A CLASSICAL EDUCATION ONLINE
& In FLORENCE
Classics Abroad Florence
The creation of classical antiquity
Previous course:
Monday 3 - Saturday 8 July 2023
Overview
Our signature one-week course unlocking the secrets of classical antiquity and its transmission through the history, art and literature of Florence. On this interdisciplinary journey, you will draw links between ancient and modern Italy, sharpen your research skills and deepen your understanding of how classical ideas were revived and reshaped through Renaissance Italy. This course is about unlearning as much as learning!
What's the link between Classics and Florence?
Not only does Florence have its own ancient history dating back to the Etruscans, but it is also known as the birthplace of the Renaissance i.e. the "rebirth" of classical antiquity. An insight into this period, is an insight into 'Classics' as we know it: Which ancient texts were discovered and how? Whose ideas were considered important and whose have been overlooked? How was myth translated into art? On Classics Abroad, you'll gain a clear insight into the history-making process and transform your approach to researching the past.
A Typical Day
10 - 1 Seminars
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Transmission of Classical Literature
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Petrarch, Catullus and Humanism
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The Genre of Biography: On Famous Men and Women
1 - 2 Lunch break
2 - 4 Site visit, seminar or workshop
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Ancient egg tempera work in Florentine art studio
5+ Cultural Programme (optional)
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Beginners' Latin drop-in (5 - 6) and Live concert in an amphitheatre (9 - 10)
Cultural Programme
In the evenings, students are free to immerse themselves in the dolce vita alongside their studies and join optional activities on our Cultural Programme, which compiles relevant local events such as life-drawing classes, library lectures, language drop-ins, live music and film screenings and tips to gain access to authentic Florentine nightlife for students to explore independently.
Our Approach
Classics Abroad is a dynamic combination of classroom-based study and first-hand experiences in context. At Forte Academy, we combine engaging pedagogy with academic rigour, placing a strong emphasis on primary sources and building tools for independent thinking. Our international tutors embody the passion and intellectual curiosity that we hope to inspire in others! Previous seminars include: Piazza della Signoria: Public Sculpture, Power & Mythology, Machiavelli's Classical Authors, Virgil & Dante, Classics & Christianity, Latin Love Elegy feat. Modern Rap, Pliny & Renaissance Art, Defences of Helen and Eve.
What's Included?*
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Full timetable of interactive seminars on the classical tradition each morning, with a strong focus on both well-known and understudied material (no Latin prerequisite) across Florentine history, literature, art, spirituality & science!
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Specific sessions tailored towards developing independent thinking skills and approaches to interdisciplinary research.
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Tickets to several sites of importance to visit what you've been studying up-close each afternoon, such as The Uffizi, Palazzo Pitti, Palazzo Vecchio and Museo Galileo, including some guided visits.
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Exclusive hands-on workshops e.g. Latin Palaeography and Ancient Art workshop (3 hours), where you will learn an ancient painting technique such as fresco-making. Take home your masterpiece!
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Access to a Cultural Programme of optional suggested events in Florence such as outdoor film and music events, library lectures, language drop-ins (Italian & Latin) and life-drawing for the evening.
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3 group lunches.
*Flights, accommodation & meals except those listed are not included. Students must be 18 years old at time of travel.
Fees & How to Apply
Full Fee: From £895
Application status: Closed
Please complete an application form to be considered for a place on this course. Places are limited will be allocated on a first come, first served basis. Dates for 2024 will be updat
Accommodation
Florence boasts a wide range of accommodation options to suit every budget, from hostels to single rooms to studio flats. We can help advise current students on finding a home base for the week within walking distance of our classroom in the vibrant city centre. We can also put Classics Abroad students in touch with each other with a view to finding shared accommodation, or with our housing partner in Florence offering discounted rates for a shared residence.
