The Origin of the Modern Western Civilization

Main courses

Development of the European Identity
Monarchies in Classical Antiquity and in the Middle Ages
Development of the Modern Western Economic Model
Classical and Medieval Heritage in St Petersburg
The Structure and Practice of International Relations in Classical Antiquity and in the Middle Ages
The East and The West as a Problem in the History of Europe
Classical Antiquity and the Middle Ages in the Modern European Literature, Fine Arts and Cinematography
Everyday Life and Social Structures in Classical Antiquity and in the Middle Ages
The Constitution of the Roman Republic and Modern Political Institutions
Christianity and Church in the History of Europe

Our advantages

The programme is based on interdisciplinary links. The interdisciplinary approach includes the study of materials on: ancient world history; the history of the Middle Ages; the history of the state and law; and the history of culture. Students update knowledge from various scientific fields
The course system combines in its structure the study of the basics of ancient and medieval civilisation. These are the two most important components in the genesis of contemporary Europe
In the learning process, the programme provides a close relationship between theoretical training and practical experience. This is in the form of seminars and practices in the museums and libraries of St Petersburg
The programme provides students with a deep understanding of the ancient and medieval origins of modern civilisation. It enables them to understand the development of the process of historical heritage reception, and to analyse: historical processes; phenomena of social life; international relations; economic system; and culture
The programme is unique, and has no equivalent among other educational programmes in Russian and foreign universities
The graduates acquire an important ability to carry out research, cultural, and excursion projects

Career opportunities

International relations

Main areas of research

Power and society in Antiquity and the Middle Ages: political formations and the issue of nationhood
Reception of ancient and medieval civilisational heritage in today’s context
Confessional conflicts and tolerance in Antiquity and the Middle Ages
Social structures and their evolution from Antiquity to modern times
Feature elements of economic life: from the ‘oikos’ model to the pro-European market
Ancient history in the culture of contemporary times
Antique collections in St Petersburg
Monuments of medieval culture in St Petersburg
East in the history of the ancient world and medieval Europe
Development of European identity from Antiquity to Modernity