The programme is addressed not only to students of Archaeology but also to the broader public, especially those with a particular interest in prehistoric/protohistoric times in broader eastern Mediterranean area.
Ritual performance in Minoan Crete
Minoan Crete was a rich, varied and complex culture whose achievements in every aspect of life have been studied and are still being studied worldwide. In this course, we aim to further understand the significance of the Minoan Rituals and their relation to the rituals of modern civilizations. The ritual is a total of practices that have a spiritual and/or indicative character. It is also considered as the performance of an act with formality and solemnity. The content of this online course gives us the chance to meet a world in which gods, goddesses, monsters, magic and religious symbolism play a significant role. Think of how many similar rituals, with a formal substance, operate as milestones in our lives nowadays. All of the above will be analyzed further and in detail in this online course part of the Arts and Culture category. After successfully completing the lessons, the participant will receive a training certificate while acquiring a magnificent one time experience.
In this programme we are going to address the theme of Minoan ritual performance as documented both by the archaeological and the iconographic evidence. In general, rites were and are still performed in specific loci, in specific sequence and probably in certain periods of time. Material culture remains provide adequate data for religious activities in outdoor spaces (open areas of tombs, peak sanctuaries) as well as indoors (caves, domestic and palatial shrines). Iconography, as for instance frescoes, seals and sealings, clay models, stone relief vases and other, enriches our information on what has been characterized as religious or ritual actions. Following a set of criteria one may proceed to a categorization of the Minoan rites: sacrifice, baetylic, costuming, flower, initiation rites and other. However, as the study of Minoan Crete continues, the pictorial evidence proves the complexity of the problem as a whole.
Lesson 1: Introduction- Archaeological and Iconographic evidence (Sacrifice Ritual)
Firstly, we make an intro to the theme of Minoan ritual performance as documented both by the archaeological and the iconographic evidence and then we continue with empasis on Sacrifice rituals.
Lesson 2: Iconographic Evidence (Baetylic - Robe Rituals)
Here we are going to address the theme of Minoan ritual performance as documented by iconographic evidence with emphasis on Baetylic and Robe Rituals.
Lesson 3: Iconographic Evidence (Flower Ritual -Initiation Rites)
In this lesson we are going to address the theme of Minoan ritual performance as documented by iconographic evidence with emphasis on Flower Ritual and Initiation Rites.
Lesson 4: Iconographic Evidence (Dance Ritual- Procession- Music)
Finally, we are going to address the theme of Minoan ritual performance as documented by iconographic evidence with emphasis on Dance Ritual, Procession and Music.
The assessment methods will be based on a mixture of open and closed type questions.
Online and distance learning at National and Kapodistrian University of Athens offers a new way of combining innovative learning and teaching techniques with interaction with your tutor and fellow students from around the world.
The e-learning programme is implemented via a user-friendly educational platform adjusted to the Distance Learning Principles. Programmes are structured as weekly online meetings; interaction with the programme tutor and other students takes place in a virtual learning environment. The programmes are designed to fit around your schedule; you access the programme whenever it is convenient for you.
The whole world becomes your classroom as e-learning can be done on laptops, tablets and phones – it is a very mobile method. Learning can be done on the train, on a plane or even during your trip to Greece!
The educational platform is a portal that offers access to electronic classrooms based on modern distance learning technologies. The computer based nature of training means new technology is being introduced all the time to help students engage and learn in a tailored way that will meet their needs. Each e-classroom is similar to a traditional teaching classroom. Students have access to e-classrooms with their personal code number in order to browse the teaching material, to being informed about the latest news/updates and interact with their instructors. Moreover, through own personal e-mail account through which they can contact directly their mentors or the administration office of the programme and share any concerns or anxieties related to the programme and make the most form their experience.
In each programme, learners submit the corresponding tests, within the deadline given by their instructors. Final mark fluctuates from 0 to 100%. The overall grade in each programme is calculated based on the student's marks on assessment exercises that follow each unit while their instructor might also assign them with a final assessment at the end of the programme. Finally, if the total score on one or more lessons of the programme does not exceed 50%, students can ask for reassessment.
During the programme students will be attending lectures and group seminars presented by academics and speakers from the National University of Athens as well as from other Universities, Research Institutes and Cultural organizations around Greece. In addition, when you study with us, you have online access to first-class resources relevant to your programme – plus you can browse material in other subject areas.
Every week e-learners are provided with the relevant material , either video-lectures or typed notes and relevant resources or a combination of both.
Interactivity, lower costs and our long experience guarantees that studying with us will offer a successful and rewarding experience. Finally, the access to a large variety of material and online resources available in each unit aims to excite your curiosity and guide you in studying further on your favourite topic will the online material which can be downloaded will give you the opportunity to quickly refresh your memory after the completion of the programme.