Politics & Economics
The art of politics: from Ancient Rome to the modern day
An all-levels course examining how political leadership, power and public decision-making have developed from Ancient Rome to the present.
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1 class
About this course
The course traces politics as a profession across different historical periods, geographical settings and political systems. It considers how leaders and candidates were recruited and prepared, how rhetoric and propaganda were used, and how political figures gained, exercised and lost power. Examples range from Roman statesmen and Renaissance power brokers to revolutionary figures, nation builders, democratic politicians and modern populist or celebrity candidates. Teaching combines short lectures, tutor presentations, question-and-answer sessions and class discussions. As the course develops, learners also take part in smaller group work and examine the ideas of writers including Cicero, Castiglione, Machiavelli, Weber and Lippmann.
What you'll learn
- Analyse how political leaders have been selected, recruited and prepared in different historical contexts.
- Examine the use of rhetoric, propaganda and other levers of power.
- Assess how domestic and international issues influence public decision-making.
- Compare the strengths and weaknesses of political management across different eras.
- Discuss the relationship between personality, managerial behaviour and governmental practice.
Is this course right for you?
The course is presented as suitable for all levels. Previous knowledge of current political debates and an interest in politicians’ biographies may be useful, but are not essential. Learners are expected to engage with differing views, prepare from supplied readings and contribute progressively to discussions and small-group work.
- No specific level of political or academic skill is identified as necessary.
- Participation includes class discussion and smaller group work.
- Some preparation with course readings is encouraged.
Before you go
- Core and session-specific reading materials will be made available.
- A further-reading list will include books, newspapers, podcasts, online articles and videos; purchasing or accessing these additional resources is optional.