Byzantine studies
BYZANTINE STUDIES
PROGRAMME OF STUDIES
The contribution of Byzantine culture to Europe's cultural heritage is obvious for historians of the Middle Ages, although, undertaking studies in the area of the Eastern Empire and the related Byzantine Community is not too popular in this circle due to the specific nature of the skills required (starting with the knowledge of Greek). Thus, it is difficult at the very stage of scientific research to duly appreciate the importance of the Byzantine roots of our civilization. On the other hand, the strong influence of the 'Europeanization' model - presenting the 'cradle' of Europe in the West, in the circle of Carolingian unity - on the interpretation of the past that re-sults in the marginalization of the East issues in school textbooks or even academic ones seems quite reasonable. What is therefore needed is a 'basic work', which will raise awareness of Byzantine issues when reflecting on today's European identity not only within the academic milieu, but also in other circles influencing public opinion (culture, education, media institutions staff etc.).
The contribution of Byzantine culture to Europe's cultural heritage is obvious for historians of the Middle Ages, although, undertaking studies in the area of the Eastern Empire and the related Byzantine Community is not too popular in this circle due to the specific nature of the skills required (starting with the knowledge of Greek). Thus, it is difficult at the very stage of scientific research to duly appreciate the importance of the Byzantine roots of our civilization. On the other hand, the strong influence of the 'Europeanization' model - presenting the 'cradle' of Europe in the West, in the circle of Carolingian unity - on the interpretation of the past that re-sults in the marginalization of the East issues in school textbooks or even academic ones seems quite reasonable. What is therefore needed is a 'basic work', which will raise awareness of Byzantine issues when reflecting on today's European identity not only within the academic milieu, but also in other circles influencing public opinion (culture, education, media institutions staff etc.).
The establishment of Byzantine studies therefore makes sense in terms of the shaping of historical culture, which in Poland, in an era of progressing European in-tegration is of great importance due to its geopolitical position. Polish circles can play an important role in the opening of 'Europe' (EU) to co-operation with its ea-stern neighbours. Understanding the culture and mentality of the sphere so strongly influenced by the achievements of Byzantine civilization is a factor that facilitates real international dialogue. Moreover, most importantly, it leads to the discovery of one’s own 'Central European' roots. What matters, therefore, is raising the intellectu-al level of people involved not only in scientific work, but also in the wider sphere of cultural political and ecclesiastical institutions.
Due to the interdisciplinary nature of the study, it will be able to integrate the research of graduates from different fields of humanities and to provide to represen-tatives of other sciences knowledge of basic research skills. This opens the possibi-lity of professional development of historical and philological interests.
Primary objectives of postgraduate studies:
The aim of the study is to raise the intellectual level of people involved not only in scientific work, but also in the wider sphere of cultural political and ecclesia-stical institutions. Due to the interdisciplinary nature of the study, it will be able to integrate the research of graduates from different fields of humanities and to provide to representatives of other sciences knowledge of basic research skills. This opens the possibility of professional development of historical and philological interests.
The programme of the studies includes following issues:
- archaeology of Byzantine culture
- history of Byzantium
- Byzantium and Latin Europe
- history of the Byzantine Church, theology and liturgy
- Byzantine art
- illuminations
- Byzantine literature
- Greek palaeography
- Ancient Greek language
- fundamentals of Modern Greek
- guest lectures by renowned Byzantine specialists concerning selected sub-jects
- participation in excavations related to the subject of studies
Description of qualifications obtained after graduation:
The studies are additional education. Participants will acquire knowledge of archaeology and history in the areas of the Byzantine Empire with particular empha-sis on social, cultural and religious development. Participants will about the relations and mutual interactions between Byzantium and Western Europe. In addition, stu-dents will become familiar with literature and artistic craft as well as with the langu-age in Byzantine manuscripts.
Conditions of graduation:
Attendance not less than 80 % of the obligatory number of hours, earning credit and passing exams as provided for in the programme of the studies.
Dates of commencement and completion of studies
October 2012 - February 2014
Classes will be held over three semesters
every 2nd weekend of the month (Saturday and Sunday) in the morning and afternoon at the Institute of Archaeology and Ethnology of the Polish Academy of Sciences, Section in Wrocław, ul. Więzienna 6 (5 minutes walk from the Market Square).
Total number of teaching hours for one participant - 388 (45 minutes each)
including:
a) number of hours of theoretical classes (lectures) - 308
b) number of hours of practical classes (tutorials) - 80
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