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Hope helps bring the ancient world to classrooms

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Bringing the ancient world into contemporary classrooms is the focus of a special event to be held at Liverpool Hope University.

Hosted by Lecturer in Drama Dr Stephe Harrop and Alice Case from Liverpool Classics Hub, the free event has been designed especially for teachers and school-leaders.

It aims to encourage the introduction of Classical Civilisation and Ancient History in UK schools and has been organised as part of the Arts and Humanities Research Council-funded project ‘Advocating Classics Education’.

Talking about the importance of classics in education, Dr Harrop said: “The ancient past definitely isn’t dead and buried. Studying the ancient world can offer today’s young people a vital training in cultural literacy, critical thinking, comparative analysis, public speaking, and interdisciplinary skills.

“When we think of ancient plays, poems, or speeches, we often imagine them spoken in privileged, southern voices. I really want to challenge that stereotype. At Liverpool Hope, we believe that every young person should have access to a rich, challenging arts and humanities education. I want every young person in the north-west to know that you can argue with passion and eloquence about Euripides, Plato, or Cicero, no matter what your background or accent. And I want them to know that every time we do, we help to challenge centuries of cultural exclusion.”

The event will feature talks from Professor Edith Hall, Kings College London, and broadcaster and novelist Natalie Haynes.

Attendees will have a chance to network with contacts who are passionate about teaching the ancient world, an opportunity to explore rare volumes from Liverpool Hope’s Special Collections, and find out how to introduce the study of classical civilisation into the curriculum.

Ancient Worlds, Contemporary Classrooms will take place on Wednesday 21st March, 2 – 5.30pm, Hope Park campus, Liverpool Hope University.

For more information, please contact Dr Harrop on harrops@hope.ac.uk.


Published on 20/03/2018