Held over one intensive week in January, the Classics Summer School by The University of Melbourne will present classes in four different subjects, focusing on the great archaeological discoveries of ancient Greece and Rome, the fascinating history of the Roman province of Dalmatia, the domestic life of ancient Greeks and Romans, and finally a practical workshop to develop your argumentation skills in the style of Socrates.

Emeritus Professor Frank Sear and Dr Christopher Gribbin will be offering their knowledge on an array of subjects spanning several periods of the ancient Greek and Roman history as follows:

Uncovering the past: Great archaeological discoveries – presented by Emeritus Professor Frank Sear (9.15 am-11.30 am daily)
Knossos, Santorini, Mycenae, as well as many other Greek and Roman sites, were discovered by archaeologists who worked for 200 years to uncover the remarkably well-preserved towns of Pompeii, Herculaneum, Stabiae and Oplontis; and their work goes on to this day. Some sites were rediscovered by explorers while several monuments became famous when they were drawn and measured by artists or privately exhibited by influential personalities of their time. In this course you will learn how the past is uncovered in many different ways and by many different people; and the influence of these discoveries is also a source of great fascination. Cost: (10 hours) $300/250*

Dalmatia: The story of a Roman province – presented by Dr Chris Gribbin (12 noon–1.00 pm daily)
Wedged between Greece and Italy, the Dalmatian coast lay on an important trade route in antiquity. It was therefore inevitable that the Romans would take an interest in the area. This course explores the history of this province from its conquest by the Romans to its loss to the barbarians. As well as being a fascinating story in its own right, the history of Dalmatia gives us a great insight into how the Roman Empire grew and maintained control. Cost: (5 hours) $150/125*

At home with the Greeks and Romans – presented by Dr Chris Gribbin (2.00 pm–3.00 pm daily)
Using archaeology you will understand what Greek and Roman houses looked like and through texts, what happened inside those houses. Looking at the homes of both rich and poor, from one-room apartments to luxurious mansions, one encounters many differences and similarities between our lives and theirs – such as slaves, gender relations, ostentatious displays of wealth and very different notions of privacy. Cost: (5 hours) $150/125*

How to argue like Socrates – presented by Dr Chris Gribbin (3.30 pm–5.00 pm daily)
‘How to argue like Socrates’ is a practical course that develops your ability to argue effectively by mixing theory and practice, based on the techniques of Socrates, one of the greatest arguers of all time. Looking at passages from Plato’s dialogues, the course aims to understand what questions to ask and what mistakes people often make through in-class dialogues. The Socratic method is a powerful tool for learning about other people and yourself and for getting at the reasons for disagreements. It even forms the basis for some modern teaching practices. Course materials will be provided. Cost: (7.5 hours) $225/190*

To attend all sessions, the fee is $700/500* (*applies for University of Melbourne Alumni, staff and students)

When: 9-13 January, 2017
Where: Old Arts Building, The University of Melbourne, Parkville

To register, go to www.alumni.online.unimelb.edu.au/2017css