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In the course of six sessions we will not just be examining “politics as a vocation” (as Max Weber phrased it a century ago). Instead, learners are taken on a historical journey to trace the evolving profession across the centuries from antiquity to modern times. We will be looking at celebrated statesmen and reviled villains, audacious reformers and cautious guardians. Between great leaders and glorified bureaucrats, we seek an answer to the core question of this course: How did political events and circumstances lead to the emergence of politics as a profession
We will be reviewing how the challenges of political decision making have changed over time from the age of the Roman Empire to the present day corridors of power. We will draw on examples of political decision makers in different eras, geographical contexts and cultural settings, examine changes to their recruitment, identify their qualification and preparation for the job, assess their recourse to rhetoric and propaganda, appreciate how they retained power and discuss their downfalls. On our historical itinerary we will be encountering writers - ranging from Quintus Tullius Cicero, Baldassare Castiglione, Niccolo Machiavelli to Max Weber and Walter Lipmann - who share their insights into the art of politics and the techniques of power deployed by the protagonists over the course of history.
What will we cover?
- Men of the people, blessed by the Gods: The secrets of leadership in ancient Rome - Managing the Holy See: Power brokers and Realpolitik during the Renaissance - Courtiers and their princes: At power’s elbow during Absolutism and Enlightenment - From Robespierre to Garibaldi: About revolutionary figures and nation builders - The people’s voice and the emergence of democratic politicians - Actors and athletes: When populist leaders and celebrity candidates entered the political arena
What will I achieve? By the end of this course you should be able to...
- appreciate the concept of “politics as a vocation” - critique the selection, recruitment and training of candidates and political leaders - recognize the levers of power and the people who wield them in different historical contexts - assess the domestic and international issues that shape public decision making - understand the interface between personality, managerial behaviour and governmental practice - identify and compare strengths and flaws of political management in different historical contexts - discuss constructively the skills and knowledge required for effective political leadership.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
Some background knowledge about current debates in politics and leadership as well as an interest in politicians’ biographies would be useful but is not essential. There will be core readings provided to students at the beginning of the course so that everyone can get familiarized with the themes/issues to be explored and discussed in each session. 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?
A mixture of lectures/ short presentations by the tutor, Q&As and class discussions. A comprehensive bibliography will be suggested by the tutor at the beginning of the course. Also, (brief) reading materials will be made available for specific sessions. Participants will be encouraged to familiarize themselves with the material in preparation of class discussions and in order to enhance the learning outcome.
Please note, that as the course progresses, learners are encouraged to take a more active part in the course - this will be achieved through a mixture of smaller group work but also class discussions.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
A list of further readings will be provided to participants. The list will include suggestions of books to purchase, as well as of free resources such as newspapers, podcasts, online articles, and videos. While you are not required to buy any of these, you may wish to purchase some books, subscribe to specialized magazines, or attend talks or webinars on the issue related to this course in order to deepen and broaden the subject knowledge gained in this course. However, this is not a requirement.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
HPC140 Ideals, principles and myths: Making sense of political ideology HPC131 The future of democracy
Christian Schnee studied history, politics as well as public relations at Universities in England, Scotland and the USA. He holds a teaching degree and completed a doctorate in political communication at the University of Hull. After graduating Christian embarked on a career in German politics - serving as spokesperson to the governing party, special advisor to state government and departmental head for a leading European think tank. Subsequently, he returned to the UK as senior lecturer with the University of Worcester. After a stint of seven years in the West Midlands Christian relocated to London - giving in to the temptation of observing Westminster politics at close range. As senior lecturer at Greenwich University he has developed and led classes in public affairs and public relations. Meanwhile he broadened his teaching portfolio and now teaches British and European politics to American University students studying in London. Over the years Christian has written a number of articles and chapters and produced more than half a dozen books with leading academic publishers. The topics of his publications pivot on European politics and political history.
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.
product
https://www.citylit.ac.uk/the-art-of-politics-from-ancient-rome-to-the-modern-day3073120The art of politics: from Ancient Rome to the modern dayhttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/category/Global_Regional_Politics_.jpg149149GBPInStock/Courses/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Politics & economics/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Politics & economics/Global & regional politics228511771677135421228511771677<p>This course will compare political cultures in different countries and draws broadly on cases from various historical periods.</p>003073114The art of politics: from Ancient Rome to the modern day149149https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/category/Global_Regional_Politics_.jpgInStockEveningMonKeeley StreetAvailable courses5-10 weeksWeekday2026-10-12T00:00:00+00:00Beginners, Some experience, Advanced, Suitable for allOct 2026Culture, history & humanitiesHPC329149149The art of politics: from Ancient Rome to the modern day11997149Christian Schneethe-art-of-politics-from-ancient-rome-to-the-modern-day/hpc329-2627<p>This course will compare political cultures in different countries and draws broadly on cases from various historical periods.</p>0000-Available|2026-10-12 00:00:00<p>In the course of six sessions we will not just be examining “politics as a vocation” (as Max Weber phrased it a century ago). Instead, learners are taken on a historical journey to trace the evolving profession across the centuries from antiquity to modern times. We will be looking at celebrated statesmen and reviled villains, audacious reformers and cautious guardians. Between great leaders and glorified bureaucrats, we seek an answer to the core question of this course: How did political events and circumstances lead to the emergence of politics as a profession</p><p>We will be reviewing how the challenges of political decision making have changed over time from the age of the Roman Empire to the present day corridors of power. We will draw on examples of political decision makers in different eras, geographical contexts and cultural settings, examine changes to their recruitment, identify their qualification and preparation for the job, assess their recourse to rhetoric and propaganda, appreciate how they retained power and discuss their downfalls. On our historical itinerary we will be encountering writers - ranging from Quintus Tullius Cicero, Baldassare Castiglione, Niccolo Machiavelli to Max Weber and Walter Lipmann - who share their insights into the art of politics and the techniques of power deployed by the protagonists over the course of history.</p><p> </p><p>This course will compare political cultures in different countries and draws broadly on cases from various historical periods.</p><p>- Men of the people, blessed by the Gods: The secrets of leadership in ancient Rome<br>- Managing the Holy See: Power brokers and Realpolitik during the Renaissance<br>- Courtiers and their princes: At power’s elbow during Absolutism and Enlightenment<br>- From Robespierre to Garibaldi: About revolutionary figures and nation builders<br>- The people’s voice and the emergence of democratic politicians<br>- Actors and athletes: When populist leaders and celebrity candidates entered the political arena</p>- appreciate the concept of “politics as a vocation”<br>- critique the selection, recruitment and training of candidates and political leaders<br>- recognize the levers of power and the people who wield them in different historical contexts <br>- assess the domestic and international issues that shape public decision making<br>- understand the interface between personality, managerial behaviour and governmental practice<br>- identify and compare strengths and flaws of political management in different historical contexts <br>- discuss constructively the skills and knowledge required for effective political leadership.Some background knowledge about current debates in politics and leadership as well as an interest in politicians’ biographies would be useful but is not essential. There will be core readings provided to students at the beginning of the course so that everyone can get familiarized with the themes/issues to be explored and discussed in each session. 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.A mixture of lectures/ short presentations by the tutor, Q&As and class discussions. A comprehensive bibliography will be suggested by the tutor at the beginning of the course. Also, (brief) reading materials will be made available for specific sessions. Participants will be encouraged to familiarize themselves with the material in preparation of class discussions and in order to enhance the learning outcome. <br><br>Please note, that as the course progresses, learners are encouraged to take a more active part in the course - this will be achieved through a mixture of smaller group work but also class discussions.A list of further readings will be provided to participants. The list will include suggestions of books to purchase, as well as of free resources such as newspapers, podcasts, online articles, and videos. While you are not required to buy any of these, you may wish to purchase some books, subscribe to specialized magazines, or attend talks or webinars on the issue related to this course in order to deepen and broaden the subject knowledge gained in this course. However, this is not a requirement.<p>HPC140 Ideals, principles and myths: Making sense of political ideology<br>HPC131 The future of democracy</p>Politics & economicsGlobal & regional politicsvirtual11914997HPC329NONEMon12/10/26 - 16/11/2618:00 - 19:3018:0019:306 sessions (over 6 weeks)65-10 weeksEveningWeekdayKSKeeley StreetChristian SchneeBeginners, Some experience, Advanced, Suitable for allAvailable courses2026-10-12T00:00:00+00:00Oct 2026Culture, history & humanities149149The art of politics: from Ancient Rome to the modern daythe-art-of-politics-from-ancient-rome-to-the-modern-day/hpc329-2627<p>This course will compare political cultures in different countries and draws broadly on cases from various historical periods.</p>0000-Available|2026-10-12 00:00:00<p>In the course of six sessions we will not just be examining “politics as a vocation” (as Max Weber phrased it a century ago). Instead, learners are taken on a historical journey to trace the evolving profession across the centuries from antiquity to modern times. We will be looking at celebrated statesmen and reviled villains, audacious reformers and cautious guardians. Between great leaders and glorified bureaucrats, we seek an answer to the core question of this course: How did political events and circumstances lead to the emergence of politics as a profession</p><p>We will be reviewing how the challenges of political decision making have changed over time from the age of the Roman Empire to the present day corridors of power. We will draw on examples of political decision makers in different eras, geographical contexts and cultural settings, examine changes to their recruitment, identify their qualification and preparation for the job, assess their recourse to rhetoric and propaganda, appreciate how they retained power and discuss their downfalls. On our historical itinerary we will be encountering writers - ranging from Quintus Tullius Cicero, Baldassare Castiglione, Niccolo Machiavelli to Max Weber and Walter Lipmann - who share their insights into the art of politics and the techniques of power deployed by the protagonists over the course of history.</p><p> </p><p>This course will compare political cultures in different countries and draws broadly on cases from various historical periods.</p><p>- Men of the people, blessed by the Gods: The secrets of leadership in ancient Rome<br>- Managing the Holy See: Power brokers and Realpolitik during the Renaissance<br>- Courtiers and their princes: At power’s elbow during Absolutism and Enlightenment<br>- From Robespierre to Garibaldi: About revolutionary figures and nation builders<br>- The people’s voice and the emergence of democratic politicians<br>- Actors and athletes: When populist leaders and celebrity candidates entered the political arena</p>- appreciate the concept of “politics as a vocation”<br>- critique the selection, recruitment and training of candidates and political leaders<br>- recognize the levers of power and the people who wield them in different historical contexts <br>- assess the domestic and international issues that shape public decision making<br>- understand the interface between personality, managerial behaviour and governmental practice<br>- identify and compare strengths and flaws of political management in different historical contexts <br>- discuss constructively the skills and knowledge required for effective political leadership.Some background knowledge about current debates in politics and leadership as well as an interest in politicians’ biographies would be useful but is not essential. There will be core readings provided to students at the beginning of the course so that everyone can get familiarized with the themes/issues to be explored and discussed in each session. 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.A mixture of lectures/ short presentations by the tutor, Q&amp;As and class discussions. A comprehensive bibliography will be suggested by the tutor at the beginning of the course. Also, (brief) reading materials will be made available for specific sessions. Participants will be encouraged to familiarize themselves with the material in preparation of class discussions and in order to enhance the learning outcome. <br><br>Please note, that as the course progresses, learners are encouraged to take a more active part in the course - this will be achieved through a mixture of smaller group work but also class discussions.A list of further readings will be provided to participants. The list will include suggestions of books to purchase, as well as of free resources such as newspapers, podcasts, online articles, and videos. While you are not required to buy any of these, you may wish to purchase some books, subscribe to specialized magazines, or attend talks or webinars on the issue related to this course in order to deepen and broaden the subject knowledge gained in this course. However, this is not a requirement.<p>HPC140 Ideals, principles and myths: Making sense of political ideology<br>HPC131 The future of democracy</p>Politics & economicsGlobal & regional politicsconfigurable
