Classical Civilisations Summer School

The Roman sculpture of Menelaus supporting the body of PatroclusOur Classical Civilisations Summer School offers an exciting opportunity for students to explore the history, literature, material culture and international relations of ancient Greece and Rome. The thinkers, fighters, rulers and poets of the classical period have all had a profound and transformative impact on Western culture – many of their names and ideas are commonplace and familiar even today, but the reality of their worldviews and their day-to-day lives is often surprisingly alien. For over 2000 years of Western history, each generation has rediscovered, reinterpreted and made its own use of the classical legacy, which has proved an endlessly fertile source of inspiration and intellectual challenge.

On this course we will sample a wide variety of areas of study, all the time considering the strong links between the ancient and the contemporary. We will always look for ways in which we can engage actively with the ideas and institutions of the past – with a mock Roman senatorial session, for instance, to discuss the fate of Carthage, or a practical workshop on the art of rhetoric in the ancient courts of law.

See a schedule for this course here.

The interdisciplinary nature of Classical Civilisations is one of its greatest strengths, and this course offers a fantastic opportunity to broaden your outlook and develop new perspectives on some of our most fundamental ideals and most enduring stories.

This course is obviously well suited to students considering Classics at university, but would also be of interest to those considering related disciplines such as History or Literature. Please note that you do not need to have studied any Greek or Latin to take part in this Summer School – all sources will be studied in translation.

Our approach to tuition is varied – offering interactive discussions, debates, short lectures, group presentations and close individual reading of primary and secondary source material. Special emphasis is given to developing students skills as critical readers at an undergraduate level, by analysing extracts and quotations, as well as images, material sources and oral accounts. Participants will be supported in formulating and presenting their own viewpoints clearly and logically and encouraged to challenge one another’s positions in a constructive and friendly atmosphere.

The Roman sculpture of Menelaus supporting the body of PatroclusOur Classical Civilisations Summer School offers an exciting opportunity for students to explore the history, literature, material culture and international relations of ancient Greece and Rome. The thinkers, fighters, rulers and poets of the classical period have all had a profound and transformative impact on Western culture – many of their names and ideas are commonplace and familiar even today, but the reality of their worldviews and their day-to-day lives is often surprisingly alien. For over 2000 years of Western history, each generation has rediscovered, reinterpreted and made its own use of the classical legacy, which has proved an endlessly fertile source of inspiration and intellectual challenge.

On this course we will sample a wide variety of areas of study, all the time considering the strong links between the ancient and the contemporary. We will always look for ways in which we can engage actively with the ideas and institutions of the past – with a mock Roman senatorial session, for instance, to discuss the fate of Carthage, or a practical workshop on the art of rhetoric in the ancient courts of law.

See a schedule for this course here.

The interdisciplinary nature of Classical Civilisations is one of its greatest strengths, and this course offers a fantastic opportunity to broaden your outlook and develop new perspectives on some of our most fundamental ideals and most enduring stories.

This course is obviously well suited to students considering Classics at university, but would also be of interest to those considering related disciplines such as History or Literature. Please note that you do not need to have studied any Greek or Latin to take part in this Summer School – all sources will be studied in translation.

Our approach to tuition is varied – offering interactive discussions, debates, short lectures, group presentations and close individual reading of primary and secondary source material. Special emphasis is given to developing students skills as critical readers at an undergraduate level, by analysing extracts and quotations, as well as images, material sources and oral accounts. Participants will be supported in formulating and presenting their own viewpoints clearly and logically and encouraged to challenge one another’s positions in a constructive and friendly atmosphere.

‘The Classical Civilisations Summer School is perfect for anyone wanting an overview of everything to do with the ancient world – be it literature, history, philosophy, art or famous figures – as a lot of time is spent on each of those areas. The tutors are incredibly friendly and approachable, and although you are learning the whole time, not a minute of it is dull.’

‘The course provided a very interesting insight into the classical world, covering a wide range of culture and information with a different topic each day. Classes were engaging and didn’t feel like a school day, with fun games and friendly and knowledgeable tutors. I would definitely recommend the course and hope to do another with Debate Chamber next year.’

‘This Summer School was really good and I would definitely recommend it.  Lots of the things you learn help you with GCSE/A Level courses, but at the same time aren’t things that they teach at school.  The areas covered are very wide so you get to examine a wide spectrum of topics under the heading of Classical Civilisation.’

‘The Classical Civilisations Summer School is perfect for anyone wanting an overview of everything to do with the ancient world – be it literature, history, philosophy, art or famous figures – as a lot of time is spent on each of those areas. The tutors are incredibly friendly and approachable, and although you are learning the whole time, not a minute of it is dull.’

Practical Details

The Classical Civilisations Summer School is open to students aged 15 – 18, and will take place on the 3rd – 5th August (waiting list).

The online course is three days in length, and teaching hours on each day will run from 10.00am till 3.30pm, with a lunch break. 

This is a live online event, with small seminar groups offering fully interactive classroom discussion and debate (much as you would normally expect from our in-person courses). The event will not be recorded, so it is essential that you are able to attend during the course hours, and that you have a reliable audio and video internet connection.

The cost for this course is £275, and you can reserve your place with a 25% non-refundable deposit. The remainder of the payment is due eight weeks in advance of the course start date. Please see here for full booking terms and conditions.

If you have any questions, simply call us on 0800 810 1058 or email us at [email protected]

We offer a limited number of full and partial bursaries (of up to 80% of fees) to students who could not otherwise afford to attend. If you would like to apply for a bursary then please complete your bursary application here.