Cambridge, United Kingdom

Ancient and Classical Worlds Summer Programme

when 5 July 2020 - 18 July 2020
language English
duration 2 weeks

This programme offers a rich selection of courses on a range of past cultures and civilisations taught by leading experts and allows you to explore and immerse yourself in the latest thinking on ancient and classical worlds.

The academic programme
• Four courses (two per week)
• Series of plenary lectures
• Optional workshops
• Evening talks
• Contact hours: up to 53.5 hours

Programme description
Whether you are drawn by history or architecture, archaeology or literature, this programme allows you an unrivalled chance to immerse yourself in the latest thinking on antiquity. With subjects such as drama or poetry, Greek philosophers, the Egyptian Old Kingdom, Aegean empires, Visigoths and ancient astronomy, our courses offer a wealth of choice.

"Engage with key issues of the ancient past – thought-provoking and fascinating!"
Dr Jan Parker, Programme Director, Ancient and Classical Worlds Programme

Courses
Select one morning and one afternoon course per week, each has five sessions, the maximum class size is 25 students. Teaching takes place on weekdays. You can opt in to write one 2,000-3,000 word essay per course for evaluation. The following have been invited to teach courses:

Details of our 2020 courses can be found below.

Week 1 (5 - 11 July)

11.15am – 12.45pm
Aa1 - Living in ancient Athens Dr Paul Millett
Aa2 - "Ra has placed the king on his throne forever": Ancient Egyptian religion Dr Corinne Duhig
Aa3 - Popular culture in Ancient Rome Dr Jerry Toner
Aa4 - The Minoans: Europe in the making Dr Anna Simandiraki-Grimshaw

2.00pm – 3.30pm
Ea1 - Plato and Aristotle Dr Karim Esmail
Ea2 - Augustan poetry Dr Charles Weiss
Ea3 - Religious and philosophical traditions of India Mr Daniel Soars
Ea4 - The Myceneans: Greece in the making Dr Anna Simandiraki-Grimshaw

Week 2 (12 – 18 July)

11.15am – 12.45pm
Ab1 - Forgotten people of Ancient Greece Dr Paul Millett
Ab2 - Augustus's Homer Dr Jan Parker
Ab3 - Rome and China Dr Nicholas James
Ab4 - New light on Stonehenge and other stone circles Professor David Jacques

2.00pm – 3.30pm
Eb1 - All roads lead to Rome Dr Matthew Symonds
Eb2 - Carthage beyond the Romans: myths and facts in the Carthaginian world Dr Beatriz Marin-Aguilera
Eb3 - The good life in Ancient Greece and Early China Dr Jenny Zhao
Eb4 - Two great Ancient Indian religious traditions Dr Karim Esmail

Plenary lectures
Wide ranging plenary lectures by leading specialists associated with the University will explore the latest discoveries and key issues and influence of the art, ideas and cultures of the Ancient and Classical Worlds: from China to Scythia, the Aegean to Asia Minor and Rome to Londinium.

Evening talks
Eminent speakers will present a variety of general interest talks. These are shared with students on our other programmes.

Course leader

Dr Jan Parker

Target group

We welcome applications from all adults including university students, professionals and those with other experience, regardless of educational background. This programme is intended for those with an interest in, or currently studying, any aspect of the Ancient and Classical Worlds, or who wish to explore it for the first time. Many courses offer introductions to new subject areas, others are a little more specialised. Unless otherwise specified, no courses require prior learning, but there is usually required and/or supplementary reading which should be undertaken before you arrive in Cambridge.

Course aim

The courses and plenary lectures will capitalise on the expertise within a number of Faculties and Departments, such as Classics, Divinity, Philosophy, Archaeology and Anthropology, Faculty of Asian and Middle Eastern Studies, and the History and Philosophy of Science. The programme will also draw upon a range of museum resources in Cambridge, such as the Museum of Classical Archaeology, Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology, and the Fitzwilliam Museum.

Credits info

The University of Cambridge does not use a credit system for the awarding of its internal degrees, and cannot award credit directly for its International Summer Programmes. Students wishing to obtain credit as a result of our evaluation should consult their own institutions in advance about the acceptability of the Summer Programmes evaluation for credit purposes.

Fee info

GBP 0: See official website