This course studies two Greek comedies in the original language, one each from Aristophanes and Menander. One strand of the course looks at the language, metre, form and technique of these plays, and a second sets them in the wider context of Greek Old and New Comedy, and explores different approaches to this evolving genre. 

2x1hr seminars over 10 weeks as scheduled in MyCampus. This is one of the honours options in Greek and may not run every year. The options that are running this session are available on MyCampus.

CLASSIC4005

None

The standard assessments for this course are: 

■ Exam (2-hour duration) - 60%

■ Essay (2000 words) - 40%

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/ 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.  

This course aims to:

■ Explore two Greek comedies against the broader traditions of Greek Old and New Comedy

■ Discuss ancient humour within its original contexts

■ Consider a range of methodological approaches to humour

■ Relate ancient komoidia to modern categories of humour

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

■ Translate Greek comedy accurately and fluently into English

■ Identify the formal characteristics of Greek comedy and compare its two main variants (Old and New Comedy).

■ Relate the texts to their social, cultural and political context

■ Develop their own arguments about the nature of the comic form

■ Use and critique comparative strategies in approaching ancient humour

■ Evaluate critical approaches to humour and comedy through discussion of the set texts