Overview

Aphrodite, the goddess of love, beauty and fertility, was worshiped all over the island of Cyprus. “Cyprian” as otherwise she was called, was born from sea foam at the Cypriot coast Petra tou Romiou. Her name was linked to various myths and legends. Following the footsteps of Aphrodite, participants will have the opportunity to visit monuments and museums across the island related with her worship and in the context of ancient Greek history, mythology and art.

This 6-day course is addressed to teachers, school staff, graduated students and adults who want to enrich their theoretical background, as well as to obtain practical guidelines to integrate activities and implement programmes in museums and archaeological places. Discussions, site visits and group work will enrich sharing ideas and exchange of practice between participants. There is also the possibility to extend the course to 7-day.

Objectives

During the course, participants will:

• be informed about the ancient goddess Aphrodite (history, mythology, art, depictions)
• be informed about the myths of “Cyprian” Aphrodite
• examine the relation with the goddess Venus that was worshiped in Roman times giving a European dimension
• explore archaeological sites, monuments, museums, mosaics, statues etc. related to the goddess Aphrodite
• get in touch with educational programmes in museums and archaeological sites that are implemented by Ministry of Education and Culture in Cyprus
• discuss examples of activities/ programmes in museums, archaeological sites etc. from participants’ countries
• discuss practical guidelines to explore monuments, museums and artworks
• implement activities/ programmes across the areas of curriculum in conjunction with the school policy pupils’ age and abilities

Methodology

The working methods that are used are highly practical and participatory. The experiential method is used to encourage the search for contemporary pedagogical theories and teaching approaches. The hands-on approach is used to examine real examples, case studies, surveys and simulations. The group activities foster mutual learning, cooperation and collaboration between participants. The discussions encourage sharing ideas, intercultural dialogue and the exchange of good practices between the participants. Social, networking and cultural activities give participants the opportunity to establish professional cooperation and links with teachers, staff, schools and organisations in Europe. At the end of the course, participants fill in an e-questionnaire for evaluation.

Preparation

After confirming registration, participants will be informed about the details of the course (arrival, daily programme). Participants will be able to introduce themselves and bring a few examples of routines and practices that they apply to their teaching.

Course Schedule

DAY 1

• Introduction
• The Greek Mythology
• The creation of the world
• The Olympian Gods
• Aphrodite, the Greek goddess
• Activities in museums & monuments
• Art activity

DAY 2

• “Cyprian” Aphrodite
• Perceptions for birth
• Depictions and symbols
• Places of worship
• Learning from objects
• Group work
• Tour to Amathounta archaeological site with the Roman Temple of Aphrodite
• Exploration in the ruins. Data collection for group work.

DAY 3

• Tour to the Sanctuary of Aphrodite (Palaepaphos, Kouklia)
• Exploring the Local Archaeological Museum of Palepaphos
• Tour to Petra tou Romiou coast, the birth place of Aphrodite
• Data collection for group work

DAY 4

• Worship of Aphrodite in Cyprus
• Myths related with Aphrodite
• ICT tools for creative activities
• Aphrodite and art
• Tour to Limassol historical center
• Activities in the city center

DAY 5

• • Educational programmes in Museums in
  • Examples of activities at museums & heritage sites
  • Art Activity
  • Visit to the Archaeological Museum of Limassol.
  • Visit to Municipal Park.
  • Data collection for the group work.

DAY 6

• Methods & techniques for museum and heritage education
• Presentation of group work
• Review of the course, Certificates

DAY 7 (optional)

• TOUR TO PAPHOS TOWN
  It includes a tour with 5-stops (9:00 am- 5:00 pm)
  • Tomb of the kings
  • Catacomb of Agia Solomoni
  • Paphos Archaeological Park with Roman mosaics
  • Paphos Medieval Castle and port
  • Petra tou Romiou (birthplace of Aphrodite).

Courses Fees

480 euro (6-day) & 560 euro (7-day)

Offers on request for longer trainings.

Sessions

• 20.01.2024 – 25.01.2024
• 23.03.2024 – 28.03.2024
• 25.05.2024 – 30.05.2024
• 17.08.2024 – 22.08.2024
• 02.11.2024 – 07.11.2024
• 07.12.2024 – 12.12.2024
• 18.01.2025 – 23.01.2025
• 22.03.2025 – 27.03.2025
• 24.05.2025 – 29.05.2025
• 16.08.2025 – 21.08.2025
• 25.10.2025 – 30.10.2025
• 29.11.2025 – 04.12.2025