“Eminence History Department Fund” Recipient Sharing

Report by Mr. TANG Ling Hei (2021 Ug Graduate)

 

I am very thankful to have the opportunity to study my MPhil in Greek and Roman History (2021-23) at the Faculty of Classics, University of Oxford.  This two-year program requires the submission of a thesis, response papers from a fortnightly seminar either on Roman or Greek history in general, a thematic study and a specific methodology class, and pass a language exam.

Visit to Hadrian’s Wall

 

My experience at Oxford was intellectually engaging. I spent time acquiring specialist skills in papyrology and had invaluable experience reading, transcribing, and annotating Oxford’s unpublished papyri collection. Another highlight during my stay was the tutorial system. Most classes taught to me were one-on-one, allowing the professors to arrange further discussions based on my interests. In the end, I was very happy to write a thesis on the papyri letters of Roman Oxyrhynchus, where I analyzed communication networks, patterns of human movement, and environmental impacts on mobility to provide detailed insights into the interconnectedness of Egypt. I also benefited from attending conferences and workshops in Bologna, Singapore, and Corfu, where I interacted with specialists from different fields.

Inscription Drawing at Practical Epigraphy Workshop	Stone Squeezing at Practical Epigraphy Workshop

 

I also gained fruitful experience outside of my faculty, thanks to two other communities at Oxford. I am a graduate member of Wadham College, which provided both accommodation and pastoral care for me. Additionally, there is a strong community of Hongkongers at Oxford, many of whom are members of the Oxford Hong Kong Scholars Association, a society specifically for postgraduates. I am grateful to have made some great friends there who provided me with guidance to integrate into the life of this university.

Dinner at Merton

 

I would like to express my gratitude to the members of the Department of History for the intellectual stimulation they provided me during my undergraduate years. It motivated me to seek more, which is why I pursued postgraduate studies in the first place. I want to thank in particular Prof. James MORTON, my thesis supervisor and academic advisor, who was very supportive of my decision. Last but not least, I would like to thank the Eminence History Department Fund for their generous financial support toward my postgraduate studies.

 

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Recapping the World History Seminar “The Mongol Invasion into the Near East: War, Religion, Commerce and Technology” Conducted by Prof. Nicholas MORTON on 13 September 2023

Prof. Nicholas MORTON from the School of Arts and Humanities, Nottingham Trent University, was invited by the Centre for Comparative and Public History to deliver a lecture entitled “The Mongol Invasion into the Near East: War, Religion, Commerce and Technology” on 13 September 2023. Prof. MORTON began his talk with an overall narrative of the Mongols, discussing the fall of the Khwarazmian Empire and the rise of the Mongols. He then delved into how the Mongols conquered the Middle East. Beyond their inherent skills, such as horseback riding, Morton emphasized that the Mongols were astute learners who adopted advanced besiege weapons and tactics from the regions they subdued. He further explored how communities in these conquered areas sought to survive under the Mongol domination and discussed the interplay of technology and commerce in the Mongol conquests. The talk concluded with a reflection on the Mamluk Empire’s successful resistance against the Mongols, which further shaped the history of the Middle East.

 

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World History Seminar (2023-24)

Organisers: Centre for Comparative and Public History, Department of History, CUHK
Enquiry: 3943 8541

 

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Academic Writing Workshop 2023-24

 

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The Mid-Autumn Festival falls on 30 September 2023. We wish you all a happy Mid-Autumn Festival!

 

 

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For teachers and students who have information to share with the Department, please email your articles in both Chinese and English to chanfiona@cuhk.edu.hk by 4:00pm every Monday.