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In 2022 the Department of Ancient Studies established the African Classics Network (ACN) forum to facilitate networking between Classical scholars working in African countries or scholars interested in Classics in Africa. Through a Stellenbosch University Africa Collaboration Grant we were able to invite colleagues from Ghana, Nigeria, Zimbabwe and South Africa in October 2022 to participate in an informal workshop on the topic of African Classics. As African academics involved in Classics or academics working on Classics and Africa we are aware of our specific context and conditions and want to develop channels to connect, collaborate and share research and teaching interests and experiences. The network seeks to develop collegiality between African scholars working on Classics or scholars with research interests in Classics in Africa. We hope to come together online and in person wherever possible to share information, offer support and discuss approaches to our various fields. This has led to another opportunity to bring scholars to Stellenbosch through an Africa Oxford Grant (see information and application information below). The ACN aims to:
Set up a regular listserv to connect scholars working on Classics in Africa and based in African countries (currently in progress)
Share relevant events and publications via this listserv.
Explore opportunities for collegial exchange through research visits and investigating potential funding.
Exchange ideas on classics from/in an African context, and contribute to curriculum transformation and enrichment.
·Learn from colleagues' approaches to our various fields, especially from an African perspective.
·Set up a directory of scholars (currently in progress).
Develop a presence on social media platforms.
Collaborate on publications.
This network is currently managed by Dr Samantha Masters (masters@sun.ac.za) and facilitated by our department, with funding help from the SU Africa Collaboration Grant and the newly acquired Africa Oxford Catalyst Grant. If you would like to join the mailing list or if you have material to share on the listserv please email masters@sun.ac.za.
Information on upcoming or past events:
1. UPCOMING: deadline 15 August 2023
African Classics Network workshop, 20-22 November 2023, and CASA, 22-25 November, Stellenbosch and Cape Town, South Africa
African scholars can apply for funding to attend this workshop, hosted by Dr Samantha Masters (Stellenbosch) and Prof Stephen Harrison (Oxford). Click on the link above for more details.
2. UPCOMING: September 2023
Reimagining Tragedy across Africa and the Global South, conference, 26-27 September, Oxford, UK
The APGRD (University of Oxford) and ReTAGS (University of Cape Town) are co-hosting a hybrid conference, co-organised by Professor Fiona Macintosh (Oxford) and Dr Justine McConnell (KCL), on Tuesday 26 and Wednesday 27 September, in the Classics Centre in Oxford (and online). Visit the APGRD website for more details.
