A global dimension via the teaching of the 'Ancient World' : theoretical concepts and an empirical approach from Greek primary textbooks

Abstract

The present study aims to investigate the extent to which a global dimension is communicated to students via the teaching of 'Ancient World' in the different subjects of the Greek primary textbooks, namely language, social studies, science and religion. In this paper, the 'Ancient World' refers to both the traditional Graeco/Roman civilisation and to the non-Graeco/Roman one. A content analysis of Greek primary textbooks shows that the presentation of the 'Ancient World' serves to promote an ethnocentric/nationalistic orientation. The absence of references to other ancient civilisations is therefore in contrast to current emphases on the development of global and multicultural curricula.