Course Catalogue

Homer And His Readers CLASSIC4024

  • Academic Session: 2026-27
  • School: School of Humanities
  • Credits: 20
  • Level: Level 4 (SCQF level 10)
  • Typically Offered: Either Semester 1 or Semester 2 (Alternate Years)
  • Available to Visiting Students: Yes
  • Collaborative Online International Learning: No
  • Curriculum For Life: No

Short Description

The course allows detailed study of the Iliad and Odyssey, and allows students to trace the resonance of those works through a range of ancient and modern literature.

Timetable

20x1hr sessions over 10 weeks as scheduled in MyCampus; This is one of the honours options in Classics and may not run every year. The options that are running this session are available on mycampus.

Requirements of Entry

Available to all students fulfilling requirements for Honours entry into Classics, Greek or Latin, and by arrangement to visiting students or students of other Honours programmes.

Excluded Courses

None

Assessment

The standard assessments for this course are: 

■ Essay (2,000 words) - 40% 

■ Examination (90 minute duration) - 60% 

 

If required, for instance where a disability prevents a student from undertaking a specific method of assessment, the following alternatives are available: 

■ There are no alternatives to the assessments, but flexible deadlines or extra time can be offered as reasonable adjustment (Students should follow the usual process for extensions). 

 

Further reasonable adjustments may be provided where necessary. Students are encouraged to consult with the course convenor.  

Main Assessment In: April/May

Course Aims

This course will provide the opportunity to:

■ Familiarise themselves with Homer (both Iliad and Odyssey)

■ Understand Homer's place as the founder of ancient epic

■ understand the main currents of Homeric reception in antiquity

■ understand the main currents in modern Homeric scholarship

■ study the influence of Homer in literary genres other than epic

■ Experience close reading and analysis of a range of ancient literature

■ formulate a research project and carry it out

■ develop skills in critical appreciation

■ reflect on their place in a tradition of Homeric reception

Intended Learning Outcomes of Course

By the end of this course students will be able to:

■ apply an in-depth knowledge of both Homeric poems

■ discuss the main currents in Homeric scholarship

■ understand the impact of Homer's poetry on the intellectual and literary culture of both Greece and Rome

■ understand the main trends in ancient literary history

■ apply the concepts of literary influence, intertextuality, and allusion

■ Carry out research with due regard to recent scholarship through a close engagement with selected ancient texts

Minimum Requirement for Award of Credits

No exceptions