Classical Heritage in the Digital Age: Inclusivity and Innovation

How is classical heritage being reshaped in today’s digital world, and what strategies can make it more inclusive and socially responsible?

Classical traditions have long influenced culture, identity, and scholarship- but they are also deeply entangled with colonial and hegemonic perspectives. Today, digital technologies and citizen participation offer new opportunities to diversify and decenter these traditions, making heritage more accessible and sustainable for broader communities. From digital archives and interactive platforms to citizen humanities projects, these tools can open up fresh interpretations and democratize knowledge production. Yet, they also raise critical questions about power dynamics, representation, and authenticity.

This course combines theory and practice to explore these issues. Inspired by high-profile presenters working both in classics and heritage studies (confirmed key-note speakers include Barbara Graziosi, Henry Stead, Aglae Pizzone, Irina-Mihaela Ciortan), you will learn what “classics” and “classical heritage” mean, reflect on their historical uses and misuses, and examine how digital transitions are transforming preservation and communication. Through hands-on work with digital tools and collaborative projects, you will gain practical skills to design inclusive approaches to classical heritage.

Level: Bachelor and Master | Offered in Odense | Offered by: SDU Department of Culture and Language