Classics and Public Policy

This book is the first to connect Classics with Public Policy, opening up discussion of the study and application of Classics in, and for, policy communities across the United Kingdom.

It confronts and dismantles existing dominant narratives that classicists do not ‘do’ policy and shows that, like any other skill, policy engagement can be taught. It provides examples from UK research and policy contexts and makes suggestions for how subject associations, learned societies and universities can embed the pedagogy of policy engagement into their courses. Contributions range from academic classicists to a Former Secretary of State to a current junior civil servant, and each reflects on their routes into policy and recommends ways for colleagues to begin, or extend, their policy influence. At a time when the Arts and Humanities are under increasing financial pressures, this book provides much-needed case studies of personal and professional experiences which highlight the ‘value’ of classicists’ research, evidence for informing policy priorities and the ‘relevance’ of Classics for employability and career success in UK government, parliament and beyond.

This volume is of interest to anyone studying or working in the fields of Classics and public policy, particularly in the UK.