Semester 1
This course explores the development of the notion of human freedom through the works of ancient Greek and Roman authors. By visiting selected texts, the course will engage into critical discussion that helps the student to analyse various notions of human freedom against the literary, cultural and anthropological milieu of a particular era in antiquity as well as assess the organic development of the notion across different classical periods. Beginning from the Greek myths, it weaves its way through various ancient schools of thought leading to the works of St Augustine of Hippo, who provides the most consequential account of human freedom for modern Western thought.
Summer
Throughout these sessions, you will analyse the influence of Ancient Greek and Roman literature on the visual arts of the Neoclassical, Romantic, and Modern movements. You will delve into the works of foundational authors, from the epic traditions of Greece to the heights of the Roman Empire, exploring themes such as patriotic propaganda, pastoral imagery, and romance.
Semester 1, Semester 2
This eight-week course will introduce students to the realm of Ancient Greek Mythology.
Throughout the study-unit we shall discuss the impact that these myths had on Ancient Greek civilisation and how these myths affected the culture and society of the people that believed in them.
Students will be also introduced to mythology through ancient literary sources such as Homer and Hesiod, as well as through ancient drama such as the tragedies of Euripides.
Semester 2
A mixed-focus Thematic Approach which seeks to explore elements of Greek and Roman history through a thematic rather than chronological approach that puts the emphasis on these themes rather than on the narrative.
Semester 2
The term ‘Renaissance’ derives from the Latin verb renascor, which means ‘to be reborn’. This notion of ‘rebirth’ is applied broadly to a historical period between the 14 th and 16 th centuries CE, during which Europe witnessed a rebirth of the Classics, i.e. the ancient Greek and Roman world. The art, history, literature, mysticism, philosophy, and rhetoric of the classical world became catalysts for innovative thought among Renaissance thinkers, artists, and patrons alike.
The powerhouse of the Italian Renaissance was the Italian city of Florence, where this new movement flourished under the patronage of the house of Medici, an influential family of bankers. Through the Medici’s patronage, some of the most important figures in European history emerged, including Cristoforo Landino, Marsilio Ficino, Sandro Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, and Giovanni Pico della Mirandola, among many others.
The aim of this study-unit is to explore how the Classics (re)emerged as the foundation for the Italian Renaissance. Each lecture will delve into a particular theme from the classical world by considering a variety of textual and artistic sources from the Italian Renaissance. Throughout this study-unit, participants will be able to reflect on how the Classics continue to be received well beyond the ancient world, including in our own contemporary societies.
Semester 1
In this course, students will learn about the foundations of UNSCR 1325 and its related
resolutions. This course will unpack the gendered differences, both theoretically and
practically, of conflict analysis, violent conflict, security, climate change, humanitarian law,
peacekeeping, reconstruction and relief & recovery. Via specific case studies, students will
be able to identify the fundamental elements of the WPS agenda, how and why it matters,
and what major challenges the agenda is facing. Over nine sessions, students will hear from
researchers, academics, practitioners and policy writers, covering the following topics: