February 2010 by Ederchil (talk | contribs)

Latest comment: 15 February 2010 by Ederchil

I am not a university person, but I think there is a misunderstanding about what the "University of Oxford" is by us laypeople.

AFAIK Tolkien was never a professor of the "University of Oxford" proper. He studied there, perhaps, and then was a professor in some Colleges comprised by the University (like Pembroke) but NOT the University itself.

Now, as I said I am not a university person; I don't know if "teach in College X of University of Oxford" equals "teach in the University of Oxford". Geographically it's accurate since the college is inside the University complex, but scholarly, it's not the same. Also, teaching in Oxford proper requires a doctorate, and Tolkien didn't have one, at least while teaching in Pembroke.

He did have a doctorate from University of Liège in 1954, although the article doesn't mention its field.

So, AFAIK, there is a misconception that "Tolkien was a professor in the University of Oxford", fueled by the fact that he was awarded a honorary doctorate a year before his death.

I think these vague/grey points should be clarified in the article. If I miss some point, please inform me. Sage 13:05, 15 February 2010 (UTC)Reply[reply]

There's two types of "university persons". Normal university persons and Oxford University persons. I'm the former; I get completely lost in the UoO-colleges. -- Ederchil (Talk/Contribs/Edits) 13:56, 15 February 2010 (UTC)Reply[reply]