Course Catalogue

Greek Tragedy (Linguistic Pathway) GREEK5010

  • Academic Session: 2026-27
  • School: School of Humanities
  • Credits: 20
  • Level: Level 5 (SCQF level 11)
  • Typically Offered: Semester 2
  • Available to Visiting Students: Yes
  • Collaborative Online International Learning: No
  • Curriculum For Life: No

Short Description

This course provides the opportunity to study a number of Greek tragedies in the original language, paying close attention to formal, linguistic, literary, dramaturgical and historical issues.

Timetable

This is a PG (T) course, taught over one semester. Teaching will be by weekly seminar if enrolment is five or more, or by weekly supervision and guided reading if enrolment is fewer than five

Requirements of Entry

Available to students who have Greek to Honours level or equivalent, or at the discretion of the MLitt (T) convener

Excluded Courses

Greek Tragedy JXNS

Assessment

The standard assessments for this course are:

■ One 3000 word coursework essay (50%)

■ One 1.5 hour Examination (50%)

 

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

■ There is no alternative to the essay, but flexible deadlines can be offered as reasonable adjustments (students should follow the usual process for extensions).

■ There is no alternative to the exam, but extra time or alternative space can be offered as reasonable adjustments.

 

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

Main Assessment In: December

Course Aims

This course will provide the opportunity to
* study a selection of Greek Tragedy from the three canonical tragedians
* study a range of theories of poetry, literature and culture in the Western tradition
* engage in the interpretation of texts through different critical strategies
* explore the scope and limitations of theory in literary criticism
* develop a distinctive and personal critical position in relation to Greek Tragedy

Intended Learning Outcomes of Course

By the end of the course you should be able to:
* identify the formal characteristics of Greek Tragedy
* relate the texts to their social, political and cultural contexts
* recognise the principal themes in the set texts
* explain the theoretical foundations of modern critical approaches
* assess your own critical approach to Greek texts
* use critical techniques derived from different theoretical traditions, ancient and modern
* evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of interpretations derived from different theoretical approaches
* demonstrate such essay, seminar and exam skills as the department has stipulated in the Classics Handbook

Minimum Requirement for Award of Credits

No exceptions