This weekend I had the pleasure of speaking at Academus' Classics Outreach Conference 2021, Students on Outreach panel. I spoke about my experience coming to the field with no background before starting my BA in Ancient History (2017-2020), as well my time at undergraduate level. I also had the opportunity to mention the work of SHARE with Schools, both pre-pandemic and our upcoming virtual outreach. We have 1 and 1/2 ancient history workshops (Romans in Wales (one of the most popular workshops) and Achaemenid Tribute Processions (a short activity I developed for school return visits)). This conference has inspired me to continue my work with the scheme and hopefully develop more ancient history workshops (perhaps on reception or partner with the religious studies students on a collaborative event). It was amazing to be able to share my own perspective on outreach as a student who was not able to benefit from it before university study. Not only this, I was able to *virtually* meet so many wonderful people in my very first time speaking at a conference.
This provided a space for inspiring and insightful discussions on outreach in the field from panellists involved in the process at many levels. The conversations begun today mark the progress we have already made (even though there is still much to do) in creating a more accessible and welcoming environment for those who study the ancient world in all its forms. This was such a positive experience, providing solutions-based discussion.
We were able to address topics from the name 'Classics' and possible alternatives, to lived experiences from students approaching study from a variety of different backgrounds. I was so inspired by the conversations today that I hope will continue.
It was (and is) pertinent to discuss the name of the field within this context after the debate continues in academic discourse. This will require systematic change from the top in some circumstances, but smaller businesses and approaches can begin to change the terms we use as an encouraging step towards inclusion. 'Ancient World Studies' seemed to have a wonderful reception amongst participants - could this be our new name? Only time will tell, but these conversations must continue if change is to happen.
The network beginning to form promises to provide new insights about how we can take the subject(s) we love so much to the wider world. The people who gathered today give me hope that we can improve the knowledge exchange provided by any and all studies of the ancient world. The people who connected today, along with our other colleagues across the field can use outreach to tackle the gatekeeping that has surrounded the study of the ancient world. This involves actively engaging with communities through outreach, broadening our understanding of study through the diversification and decolonisation of the subject. If we work together, we can make it more accessible and inclusive, making anyone from every background feel seen, represented and welcome.
This post has barely brushed the surface of the incredible discussion we were able to have today and I eagerly await the official Academus report of this conference in June/July.
This is just the beginning.