Africa and the Classics - the role Africa played in shaping the Classical world and our modern understanding of it
world, highlighting Africa's significant contributions to the Classical world.
- Course Code: RC070
- Dates: 02/10/24 - 04/12/24
- Time: 15:30 - 17:30
- Taught: Wed, Daytime
- Duration: 10 sessions (over 10 weeks)
- Location: Keeley Street
- Tutor: Szerdi Nagy
Course Code: RC070
Duration: 10 sessions (over 10 weeks)
Please note: We offer a wide variety of financial support to make courses affordable. Just visit our online Help Centre for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.
What is the course about?
This course aims to explore the multifaceted relationship between Africa and the Classical
world, highlighting Africa's significant contributions to the Classical world. It will examine
how the influence of the Classical world continues to manifest in various aspects of African
culture, society, and thought. It also delves into the concepts of Classical Reception,
exploring how African cultures have received, adapted, and transformed classical ideas
and motifs over time. Additionally, the course will explore colonial era classical education,
and its influence on 19th and 20th-century African literature. Through a combination of
lectures, discussions and presentations, participants will gain an understanding of the
historical and contemporary interactions between Africa and the Classical world.
What will we cover?
• Introduction to key concepts: Africa, the Classical world, Classical Reception, and
Classical Tradition
• Overview of ancient African civilizations: Egypt, Carthage, and Ethiopia and how
they appear in Classical texts
• Examining trade, cultural exchanges, and diplomatic relations between Africa and
ancient Greece and Rome
• Investigating African influences on art, architecture, and philosophy in the Classical
world
• Introduction to Classical literature, focusing on works such as the Iliad and the
Odyssey, The Aeneid, Histories of Herodotus, etc
• Tracing the impact of Roman colonization on North Africa
• Studying African resistance to colonial powers, including Rome and other classical
empires
• Highlighting key figures and events, such as the Numidian king Jugurtha and the
revolt of Queen Zenobia
• Examining Classical Tradition in African artistic expressions
• Examining African philosophical traditions and their intersections with classical
philosophy
• Analyzing African adaptations and reinterpretations of classical myths and epics
• Exploring modern African influences from the Classical world in various domains
(e.g., education, governance, language).
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
Participants will gain an understanding of the historical and contemporary interactions between Africa and the Classical world.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
Combination of lectures, discussions and presentations.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
None.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
Another Ancient Civilisations course at the City Lit. Ask the tutor for suggestions/ advice.
Szerdi Nagy is an accomplished educator and lecturer with over 15 years of experience in the United Kingdom and South Africa teaching Ancient Greek, Latin and Classical Civilizations. Her academic journey has been profoundly influenced by her extensive study and work at a South African university, which has fueled her fascination with the intersection of Africa in the Ancient World and the profound impact of Classics on African cultures. Szerdi's expertise extends to diverse areas, including gender studies in the ancient world and the intricate world of ancient art. Her passion for these subjects has not only enriched her own academic but she strives to create a desire for her students to delve deeper into the realms of history, culture, and art from a unique perspective.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.
