Classical Greek Civilisation 1A ADED1217E

  • Academic Session: 2023-24
  • School: Short Courses
  • Credits: 20
  • Level: Level 1 (SCQF level 7)
  • Typically Offered: Runs Throughout Semesters 1 and 2
  • Available to Visiting Students: Yes

Short Description

Independent of, but a partner to, Classical Greek civilisation 1B, this course introduces the cultural world of ancient Greece, exploring the history, literature and art of fifth century BC Athens. The first semester concentrates particularly on historical developments, like the birth of democracy in Athens and Athenian attitudes to and aptitudes for warfare. The second semester considers Athenian culture through the lens of drama, considering particularly the works of poets like Euripides and Aristophanes. 

Timetable

Blocks 1 and 2

2 hours per week for 20 weeks

Monday, 18.00-20.00

Requirements of Entry

None

Excluded Courses

None

Co-requisites

None

Assessment

Two source analysis exercises of c.800 words each (20% each; 40% in total)

Two essays (one on a historical topic, the other focusing on a dramatic subject) (c. 1200 words each); (30% each; 60% in total)

Course Aims

The aims of the course are to assist students in developing:

■ A knowledge and understanding of Greek civilisation through the topics studied.

■ A deeper understanding of their own civilisation by understanding more about its origins.

■ The practise of four key modes of study of the ancient world - archaeological, historical, literary and philosophical, and the skills of constructive criticism associated with them.

■ Skills that will be transferable by the students to other situations - namely careful reading; accurate, clear and perceptive essay writing; reasoned argument in writing and orally; visual sensitivity to architecture and art.

Intended Learning Outcomes of Course

By the end of the course students should be able to:

■ Read literary texts with critical appreciation of their contents based on an adequate knowledge of the civilisation which produced them.

■ Practise historical analysis and source criticism.

■ Demonstrate an appreciation of cultural developments within the Greek world and comment on them.

■ Write effectively and perceptively about the principal areas of study (history, drama).
Engage confidently in discussion about the topics studied.

Minimum Requirement for Award of Credits

Students must submit at least 75% by weight of the components (including examinations) of the course's summative assessment.