Exploring Rhodes: Cultural Heritage Education and Intercultural Dialogue

Description

The city of Rhodes stands as living proof of centuries of cultural exchange, combining influences from the ancient Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, and Italians.

With its well-preserved medieval city, alongside classical ruins and exceptional coastal landscapes, Rhodes is a typical example of long-lasting cultural dynamics in the Mediterranean area and Europe.

This course aims to use the rich historical heritage of Rhodes as a case study on how cultural heritage education can help us foster European identity and intercultural dialogue.

Participants will explore a combination of theoretical seminars, outdoor and indoor workshops, and hands-on activities.

Founded on the principles of experiential learning, participants will develop critical perspectives on heritage conservation, identity, and educational methodologies that promote inclusion and cross-cultural understanding.

Therefore, the course will provide teachers with tools and strategies to inspire students with the richness of European history.

By the end of the course, participants will learn how to preserve their cultural heritage and discover digital tools and strategies for engaging students to connect with their heritage in meaningful ways.

Concept by Nikos Christodoulakis

Learning outcomes

The course will help participants to:

• Deepen their understanding of the multiple cultural communities of the past of Rhodes;
• Provide teachers with approaches to analyze and reflect on diverse cultures;
• Acquire teaching strategies to introduce aspects of cultural heritage in the classroom through experiential and project-based learning;
• Evaluate the relevance of cultural heritage in fostering inclusive communities, and integrating heritage education into broader social contexts;
• Use digital tools and methodologies for engaging students in cultural heritage topics.

Tentative schedule

Day 1 – Introduction to the course

• Introduction to the course and the Academy;
• Introduction to the host city and the week’s cultural activities;
• Icebreaker activities;
• Presentations of the participants’ schools and institutions;
• Getting familiar with Rhodes in Greek and European cultural heritage;
• Introduction to cultural heritage.

Day 2 – Poetic aspects of Heritage

• Rhodes in the Ancient World: The Silk Roads of humanity;
• Homer and the archaic world;
• Epic and Lyrical poetry in the Aegean Sea;
• Visit to archaeological sites: Acropolis of Rhodes (Temple of Apollo, ancient stadium, Odeon).

Day 3 – Examining Heritage through Art, Philosophy and Democracy

• The ancient Greek ecosystem of Democracy – Theater – Philosophy;
• The cases of Pericles – Euripides – Heraclitus;
• Artistic aspects of classical Greece;
• The Rhodian School of Philosophy.

Day 4 – Rhodes as a Military camp

• From Plato to Christianity: Existential continuities between the Ancient world and the Middle Ages;
• The Order of the Knights of St. John;
• The medieval Heritage of Rhodes.

Day 5 – Heritage for inclusion and sustainability

• Examining Ottoman, Jewish, and Italian influences on Rhodes’ architectural and cultural tradition;
• The role of storytelling in addressing heritage;
• Course evaluation: round-up of acquired competencies, feedback, and discussions;
• Awarding of the course Certificate of Attendance.

Day 6 – Structured cultural activities

• Structured cultural activity(ies) according to the hosting location;
• Learning journal: individual written reflection on the course experience;
• Course reflection: self-reflection and review of course materials and resources.

Download or share

Get weekly recaps on confirmed sessions!