Up close and personal with Greek archaeological treasures

What is the course about?

This course looks at art-objects from the ancient Greek world, covering a wide time frame from the Archaic period of art through to the Late Classical. The 6th-4th centuries BC was a period of great change in the Greek world, and this is reflected in the art which was produced. On this course, learners will gain knowledge of, and insight into, the context (literary, cultural, historical) in which it was created. The focus is on exploring and engaging with a range of the visual arts produced by the Greeks in the 6th-4th centuries BC, including free-standing sculpture, architectural sculpture and vase-painting.
The morning session provides an introduction which is designed to support the visit to the British Museum after lunch, where we will take a detailed look at some of the artworks on display.

What will we cover?

• free-standing sculpture
• architectural sculpture
• black-figure and red-figure pottery.

In particular, we will consider:
• How did Greek sculptors approach an architectural blank space stylistically?
• What role did mythology have in determining design and composition of Greek artifacts/sculpture?
• What does the treatment of the male and female body in Greek sculpture reveal about the ways ancient Greeks
thought about themselves and their world?
• What are the strengths of archaeological evidence in contributing to our understanding of the ancient world?

What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...

• Recognise key features of some of the major periods of Greek archaeology and art (Geometric, Archaic, Early Classical, Late Classical and High Classical).
• Be familiar with diverse Greek archaeological objects and their significance for understanding the lives of people in the past.

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. You will gain more from the course, in terms of enjoyment and learning, if you are able and willing to do some supplementary reading, but this is entirely optional.

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

Teaching will be through illustrated lectures, a handout, exploratory questioning, enhanced by a guided museum visit.

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

No. You may want to bring writing material to take notes. Be aware that the afternoon visit requires walking around the museum and standing for some time in the galleries.

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

Many other courses on ancient history, art and archaeology at the City Lit.