Games in Ancient Greece

As the Olympic Games return to London it is time to reflect on their origin in Ancient Greece where various Greek cities held games. The class will include a visit to the British Museum.

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Key course information

Date
12/02/12

Day(s)
Sun

Duration
1 week

Time
10:30 - 15:30

Fees
Full fee: £38^NC

Venue
KS - Keeley Street

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Course code
HH116

Availability
This course has finished

^NC: No concessionary fees available as there is no government funding for this course.

This course has finished

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Still got questions?
humanities@citylit.ac.uk or call 020 7492 2652

Course outline

What is the course about?

Using images from sculpture and pottery and the descriptions by ancient authors, we shall look at the origins of the Olympic Games and how they developed over the centuries and also at games at other places in Greece such as Athens, Corinth and Delphi. We shall look at all the contests and how they differ from their modern versions but also at the lives of the athletes involved in the games and what it meant to win or lose or to be found cheating.

What topics will we cover?

The games that will be covered in the course include running, running in armour, discus, javelin, jumping with weights, boxing, wrestling, the pankration, pentathlon and equestrian events. At some games (such as Delphi and Athens) there were also music, poetry and painting competitions. The history of the Olympic Games from 776 BC to 393 AD will be looked at showing how different games were added over time. The differences between the four Panhellenic games, at which the prizes were wreaths only, and other games such as the Panathenaic games, at which the prizes were multiple amphorae of valuable olive oil, will be examined to judge the status of the athletes. The names of some of the athletes have survived and their stories will be examined as far as possible. We shall also look at the Heraen games for women but these were much smaller and less well recorded than the games for men.

By the end of this course you should be able to:

Have a better knowledge of how game were conducted in Ancient Greece
Understand how Ancient games relate to modern games
Understand about the lives of the professional athletes and how they were viewed by their compatriots
Discover the relationship between sport and religion.

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?

This is an `introductory` course and does not assume any previous study or reading although you will need a good grasp of English to keep up with the course. As with most of our history and current affairs courses, an open mind and a willingness to listen to and think about views with which you do not always agree are more important than specific levels of skills.

How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?

Illustrated lectures, discussions, questions, reading and a visit to the British Museum.

Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?

Please bring writing materials.

Do I need to have an interview before I can enrol?

No.

What feedback will I get?

You will receive regular feedback from your tutor throughout the course, as and when appropriate. At the end of the course you and your tutor are asked to assess the progress you have made.

How will I be able to give my views on the course?

Please complete the evaluation form at the end of your course. These are monitored and help us to continually improve our courses.

How do I find out if I can get some support for my learning?

You may be interested in: education and careers advice; financial and childcare support; disability support; support for Deaf and hearing-impaired students; dyslexia support; English and maths support; counselling, and library services (supported learning centre). To find out what may be available to you, and how to apply, see page 213 of the 11/12 course guide, or visit www.citylit.ac.uk/students

When I've finished, what course can I do next?

General information and advice on courses at City Lit is available from the Information and Advice Shop, open Monday to Friday 12:00 – 19:00 during term time, and Monday to Friday 12:00 – 17:00 out of term time. See the course guide for term dates and further details.

Who can I contact for further information?

Tel: 020 7492 2652

humanities@citylit.ac.uk

Advice times:

During term-time Monday 12.30–13.30 and 17.30–18.30 Thursday 12.30–13.30 and 17.30–18.30

Non term-time Monday 17.30–18.30 Thursday 12.30–13.30.

To enrol on a course, call 020 7831 7831.