Scott Gratson
Student spotlight details
Scott completed the Certificate of Higher Education, specialising in history, so he could study with Oxford while living and working in the United States. He has since started the online Advanced Diploma in Local History.
'I live in the United States, where I live by and work in the City of Philadelphia at Temple University. This is my 33rd year of teaching at university level and 22nd at Temple University. I completed my second DPhil (Art History) at Temple University's Tyler School of Art whilst also teaching at Temple, and my first doctorate (Human Communication Studies) at the University of Denver whilst teaching at the Metropolitan State University of Denver.
'I first visited Oxford in 1988 whilst also assisting as a farm hand in Somerset. I recall seeing the Radcliffe Camera for that first time, and knew at that very moment that I was standing on a spot that was the pinnacle of learning. It was quite powerful, for me being from a working-class family and background, realising where I was standing amidst the history, traditions and education of so many scholars from centuries. I wanted at that moment, and ever since, to be part of that process, part of that great tradition of academic pursuits and learning.
'As I was finishing my second doctorate, I was having a conversation with my academic and dissertation advisor about the next steps in my pursuit of lifelong learning. She noted that after the dissertation was complete, perhaps it was time to start on a path anew. I immediately knew that Oxford was that next step.
'The Certificate of Higher Education (CertHE) allowed me to study whilst still living in the United States and I started knowing that I had a lot to learn. Yes, I have other university qualifications but none of them are in British History. Like far too many Americans, I had only been exposed to the most scant information: the number of Henry VIII's wives but nothing at all about their own accomplishments; the fact that Vikings had been in Britain but nothing beyond a glimpse of York; I knew of Queen Victoria but nothing about the Victorians. I opted to return to my education with one goal in mind: to study the history of this great country that I had been affiliated with in some form for decades but, that ultimately, I never really knew.
'I recall studying in Oxford during a summer school and seeing the sun rise, hitting the spires, and simply found it to be so incredibly moving as early morning bells rang out; it was hard to believe that it was even real. I have met people from across the world, discussing everything from politics to art to philosophy to our favourite food. I listened to lectures and took part in talks, meeting leading scholars, thought creators, business people and artists.
'Those connections open worlds of thought – and that is only in addition to the incredible tutoring and mentoring. I recall some of the most uplifting and illuminating conversations with Dr Janet Dickinson. Yes, of course, we talked about the Early Modern Period and the Tudor era, but also about my own learning, goals and hopes for my own education. Those discussions are beyond memorable, full of direction, laughter and ideas. I learned about materiality in the age of Shakespeare and I have not been able to look at a single object in the same manner.
'The subject of history is vast. I learned about the layers of national history in the CertHE. I studied foundations leading back to the Romans, Vikings and Saxons. I also learned about the minutiae of British history. Indeed, one of my favourite papers was on the household uses of silver. But the details of localised history? Those alluded me. I wanted to learn about how people functioned day to day, what their lives would be like not in the hallowed halls of power or privilege but instead in the local pub. I wanted to study history in people's kitchens and hearths more than only in a grand hall of an estate. So now, having finished the CertHE, I am currently enrolled on the online Advanced Diploma in Local History and I have not been disappointed. I have been able to read topics that I had never considered. I have been able to investigate the impacts of plague on rural locations – specifically including life in the small village in Somerset where I once lived (and where, I dare note, I had absolutely no idea about the dire results or even presence of plague until I undertook this course). I see myself avidly studying and reading these subjects in order to prepare for further study, including the MSt in Literature and Arts. I am truly thrilled to do so.
'My connection to Oxford has also deepened my love of the sport of rowing, noting that Oxford established its team in 1829 and held the first competitive Crew race. Now, I have taken those same histories and extending them to the Crew team here at Temple, for whom I designed a trophy based upon the material culture of nautical history – much of it based on Britain. Even more, I am taking a group of Temple Crew members to Oxford for them to experience this great university.
'What might I say to someone who is considering undertaking a course with Oxford Continuing Education? Quite simply, there is no reason not to do so. Oxford is not just any university – and I note that as a person happily employed at a university. The skills, writing abilities, leadership and insights that a person gains are more than anyone can expect. Of all of the academic decisions that I have made – and yes, at this stage of my career I have made plenty – it has been by far one of the most meaningful, long lasting, important, and deeply fulfilling decisions that I have made.
'If I may suggest an analogy, I would say pick up a favourite book. Now, sit down to read it with a nice cup of tea. And then, read the first page – but only and strictly the first page, no more. That feeling of wondering what is next, what happens in the story, how the work progresses, what the end result could be: all of that is what it feels like when a person looks back and wonders why they didn't take part in a programme such as this one. Was it fear, concern or worry that stopped someone from reading on? Possibly, but ultimately, there's a lot more to the story, to all of our stories. All we have to do is turn the page and explore another page, and then another, and another, and onward. The CertHE allows people to do that, and it is a truly exceptional read in every meaning of the word.'
Photo: Scott shaking hands with the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Irene Tracey, at our March 2024 Award Ceremony.
