Classics
Ancient Sparta
In this lecture, Professor Paul Cartledge (University of Cambridge) examines the ancient city-state of Sparta. In the first module, we discuss the evidence for ancient Sparta, noting the tendency for both contemporary and later writers to exaggerate stories about Sparta...
Prof. Paul Cartledge
Cambridge University
English Literature
Chaucer: The Canterbury Tales
In this course, Dr Marion Turner (University of Oxford) provides an introduction to Chaucer's Canterbury Tales. The course begins with a discussion of the opening lines of the General Prologue, before going on to discuss Chaucer himself, the so-called 'Father...
Prof. Marion Turner
Oxford University
English Literature
Shakespeare: A Midsummer Night's Dream
In this course, Professor Diane Purkiss (Oxford) explores Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream, with a particular focus on some of the more magical aspects of the play. The course begins with an exploration of the idea of the "Midsummer Night"...
Prof. Diane Purkiss
Oxford University
Classics
Art and Architecture in the Greek World
In this course, we explore the art and architecture of the Greek world, looking in particular at free-standing sculpture (both Archaic and Classical), architectural sculpture, vase painting, and temple architecture. Within each of these categories, we explore issues of style,...
Prof. Amy Smith
Reading University
English Literature
Victorian Literature and Darwin's Origin of Species
In this course, Dr Will Abberley (University of Oxford) explores the influence of Charles Darwin's 'Origin of Species' on contemporary works of Victorian literature: 'Great Expectations' by Charles Dickens, 'The Coming Race' by Edward Bulwer-Lytton, and 'The Strange Case of...
Dr Will Abberley
Oxford University
English Literature
Shakespeare: The Tempest
In this course, Dr Charles Moseley (Cambridge) explores Shakespeare's last play, 'The Tempest'. The first modules concentrate on historical context, looking in particular at the influence of the accession of King James to the throne, and the importance of the...
Dr Charles Moseley
Cambridge University