The course offers a critical approach to the way in which Classical Studies have been constituted and how specific periods and aspects of antiquity are approached. Particularly indicative cases of interaction between cultures from various historical periods have been selected for examination. Among others, reference is made to the Greeks of classical antiquity through the gaze of the Romans of the Imperial era; to the archaeological activity of the major European powers in the 18th and 19th centuries; to the role of classical antiquity in the creation of European identity during the formation of nation-states; and to the significance of classical antiquity in everyday life today.
These correlations are studied both individually and comparatively, aiming to draw conclusions regarding the instrumental use of the past in phases of socio-political ferment, as well as the necessity of understanding this process within the context of academic inquiry. For this purpose, analytical categories and terminology are used from the fields of reception studies, post-colonial criticism, and other key critical approaches.
Week 1
Why are we interested in ancient history? What do we seek to gain from the study of antiquity?
Week 2
Key definitions: Reception, memory (with an emphasis on cultural memory), the difference between memory and history.
Week 3
External definition of the concept of "Greekness" in antiquity: The Greeks through the eyes of the Romans.
Week 4
Greek paideia and the Roman Empire.
Week 5
The Iliad, Hadrian's Panhellenion, and the formation of the concept of "Greekness".
Week 6
Strategic use of Greek culture. Case study: Antinoopolis.
Week 7
Hellenism in Late Antiquity.
Week 8
Europe's interest in classical antiquity and the formation of "Classical Studies".
Week 9
Antiquity and colonialism. Antiquity and fascism.
Week 10
Papyri as texts and objects.
Week 11
The Elgin Marbles: historical context and symbolism.
Week 12
Review session of the course bibliography.
Week 13
Paper presentations, discussion.
The teaching/learning process is supported through the asynchronous learning platform Opencourses of the Ionian University (document repository, announcements, posting of notes and files, user groups, online coursework, file sharing, etc.).
Zoom is used for synchronous teaching and communication with students.
Language: Greek
Course assessment is conducted through written examinations at the end of the semester. Additionally, during the semester, each student offers an oral presentation on a topic related to the course bibliography, which is taken additionally into account.
Criteria – Guidelines: Guidelines for the assignment, presentation of the topic, compilation of a list of possible topics, topic declaration, provision of methodological and research directions, thorough discussion for assignment preparation and addressing questions and ideas, assignment presentation. Assessment criteria include: accuracy in selecting specific topics, comprehension of the topic, presentation of conclusions, and formulation of proposals.
The material is posted on the course page on the Ionian University opencourses platform. Detailed instructions are given in class. Each presentation is followed by discussion, while a special review of the key topics precedes the written examination.
Written examinations take place at the end of the semester. Additionally, during the semester, each student gives an oral presentation on a topic related to the course bibliography, which has an effect on the final course mark.
Guidelines are offered for the assignment, topic presentation, compilation of a list of alternative topics, methodological and research directions. Matters relating to the preparation of the assignment are discussed in depth and any questions and ideas are addressed prior to the presentation of the assignment. The evaluation criteria include: the appropriateness of the selection of individual topics for discussion, overall comprhension of the topic, presentation of conclusions, and formulation of proposals.
Reading material is posted on the course page on the Ionian University’s Opencourses platform. Students are provided with detailed guidelines during the course. Discussion follows the presentations, while a special review of the main topics takes place before the written examinations.
