UCD Adult Education Centre

Lárionad an Oideachais Aosaigh

CLASSICS

What Have the Romans Ever Done For Us?

New

SPRING JN208

Wednesdays

Tutor: Louise Aitchison Maguire

This course will look at the enduring influence of Ancient Rome and Greece on the modern world. It will include a who’s who guide to some of the most famous people in the Ancient World, from the legendary beauty of Cleopatra to Alexander the Great’s interference in the Gaza Strip. We will explore the influence of Greek democracy and Roman Law on modern Europe and the American constitution. We will discuss the influence of Greek and Latin on the English language as we speak it today, with a basic introduction to both languages. We will examine the classical roots of European art and architecture, and explore the Greek heritage of Irish literature. The course will conclude with a visit to the National Gallery to look at some of the key paintings influenced by Greco-Roman myth and a tour of some of Dublin’s classically inspired architecture.

BELFIELD
8 Wednesdays	Jan 30, Feb 6, 13, 20, 27, Mar 6, 13,20	7.30pm - 9.30pm
FEE €155	Print Open Learning Application Form 2012.13 or ring (01) 716-7123 for Laser/credit card payment

Tutor Details

Louise Aitcheson Maguire has completed her PhD with the School of Classics. She has given courses for the Adult Education Centre in recent years and has a wide range of teaching experience. She is particularly interested in the people and culture of Rome and Athens. This course is designed to share her fascination with the continuing echoes of the Classical world in today’s society.

Provisional list of key topics to be covered

Greek Democracy and Roman Law
Who’s who of the Ancient World
Art and Architecture
Mythology
The Latin and Greek Languages
Greek and Roman Religion

Who is the course for?

Anyone with an interest in the Ancient World and a curiosity about the historical antecedents of the world we live in today. The course will build on general knowledge about the Ancient World and will be suitable for absolute beginners as well as anyone with previous knowledge.