VCES Masterclass: Understanding historical context in the Ancient World

How did the Ancient Greeks see Persia – and has this changed how we see it today?

Drawing on literary texts, material culture and historical scholarship, students will examine how Persia was perceived in the Greek world. They will also practise analytical skills to form their own interpretations.

Designed for students of VCE Classical Studies, VCE Literature, and VCE Ancient History, the program includes an analysis of Aeschylus's The Persians and Thucydides's History of the Peloponnesian War.

Online lesson

This program will include a pre-recorded lesson you can do with your students at a time that works best for you. The lesson will guide students through the importance of:

• Understanding historical context
• Analysing literary texts and historical sources
• Interpreting the views and values of authors

The online lesson will be released Friday 14th August at 8.30am.

Online Q&A

On 25 August at 2.30pm, join Jo Clyne from the Hellenic Museum and John Whitehouse from The University of Melbourne for a Q&A where you can ask all your questions about the content of the lesson. You will submit questions ahead of time via the booking form.

Make sure you book a spot to the online Q&A to receive a link to the online lesson.

Curriculum links

This program addresses Key Skills in the VCE Literature, VCE Classical Studies and VCE Ancient History (Greece) curricula.

About the panel members for the Q&A:

Dr Jo Clyne is the Education and Learning Programs Manager at the Hellenic Museum, Melbourne, where she develops and presents ancient Greek educational experiences for learners of all ages. She recently co-wrote and presented The Ancient World: Greece for ABC Education.

Dr John Whitehouse is a Senior Lecturer and Head of Humanities in the Faculty of Education at the University of Melbourne. An expert in history education, John has written VCE Study Designs for Ancient History and Classical Studies.

This masterclass has been co-created with the Hellenic Museum. The Hellenic Museum is Australia's only museum dedicated to Greek art, history and culture, bringing together multiple artistic disciplines to offer a holistic experience of Greek culture and its enduring contribution to society.

This session is for high ability students from government schools as part of the Department of Education’s Victorian Challenge and Enrichment Series.