Welcome

Welcome to my blog which links to all the ‘magic’ things I’ve made and found whilst studying and teaching Classical Latin, Ancient Greek and Ancient History.  Take a look at each of the different green tabs along the top of this page (or at the links on the Blogroll).   I hope this site will be useful to you and you will enjoy using these resources as much as I have.

A330 Myth in the Greek and Roman Worlds

Well I have a new Open University course looming – A330 Myth in the Greek and Roman Worlds.  It starts October 2010 and I am looking foward to it with a mixture of excitement and trepidation.  I know there will be some very good company, but the course itself is a bit of an unknown quantity – this is the first time it will run – and some of the content is going to be challenging for me to say the least.  I am not sure if I am more worried about philosophy or Buffy the Vampire Slayer … both are apparently going to feature.  So … I am going to start gathering material early and my Mythology resources page will grow as I progress through the course.  Hopefully all will become clear, or at least clearer :-).  Meanwhile, if you have any resources you think would be useful, do comment below or get in touch and I will add them here.

Help starting Ancient Greek (or Latin)

Well learning Ancient Greek (or Latin) on your own from a book is not ideal, so here are some more sociable methods:

1. Go to a Summer School.
   The Joint Association of Classical Teachers (JACT) keeps a list of Summer Schools here.  I have been to the one in Durham twice and it is so wonderful I am going again this month! Excellent tuition! Excellent food! And really good fun. They cater for all ages from about sixth form upwards and there is a really nice mix of generations.  Here are some pictures of my experiences:
   Durham 2009
   Durham 2008
   Durham 2007
2. Try a Madingley Weekend.
   These are held four times a year with classes at various levels. If you are a complete beginner you have to hit the cycle at the right time to get into the startup class but after that you can usually find a class at approximately the right level. Many people attend all the classes because they are addictive.  Look what is coming up here for Ancient Greek or here for Latin.
   I have some jolly pictures of past weekends too.
   May 2014
   Feb 2013
   Feb 2012
   Sept 2011
   Sept 2009
   May 2009
   Feb 2009
   May 2008
   November 2007
   September 2007
   Gosh I didn’t realise I had been to that many! Anyway you see how addictive it it!
3. Find a private tutor.
   ARLT keep a list of private tutors and will try to find one in your area if you contact them here.
4. Try distance learning.
   The Open University is planning a new 60 point level 2 course in Ancient Greek Language and Literature to replace its two old 30 pointers (A296 and A396).  The first presentation will be in October 2009.  You can get more details and sign up here, or try Lampeter University who have a variety of on-site and distance learning courses from beginner to MA level.
5. Go to University!
   Yes really! Universities are often keen to accept enthusiastic students of all ages, even without conventional qualifications, and many cater for students with no previous knowledge of ancient languages.  Don’t be afraid to talk to them about your plans.  You can find details of courses via UCAS.

Whatever you decide to do, I hope you enjoy it.  If you have more recommendations, please do share them in a comment 🙂