This module is not currently running in 2026 to 2027.
Following the introduction to Greek culture you received in your first year of study, we build a deeper understanding of the processes that led to the formation of the Greek World. We explore the early history, archaeology, and culture of the Ancient Greece from the Late Bronze Age to the Archaic period (ca 1600 BC – 480 BC), offering you a broad knowledge of the archaeology, literature, and history of these periods. These centuries involve some of the most significant moments in Greek history, like the formation of the independent city-states (polis), the emergence of Athens, and the start of the Persian Wars. But we explore more than these events. We investigate Greek trade and colonisation on the Mediterranean, the Tyrrhenian and the Black Sea; the cultural, architectural and artistic exchanges of the Greeks with Near Eastern, North African and Italian populations; and the circumstances which led to the invasion of Greece by the Persian Empire. All these topics will offer you a thorough understanding of the evolution of Greek culture and history and the precursors leading up to the Classical period, which saw the blooming of art, literature, philosophy, democracy, trade and economy.
Lecture = 16 hours
Workshop = 16 hours
Main Assessment Methods:
Group Presentation (20 minutes plus presentation slides). Assessment Details: Organise and present on a set weekly topic (20%).
2,000 words Essay. Assessment Details: Write essay, using secondary source literature, to analyse a broad interpretive question. (80%).
Reassessment Method: Single instrument
100% written assessment / essay (2,000 words)
On successfully completing the module, students will be able to:
1. Systematically understand and critically analyse Ancient Greek history between the Late Bronze Age and the Archaic Period.
2. Deploy effectively key techniques of analysis to critically analyse the larger contexts and dynamics that shaped the Greek world and investigate the formation of the Greek cities in various parts of the Ancient Mediterranean and the Black Sea.
3. Critically evaluate and present the major approaches and methods of enquiry of Early Greek history.
4. Individually and/or collectively review and demonstrate critical understanding and knowledge of established interpretations of primary sources in Early Greek history, in seminar and in their written work.
5. Effectively communicate complex information, ideas, and interpretations concerning scholarly debates using written and visual primary evidence and to a variety of audiences.
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