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Classics: Exploring Homer's Iliad and the Odyssey

By The Guardian Masterclasses

Date and time

Tuesday, September 13, 2016 · 6:30 - 9:30pm GMT+1

Location

The Guardian

Kings Place 90 York Way London N1 9GU United Kingdom

Refund Policy

Contact the organizer to request a refund.

Description

Back to school: A brand new series of evening classes on the subjects you used to learn, taught by the teachers you wish you’d had

Although the origins of the Iliad and the Odyssey are wrapped in mystery, their influence continues to reverberate throughout Western culture. This masterclass with Charlotte Higgins is a fantastic opportunity to learn about Homer’s two great epics and the immeasurable influence they’ve had on theatre, poetry, novels and cinema.

The Iliad and the Odyssey are among the oldest extant works of Western literature, usually dated to around the eight century BC. During this class, you’ll examine the poetics, imagery and structure of these two dramatic tales, set during and after the Trojan War. You’ll learn how they informed subsequent Greek literature – including the great Greek tragedies and the lyric outpourings of Sappho, one of the few known female poets of the ancient world. Plus, you’ll discover how Homer’s work continues to inspire writing in the present day, from Michael Longley to Alice Oswald and Margaret Atwood.

Charlotte is one of the UK’s best-known writers and classicists. She’s the Guardian’s chief culture writer and has written numerous books including It’s All Greek to Me, which brings the history of ancient Greece to life. If you wish you’d studied the Classics at school, or want to reignite your passion for the subject, don’t miss out on this fascinating masterclass. Book your place now and let Charlotte reawaken your interest in the ancient world – and the ways it continues to inform the present.

More about your teacher...

Charlotte Higgins is the chief culture writer of the Guardian and a member of its editorial board. A classicist by education, she has written three books on aspects of the ancient world. The most recent, Under Another Sky: Journeys in Roman Britain, was shortlisted for the Samuel Johnson prize for non-fiction. This New Noise, a book based on her nine-part series of essays on the BBC, was published by Guardian-Faber in 2015.

Back to school is a new range of evening classes covering the subjects you once enjoyed, or always wanted to learn. Browse the full range here.

Full course and returns information on the Masterclasses website

Organized by

Welcome to Guardian Masterclasses – a unique programme of learning embedded within one of the world's most forward-thinking media organisations.

We offer a broad range of short and long courses across a variety of disciplines from creative writing, journalism, photography and design, film and digital media, music and cultural appreciation.

Harnessing the expertise and specialisms within the organisation, our courses are led by first class and award winning guardian professionals whilst also drawing on the skills and expertise of other leading figures at the forefront of the creative and digital industries.

The programme is aimed at anyone interested in personal or professional development whether that be refining your skills, focusing your ambition or simply broadening your mind and gaining inspiration.

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