Great Minds Interact. Artists, Dramatists and Philosophers in Ancient Greece - part 2
Continue your exploration into our understanding (and enjoyment) of the lovely art of ancient Greece. Insights gained are applicable to art appreciation generally. No prior knowledge of Greek philosophy, drama or Greek art is required. Your own thoughts and insights are central.
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A connection between philosophers and artists might seem unlikely! "They live in different worlds - ivory towers and workshops". But in classical Greece we find evidence of reciprocal influence. There are striking similarities; both artists, dramatists, and philosophers can challenge received opinion and 'explain their world'. They can claim it to be unified or diverse? fixed or changing? ordered or chaotic? Philosophy and imagery ask 'can we believe what we see or does all viewing deceive?' Is everything just a matter of opinion? Is art 'good' or 'bad' and how dies it relate to politics? Greek philosophers, dramatists, and artists all provide similar answers to these questions. This course is richly illustrated, offering an aesthetic as well as an intellectual experience.
What will we cover?
We view and enjoy a wide variety of ancient and beautiful Greek works of art. We consider these creations in the context of Greek ideas.
What will I achieve? By the end of this course you should be able to...
Explain key political, social and cultural events in Ancient Greece in their historical context
Recognise the style, period and context for archaeological objects, images and texts
Use appropriate evidence and strategies for analysing this ancient material
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 participate and 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. Curiosity, an open mind and a willingness to listen to and think about opposing views 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, a museum visit, questions, readings and analysis of original texts (in translation). Museum visits and reading outside the course will enhance the experience.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
Michael teaches Classical and Ancient history at the City Lit. For many years he lectured in the Certificate/Diploma in History of Art course at London University, Birkbeck. He delivered a course in the ‘Classical Tradition’ at St Mary’s University and on ‘the Classical Artist’ at the Courtauld Institute. He also teaches a Summer School on Ancient Art in Christ Church, Oxford University. Michael acts as a tour guide to archaeological sites and museum collections.
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.
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https://www.citylit.ac.uk/great-minds-interact-artists-dramatists-and-philosophers-in-ancient-greece-part-23030910Great Minds Interact. Artists, Dramatists and Philosophers in Ancient Greece - part 2https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/category/ancient-civiliations-city-lit.jpg259259GBPInStock/Courses/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Ancient civilisations/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Ancient civilisations/Ancient civilisations22851177119111921228511771191<p>Continue your exploration into our understanding (and enjoyment) of the lovely art of ancient Greece. Insights gained are applicable to art appreciation generally. No prior knowledge of Greek philosophy, drama or Greek art is required. Your own thoughts and insights are central.</p>003030781Great Minds Interact. Artists, Dramatists and Philosophers in Ancient Greece - part 2259259https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/category/ancient-civiliations-city-lit.jpgInStockDaytimeWedKeeley StreetAvailable courses5-10 weeksWeekday2026-09-30T00:00:00+00:00Beginners, Some experience, Advanced, Suitable for allSep 2026Culture, history & humanitiesRC001259259Great Minds Interact. Artists, Dramatists and Philosophers in Ancient Greece - part 2207168259Michael Duigangreat-minds-interact-artists-dramatists-and-philosophers-in-ancient-greece-part-2/rc001-2627<p>Continue your exploration into our understanding (and enjoyment) of the lovely art of ancient Greece. Insights gained are applicable to art appreciation generally. No prior knowledge of Greek philosophy, drama or Greek art is required. Your own thoughts and insights are central.</p>0000-Available|2026-09-30 00:00:00<p>A connection between philosophers and artists might seem unlikely! "They live in different worlds - ivory towers and workshops". But in classical Greece we find evidence of reciprocal influence. There are striking similarities; both artists, dramatists, and philosophers can challenge received opinion and 'explain their world'. They can claim it to be unified or diverse? fixed or changing? ordered or chaotic? Philosophy and imagery ask 'can we believe what we see or does all viewing deceive?' Is everything just a matter of opinion? Is art 'good' or 'bad' and how dies it relate to politics? Greek philosophers, dramatists, and artists all provide similar answers to these questions. This course is richly illustrated, offering an aesthetic as well as an intellectual experience.</p><p>Continue your exploration into our understanding (and enjoyment) of the lovely art of ancient Greece. Insights gained are applicable to art appreciation generally. No prior knowledge of Greek philosophy, drama or Greek art is required. Your own thoughts and insights are central.</p><p>We view and enjoy a wide variety of ancient and beautiful Greek works of art. We consider these creations in the context of Greek ideas.</p><ul><li>Explain key political, social and cultural events in Ancient Greece in their historical context</li><li>Recognise the style, period and context for archaeological objects, images and texts</li><li>Use appropriate evidence and strategies for analysing this ancient material</li></ul><p>This is an introductory course and does not assume any previous study or reading although you will need a good grasp of English to participate and 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. Curiosity, an open mind and a willingness to listen to and think about opposing views are more important than specific levels of skills.</p><p>Illustrated lectures, discussions, a museum visit, questions, readings and analysis of original texts (in translation). Museum visits and reading outside the course will enhance the experience.</p><p>Limited book purchases recommended but optional.</p><p>Another Ancient Civilisations class next term.</p>Ancient civilisationsAncient civilisationsvirtual207259168RC001NONEWed30/09/26 - 02/12/2611:30 - 13:3011:3013:3010 sessions (over 10 weeks)105-10 weeksDaytimeWeekdayKSKeeley StreetMichael DuiganBeginners, Some experience, Advanced, Suitable for allAvailable courses2026-09-30T00:00:00+00:00Sep 2026Culture, history & humanities259259Great Minds Interact. Artists, Dramatists and Philosophers in Ancient Greece - part 2great-minds-interact-artists-dramatists-and-philosophers-in-ancient-greece-part-2/rc001-2627<p>Continue your exploration into our understanding (and enjoyment) of the lovely art of ancient Greece. Insights gained are applicable to art appreciation generally. No prior knowledge of Greek philosophy, drama or Greek art is required. Your own thoughts and insights are central.</p>0000-Available|2026-09-30 00:00:00<p>A connection between philosophers and artists might seem unlikely! "They live in different worlds - ivory towers and workshops". But in classical Greece we find evidence of reciprocal influence. There are striking similarities; both artists, dramatists, and philosophers can challenge received opinion and 'explain their world'. They can claim it to be unified or diverse? fixed or changing? ordered or chaotic? Philosophy and imagery ask 'can we believe what we see or does all viewing deceive?' Is everything just a matter of opinion? Is art 'good' or 'bad' and how dies it relate to politics? Greek philosophers, dramatists, and artists all provide similar answers to these questions. This course is richly illustrated, offering an aesthetic as well as an intellectual experience.</p><p>Continue your exploration into our understanding (and enjoyment) of the lovely art of ancient Greece. Insights gained are applicable to art appreciation generally. No prior knowledge of Greek philosophy, drama or Greek art is required. Your own thoughts and insights are central.</p><p>We view and enjoy a wide variety of ancient and beautiful Greek works of art. We consider these creations in the context of Greek ideas.</p><ul><li>Explain key political, social and cultural events in Ancient Greece in their historical context</li><li>Recognise the style, period and context for archaeological objects, images and texts</li><li>Use appropriate evidence and strategies for analysing this ancient material</li></ul><p>This is an introductory course and does not assume any previous study or reading although you will need a good grasp of English to participate and 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. Curiosity, an open mind and a willingness to listen to and think about opposing views are more important than specific levels of skills.</p><p>Illustrated lectures, discussions, a museum visit, questions, readings and analysis of original texts (in translation). Museum visits and reading outside the course will enhance the experience.</p><p>Limited book purchases recommended but optional.</p><p>Another Ancient Civilisations class next term.</p>Ancient civilisationsAncient civilisationsconfigurable
11921191Ancient civilisationshttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/humanities/ancient-civilisations/ancient-civilisations-11/2/285/1177/1191/11921/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Ancient civilisations/Ancient civilisations