Classics: A Problematic Heritage in the 21st Century

What?

Ancient Greece and Rome regularly appear in present-day political discourse and popular culture. But why does Greco-Roman antiquity still hold such sway in the 21st century? In this course, we investigate how individuals, groups, and societies today claim classical antiquity as their own, what motivates them to do so, and what impact this creates in the great controversies of our times. In looking for answers to these questions, this course brings together students and teachers drawn from a range of different disciplines. Topics will include ancient Sparta and European far-right movements, Roman orators in US political speech, and political constructions of ‘Rome’ in the modern Middle East. Greco-Roman antiquity reveals itself as a powerful set of ideas and symbols, constantly re-created and constructed in changing political and social circumstances.

For whom?

This course is open to all curious BA-students after their first year of study and to Erasmus exchange students. There are no other prerequisites: students from any background and discipline are welcome. If you have an interest in ancient Greece or Rome, (cultural) politics, and current affairs, then this course is for you. You can choose between the 5ECTS and the 10 ECTS version of the course, depending on what fits in best with your other commitments.

Student testimonial

Shirley Low
"I found the course on the problematic heritage of classics in the 21st century very insightful and engaging. As a student of history and philosophy I felt able to use my skills and knowledge from those courses, but also that I could engage in discussions on topics I'd never studied before. The classroom environment was nurturing and I felt both the in-class discussions and the readings we were set were insightful and relevant. Regarding the workload I did this course on top of a bachelors in history and philosophy honours and found it manageable and enjoyable."

How?

During the first block we meet for weekly seminars. Participants study texts, images, or videos which can tell us about the uses that the Greek or Roman past is put to in modern debates. Each week offers a new perspective on the topic, and lecturers are drawn from a range of fields (including Archaeology, American Studies, History, and Classics). You prepare some material in advance each week and participate actively during class. The block is concluded with a short piece of writing, in which you choose and analyze one particular use of the classical past in the modern world. You can write either in English or in Dutch.

If you take the 10 ECTS version and continue with the course into the second block, you move from analyzing such phenomena to communicating about them with a non-academic public, and from taking part in discussions to generating and structuring them yourself. For this purpose, you will produce, with a small group of students, a video essay on a topic chosen by the group. The class will meet regularly to consult on the topics and on the production process, to share tips and tricks and to give peer feedback.

Below is an example of a video essay. It was made by 2021 students Gigi Reisner and Roland van der Werf.

What will I learn?

You will

• learn about the roles which the classical past and its heritage play in the world we live in
• learn to spot and critically analyse uses of Greco-Roman heritagein political and popular culture
• develop your skills of analysis of a range of media, including political speech, drama, film and social media
• participate in interdisciplinary discussions and get a better understanding of your own personal and academic perspective in relation to that of others
• learn to communicate about one aspect of the course topic clearly and effectively in writing
  

In addition, if you are taking the 10 ECTS version, you will:

• learn to produce a video essay for a non-specialist audience about an independently chosen topic relevant to the course
• learn to organise, participate in and structure constructive debates around the use of history in public discourse
  

Sign up:

You can sign up via Progress. The course codes are LQX049B05 (for the 5 ECTS version) and LQX050B10 (for the 10 ECTS version). If you encounter any problems with signing up, please contact your programme coordinator.

Questions?
Questions about the course can be addressed to Bettina Reitz-Joosse at B.L.Reitz-Joosse rug.nl .