Classics

Classics and Imperialism

constantinakatsari October 6, 2010

“The Petrie Museum has recently reopened its doors after a refurbishment and has several events taking place from next week on: http://www.ucl.ac.uk/museums/whats-on/petrie_listings Of particular relevance to classicists is this event – it is helpful to book first via events.petrie@ucl.ac.uk: CLASSICS AND IMPERIALISM IN THE BRITISH EMPIRE: TALK AND BOOK LAUNCH Date: 21 October | Time: 18.00 – 19.30 Event starts at 18.30. Mark Bradley introduces a new book which brings together ... »

Charitable professors: Donating your money to the University

constantinakatsari July 31, 2010

Two weeks ago I read the news about Classics Professor Douglas MacDowell of the University of Glasgow, who donated after his death over 2 million pounds to his department. The Scottish Academic left the money to the university with the provision that they would fund his old position of Professorship in Greek. It seems that because of financial difficulties Glasgow University has not advertised this post after he retired. The chair remained empty and the sustainability of the subject on the whole... »

Teaching Ancient Coins: A Ray of Hope

constantinakatsari June 25, 2010

Following my latest post on the problems of teaching numismatics, I thought I should offer also some hope. The first solution that springs to mind is to “Teach the Teachers”. Most ancient Historians and Classicists refrain from using coins in the classroom for paedagogical purposes. There are several reasons for this: 1) They have never been formally taught numismatists; therefore they do not know the potential of such a study, 2) They do not understand the theory of monetary economics, 3) They ... »

Ancient History Competition 8

constantinakatsari February 2, 2010

Manolis thinks that the following quiz is easier! I know, though, that many of you will not share his opinion. Here it goes. A 5th-4th century BC dithyrambic poet and a 4th century BC Athenian general had the same name. What was it? »

Professional Skills for Ancient Historians, Classicists and Archaeologists

constantinakatsari January 29, 2010

The study of the classical world may look obsolete in the eyes of the close-minded but, in fact, it has never been timelier. The restructuring of modern societies, the declaration of semi-religious wars, the economic crisis… they all resemble comparable incidents that took place in the past. A student of classical antiquity can easily make parallelisms and learn from previous mistakes, which is a lot more than what government officials can claim. Since the graduate of ancient history, archaeolog... »

Relocation, Relocation: The Fate of an Academic Gypsy

constantinakatsari January 22, 2010

Last Sunday I went for tango in Market Harborough. There, I have been introduced to a young dancer with excellent leading skills. Curious about his style, I asked him where he took tango lessons. He mentioned that he started in Paris and then he continued in Canada and the UK. Then it was my turn to reveal the whereabouts of my teachers: Ireland, UK, Italy, Germany and Greece. The next question took me by surprise. He asked me: Are you a Researcher? How could he have guessed? Was it my scholarly... »

What jobs can you do with an Ancient History or Classics degree?

constantinakatsari January 1, 2010

Contrary to the image I usually project, I do not expect my students to dedicate themselves to a life of poverty in their pursuit of learning Greek or Latin. Instead, I am a firm believer that a course in Ancient History or Classics is only the first step to achieve an illustrious career outside academia. Unfortunately, the direction they may take is not an obvious one. Up to now, when they asked me about the application of their degrees in real life, I tended to joke and claimed that “we are us... »

The Beginning of History

constantinakatsari November 22, 2009

My friends assume that I always wanted to become a historian. Well, I am fairly certain this is not true. I have a vague memory that when I was seven I was infatuated with surgery. At that time, my baby brother was admitted to hospital with hernia. Since then, I was determined to become a baby surgeon. Cutting up little people became the sole purpose of my life. My parents encouraged me to follow this path, hoping that one day I will become a rich and famous doctor. The “doctor” part may have be... »

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