School of Historical Studies Centre for Classics & Archaeology

Classics Summer School 2009

The Classics Summer School is a chance for anyone interested in learning a little more about the ancient world to take some courses over the Summer. All courses are open to anyone - typical participants include members of the general public, high school teachers, secondary/tertiary students and many others. Classes take place at Melbourne University, using university facilities and academic staff. Classes are small, relaxed and fun.

All classes will be held in Room 110 of the Elisabeth Murdoch Building, University of Melbourne Parkville Campus.
see map

Registration form: PDF (24 KB) or Word (79 KB)

Brochure: PDF (97 KB)

For further information please contact:

School of Historical Studies
John Medley Building
The University of Melbourne, Vic. 3010
Tel: (+61 3) 8344 5963
Fax: (+61 3) 8344 7894
Email: cgribbin@unimelb.edu.au

Courses available:

Cities of the Greek and Roman World

with Dr Christopher Gribbin

This course looks at the architecture and art of the Greek and Roman world by exploring a number of the most famous and fascinating archaeological sites. Ideal for people wanting to understand the development of architecture and art from Classical Greece to Christian Rome, for people wanting to know a bit more about life in antiquity or for the armchair traveller.

5 x 1hr sessions, 5-9 January 2009
$120 full, $95 concession

Session 1:
Athens at the Height of its Power and Glory
Session 2:
The Hellenistic Cities of Asia Minor - Miletus, Pergamum and Priene
Session 3:
The Beauty of Pompeii
Session 4:
The Ostentation of Rome in the 1st Century AD
Session 5:
Christian Rome and Beyond

Timetable:

Monday 5th - Friday 9th January
9:30 - 10:30am every day

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Love and Relationships in Ancient Greece

with Dr Christopher Gribbin

This course will explore how the Greeks thought about love and relationships. It looks at these themes in poetry, theatre, philosophy and art. We will explore a number of authors, including the female poet Sappho, to understand the variety and complexity of ancient attitudes. By looking at how the theme is presented in different types of literature, we also explore the differences between these genres.

5 x 1hr sessions, 5 - 9 January 2009
$120 full, $95 concession


Session 1:
Introduction: Greek Ideas and Modern Ideas
Session 2:
The Poets: Homer, Sappho and others
Session 3:
Tragedies and Comedies: Euripides and Aristophanes
Session 4:
The Philosophers: Plato's Symposium and Aristotle
Session 5:
The Legacy of Greece to Rome: Lucretius and Catullus

Timetable:

Monday 5th - Friday 9th January
11:00am - 12:00pm every day

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Philosophise with the Ancient Greeks: An Introduction to Greek Philosophy

with Dr Christopher Gribbin

This course considers some of the essential ideas of philosophy through an exploration of the birth of philosophy in Greece and the first 300 years of its development. Thinkers include Socrates, Plato and Aristotle. Designed for people who want to explore ancient Greek philosophy or philosophy in general and to understand what insights these ancient thinkers have to offer us today.

5 x 2hr sessions, 5 - 9 January 2009
$160 full, $130 concession

Session 1:
The First Philosophers: the Milesians, Heracleitus, Zeno, the Mystics and the Sophists
Session 2:
Socrates and the Question No-one Can Answer
Session 3:
Plato, Skeptics and Cynics
Session 4:
THE Philosopher: Aristotle
Session 5:
The Epicureans and Stoics on How to Live a Good Life

Timetable:

Monday 5th - Friday 9th January
1:00 - 3:00pm every day

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How to Argue like Socrates

with Dr Christopher Gribbin

This course aims to develop your ability to argue effectively. Based on the techniques of Socrates, one of the greatest arguers of all time, this course mixes theory and practice. We'll look at passages from Plato's dialogues to understand what questions to ask and what mistakes people often make, but we'll also put the principles into practice with in-class dialogues. Socratic method is a powerful tool for learning about other people and yourself and for getting at the reasons for disagreements. It even forms the basis for some modern teaching practices. Course materials will be provided. Just bring along your curiosity and a willingness to argue.

5 x 1hr30min sessions, 5 - 9 January 2009
$130 full, $100 concession

Session 1:
The Theory Behind Socratic Argument
Session 2:
Definition: Why its Important and How to Get it Right
Session 3:
Finding the Contradictions
Session 4:
Being Constructive: Using Socratic Argument to Persuade People
Session 5:
Bringing it All Together

Timetable:

Monday 5th - Friday 9th January
3:30 - 5:00pm every day

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