Classical Reception and Pedagogy

A Scottish Perspective on Teaching the Reception of Classical Material Culture

Workshop, 2 May 2024, University of St Andrews

The workshop is the first event in a planned series on ‘Classical Reception and Pedagogy’. It focuses on the ways that the reception of classical material culture is currently taught at universities. The workshop brings together experts from all the Scottish institutions in which the topic is taught to share best practices including the use of items available in university collections and the use of walking tours. We will also discuss strategies for dealing with subject matter of a traumatic and distressing nature, centring student perspectives. More broadly we will address the issue of perceptions of Classical Reception Studies at university in relation to other related areas (Classics, Classical Studies, Ancient History, Classical Archaeology), and what pedagogical models the subdiscipline can offer these more established programmes.

The event is organised by Dr Alexia Petsalis-Diomidis (School of Classics) and Dr Lenia Kouneni (School of Art History) under the aegis of the St Andrews Centre for Receptions of Antiquity (SACRA) and with the support of Council of University Classical Departments (CUCD) and the Schools of Classics and Art History.

Programme (Morning Session)

9.30-1.00: Workshop talks (hybrid session), Old Union Diner

• 9.30-10.00: Arrival and Coffee
• 10.00- 10.15: Welcome and introduction (Dr Alexia Petsalis-Diomidis and Dr Lenia Kouneni)
• 10.15-10.45: Dr Darin Stine, University of Edinburgh and Prof Laura Moretti, University of St Andrews
• 10.45-11.15: Kirsten Carter McKee, Urban Memory, University of Edinburgh and Prof Matthew Fox, University of Glasgow
• 11.15-11.30: Coffee break
• 11.30-12.15: Dr Seren Nolan, University of Edinburgh, Dr Hans Hones, University of Aberdeen and Mr Blair Cunningham, University of Glasgow
• 12.15- 1.00: Roundtable discussion
• 1.00-2.00: Lunch

Programme (Afternoon Session)

• 2.00-4.00: Object-based teaching in Special Collections, Martyrs Kirk (open only to in-person participants, limited places)

Object-based teaching, Classical Reception and University Collections

This event will showcase a selection of early printed books, Grand Tour journals, nineteenth-century photographic albums and plaster cameos from the University Collections. Our aim is to highlight the potential of these resources and to discuss ways in which we can incorporate them in our teaching.

Travel Bursaries

The CUCD Teaching Fund has made it possible to award some bursaries to postgraduate students towards travel expenses. If you would like to apply for a travel bursary, please email Dr Petsalis-Diomidis ([email protected]) and Dr Kouneni ([email protected]) outlining your involvement in the topic of the workshop by 18 April.