This module is not currently running in 2024 to 2025.
Virgil composed the Aeneid in order to provide Rome with an epic equal to any that Homer produced. Commonly regarded as one the greatest epics of the ancient world, the Aeneid is the story of the foundation of Rome; a tale of exile, war, passionate love and the deepest humanity. We will analyse, comment on and explore the epic, book by book. This will be intertwined with a thematic approach, investigating issues concerning the gods, fate, morality, art and gender.
Total Contact Hours: 40
Private Study Hours: 260
Total Study Hours: 300
Autumn or Spring
Also available at Level 6 under code CL739
Essay 1 (2,000 words) – 40%
Essay 2 (3,000 words) – 60%
Indicative list
Cairns, F. (1990). Virgil's Augustan Epic. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
Camps, W.A. (1969). Introduction to Virgil's Aeneid. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Harrison, S. (ed.). (1990). Oxford Readings in Virgil's Aeneid. Oxford: Clarendon Press.
Johnson, W.R. (1976). Darkness Visible: A Study of Virgil's Aeneid. Berkeley: University of California.
Virgil. (2003). The Aeneid, tr. D. West. London: Penguin.
Zanker, P. (1988). The Power of Images in the Age of Augustus. Ann Arbor: University of Michigan Press.
See the library reading list for this module (Canterbury)
On successfully completing the module Level 5 students will be able to:
1. Articulate detailed and nuanced responses to key questions about the nature and value of ancient epic;
2. Demonstrate deep understanding of the importance and implications of ancient epic within its historical context;
3. Devise sustained, critical and evaluative arguments related to the variety of voices and themes contained within the epic;
4. Engage reflectively with current research related to primary and secondary sources.
University of Kent makes every effort to ensure that module information is accurate for the relevant academic session and to provide educational services as described. However, courses, services and other matters may be subject to change. Please read our full disclaimer.
