Centre for Oratory and Rhetoric
The Centre for Oratory and Rhetoric (COR) was established in 2010 in order to foster research in the art of persuasion from the Graeco-Roman antiquity until the twenty-first century. It is the only Research Centre of its kind in the UK and its distinctiveness lies in the fact that it places its primary emphasis on the practice of oratory as distinct from the theory of rhetoric.
A key aim is to make COR a hub for an interdisciplinary study and research into Oratory and Rhetoric, ancient and modern. It currently brings together five members of staff in the Department of Classics and Philosophy (see People) whose expertise and research interests fall in the area of Graeco-Roman Oratory and is establishing an extensive research network of scholars in the UK, Europe and the US. A number of PhD students (see People -> Students) are already carrying out research on topics in this area and the centre is welcoming applications from prospective research students.
The launch event of the Centre, a colloquium entitled "Actio - Hypokrisis - Delivery" took place in London on 27 November 2010 (see programme|). It brought together experts from the UK, Europe and the US. It focused on aspects of oratorical performance in Greece and Rome and also examined the role of oratory in modern British advocacy. This is only the first of a number of future events currently in the planning process. Two major conferences and research projects will focus on speech-writing ancient and modern and on the sermon in different religious traditions. More details to follow (see News and Events|).
New Postgraduate Programme: MRes / PGDip / PGCert in Rhetoric (details here|)
For further information email Prof. Jonathan Powell| or download the programme brochure|.
Two International Conferences in 2013:
1) From Antiphon to Autocue: Speechwriting Ancient and Modern (Hellenic Centre, London, 25-26 April 2013)|