We discard the classics at our peril

Classics graduates know that the best Greek and Roman literature was written at … and Rome in the classical periods and those which face the world today. Read on >>>

Why We Need More, Not Less Latin in Schools …

Later this month, as part of the Mayor’s new Latin volunteering initiative, I will be going into comprehensive schools across the capital to talk to the students about the joys of Latin; more precisely, in an attempt to dispel Latin’s fusty, doddery and quite frankly arcane image problem (which we would be churlish to deny it has), I’ll be talking about why we need more (not fewer) Dead White Men in our lives and why ancient Rome was in fact, contrary to popular perception, a very multi-cultural place, with Black and brown emperors, playwrights and generals, not just slaves or menials. I’ll be asserting that in ancient Rome colour didn’t matter, only whether or not you were a Roman citizen. Other volunteers will be giving talks on a multitude of classical topics, such as democracy, the Olympic games, gladiators and the Latin language.

Read rest of article >>>

Latin on the timetable for pupils

Pupils at St Mary’s C of E Middle School in Belford are now studying Latin as part of their foreign languages curriculum thanks to a grant from the organisation ‘Friends of Classics’. More >>>

All Greek to them – in New South Wales

classics back in vogue as schools embrace languishing languages:

“The classics are enjoying a revival in NSW high schools and universities, reflecting a similar trend in England where Boris Johnson’s Latin in London scheme is one of several initiatives to bring classical languages into more lives.

Latin is now the most popular language at the school, which is considering offering classical Greek as well. ”Why it has exploded the way it has, I don’t know,” she said. ”They just fall in love with it.”

Read more: http://www.smh.com.au/national/education/all-greek-to-them-classics-back-in-vogue-as-schools-embrace-languishing-languages-20111016-1lrfe.html#ixzz1bLSg8xRo

 

Cicero in Verrem

Of particular and immediate interest to those of us teaching A Level Latin this year is this initiative from Open Book Publishers which, as their Marketing Manager, Gabriele Civiliene explains  is

 ” an innovative, non-profit , Open Access publisher run by academic scholars based at the University of Cambridge. For our website go to http://www.openbookpublishers.com/ 

 We are soon to publish the book that might be of interest to the members of the bloggers of ARLT – that is, Cicero, Against Verres, 2.1.53–86: Latin Text with Introduction, Study Questions, Commentary and English Translation by Prof Ingo Gildenhard from the Department of Classics and Ancient History, Durham University. (For a copy of the PDF flyer featuring this title go to the ARLT website.)  The book will be available in 3 formats – digital, hardback, and paperback. Its complete version will be also available for free access direct from our website on Google Books. Read more about it here:

http://www.openbookpublishers.com/product.php/96/7/cicero–against-verres–2-1-53-86–latin-text-with-introduction–study-questions–commentary-and-english-translation

Gabriele Civiliene
Marketing Manager
www.openbookpublishers.com
For our latest catalogue : https://www.openbookpublishers.com/shopimages/LatestCatalogue.pdf

Pupils Rome through history as ancient mouse leads the way

Thanks to a grant from the organisation Friends of Classics, the pupils at St … to the Latin language and the culture of Roman Britain,” said Mrs Brookes.
From the Northumberland Gazette >>>

 

Roman invasion take two as Latin returns to north Norfolk classrooms

The so-called “dead” classical language is alive and well in state schools … Read on >>>
http://www.edp24.co.uk/news/education/roman_invasion_take_two_as_latin_returns_to_north_norfolk_classrooms_1_1030377

10 Greek Plays That Are Essential to Any Education

Whether you love Greek history and culture or find it dull beyond words, there’s no denying that classical scholarship has had a big impact on just about every succeeding aspect of Western culture. College students pursuing degrees in fields like history, philosophy, theater, creative writing and art history (among others) will be especially well-served reading these works, as they inspired many other later artists, writers and thinkers and are referenced in numerous ways today– a testament to their enduring power.

But what are the 10 plays?  Find out here:

http://www.bachelorsdegreeonline.com/blog/2011/10-greek-plays-that-are-essential-to-any-education/

ANIMATING ANTIQUITY: HARRYHAUSEN AND THE CLASSICAL TRADITION

National Media Museum, Bradford
“Room at the Top” conference suite on Wednesday 9th November 2011, 10 am – 6 pm
A one-day conference arranged by Steve Green and Penny Goodman
Go here for details

Classics in Our Lunchtime

A new series of once-a-month twenty-minute talks on the classical world in modern culture at Leeds City Museum, 13.15-13.45

Friday 28th October
Doctor Who, the Romans and Us
Dr Penny Goodman

Thursday 24th November
Middle-Eastern Politics in Gladiator (2000) and Troy (2004)
Dr Steve Green

For more details see the Leeds City Museum website
Recording available after the event via the Museum or Classics Talks in Leeds