This is more than an introduction to Classical history, literature and culture. Spanning a millennium from the Classical period to the Greeks living under the Roman Empire in the first century AD. classes will cover the major events, developments and themes of ancient Mediterranean history and civilisation, providing you with ample material for discussion and thinking about the development of key concepts of power. These are key ideas affecting how we think about societies today.
Together we explore the major works and genres of Greek literature. We consider, discuss and debate the role of literature as a vehicle for power, persuasion and public debate throughout Greek history, and its treatment of key themes such as democracy, justice, religion, rationalism, violence, war, displacement, the body, and gender.
Lecture - 16 hours
Seminar - 16 hours
Autumn
Main Assessment Methods:
Written
Moodle Quiz. Assessment Details: Online quiz requiring short essay answers a variety of topics (1,000 words) (40%).
Written
Essay. Assessment Details: Essay on analysis and discussion of a specific interpretative question (1,500 words) (60%).
Reassessment Method:
100% written assessment (1,500 words)
The University is committed to ensuring that core reading materials are in accessible electronic format in line with the Kent Inclusive Practices. The most up to date reading list for each module can be found on the university's reading list pages: https://kent.rl.talis.com/index.html
On successfully completing the module, students will be able to:
1. Understand the major events and key turning points in ancient Greek history and the main contexts, genres and conventions of Greek literature.
2. Evaluate the larger contexts that shaped the history of the Classical Mediterranean, its literature and culture, and investigate the main conflicts and themes that would dominate its development.
3. Differentiate between the major interpretations of ancient Greek history, literature and culture, of the primary sources for these and appraise their value.
4. Review a variety of historical writings and formulate a reasoned critique of their reliability.
5. Work effectively to construct and defend a position and argument.
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