Arts

06 Apr 09

COG will have details of events like this workshop which explored the world of Greek mythology and its representation in sculpture and vase painting.

The Classics Outreach Officer at Oxford University has devised a new ‘one stop shop’ for potential classicists in the UK.

The Classics Online Gateway (COG) launches this week and has been created by Elizabeth Sandis, the Classics Faculty’s Outreach Officer and Steve Flett (University of Liverpool) on behalf of JACT – the Joint Association of Classical Teachers.

COG will give anyone interested in finding sources of support for studying and teaching Classical subjects the opportunity to search an online database which maps out what kinds of services are available where in the UK and how to access them. Services available include visiting speakers, study days, drama workshops and language lessons.

COG will help show people the wealth of activities taking place near them, across the broad range of subjects that fall within Classics – from Latin and Greek literature to architecture, philosophy and theatre.

It also aims to become a central point of reference for those who work in Classics outreach, providing details of useful magazines, websites, blogs and sources of advice, as well as information about of grant-awarding bodies.
‘I think it's crucial that people are made aware of just how much is available to them as there is a huge amount out there,’ said Elizabeth Sandis. ‘Also, it is important that the people running individual projects, usually on a voluntary basis motivated by their passion for the subject, are recognised for the contribution they make.’

She believes there may be some gaps in the website’s coverage to begin with but these should soon be filled as more people become aware of the project.

‘I've always suspected there were many outreach projects out there which weren't getting as much attention as they should, and COG has proved my hunch to be correct,’ Elizabeth added. ‘We are receiving new submissions to the site every day, and though we are still in the early stages of getting the word out there about COG, we hope that by the summer we will have a substantial number of outreach providers represented on the Classics Online Gateway.’

Anyone who is running an activity they would like to have added to the database can complete a form available from the COG website.

Another aim is that data gathered via the website can be used to decide how to target funds raised by the JACT ‘Classics for All’ campaign which is to be launched next year, as COG will reveal what and where there are gaps in outreach provision.