23 April 2022: More than 50 Ramsay Scholars studying Western civilisation degrees at the University of Queensland (UQ) and Australian Catholic University (ACU) participated in a joint excursion to Canberra this month to explore the Ancient Greeks exhibition at the National Museum of Australia.

Organised by the University of Queensland, the excursion provided an excellent opportunity for the scholars from the different campuses to meet and mingle and view up close a variety of precious items from the ancient world.

The Ancient Greeks: Athletes, Warriors and Heroes exhibition is on display at the National Museum until May 1 and explores competition through sport, politics, drama, music, and warfare, illuminated by more than 170 objects from the British Museum.

UQ Western Civilisation Program Director, Professor Alastair Blanshard, who was also External Consultant for the exhibition, gave a highly informative and stimulating lecture to the scholars and museum staff prior to the viewing of the British Museum exhibits. Exhibits included splendid examples of sculpture, pottery, jewellery, coins, an honorary stele in marble depicting the apotheosis of Homer and a very rare aulos (musical pipe) in bone and bronze.

UQ Ramsay Scholars also used their time in Canberra to visit the National Gallery of Australia and explore two important art exhibitions; one on the works of Jeffrey Smart and the other entitled: ‘Know My Name: Australian Women Artists 1900 to Now’.

Ramsay Centre Academic Director Professor Diana Glenn, who attended the excursion, said it was wonderful to see the sense of community among the scholars from the two universities and for them to have the opportunity to meet each other’s teachers and heads of programmes, whilst engaging in a valuable learning opportunity.

“The excursion was an extremely valuable opportunity for UQ and ACU scholars and staff to meet and view the collection. In addition, UQ scholars enjoyed seeing works from three unique exhibitions spanning the ancient world to contemporary Australian creative practice, mirroring the long-duration approach of the Western Civilisation study program,” Professor Glenn said.

For more information on studying Western civilisation at UQ go to: https://hass.uq.edu.au/about-cwc

For more information on studying Western civilisation at ACU go to: https://www.acu.edu.au/study-at-acu/find-a-course/new-courses/bachelor-of-arts-western-civilisation

Media contact: Sarah Switzer 0407 816 098 / sarah.switzer@ramsaycentre.org

For more information on the Centre please visit our website: www.ramsaycentre.org