This course studies a selection of Greek comedy in the original language, both the satirical and fantastic comedy of Aristophanes (Old Comedy) and the social comedy of Menander (New Comedy)

Two hours per week; 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

One essay 30%, Two hour examination 70%

Reassessments are normally available for all courses, except those which contribute to the Honours classification. For non Honours courses, students are offered reassessment in all or any of the components of assessment if the satisfactory (threshold) grade for the overall course is not achieved at the first attempt. This is normally grade D3 for undergraduate students and grade C3 for postgraduate students. Exceptionally it may not be possible to offer reassessment of some coursework items, in which case the mark achieved at the first attempt will be counted towards the final course grade. Any such exceptions for this course are described below. 

The aims of the course are to:

to study one example of Greek Old Comedy and one example of New Comedy

to compare the literary and comic techniques of the authors studied

develop an understanding of Greek language, vocabulary, and poetic style

interpret Greek comedy in its social and historical context

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

translate fluently and accurately from the prescribed texts into clear and appropriate English

explain the cultural, literary and historical significance of key passages from the plays

identify the formal characteristics of the plays

analyse the different levels of language used and their characteristics

assess the literary and comic style of each author with reference to the plays

identify different metres used and their formal or literary significance

explain the dramaturgical problems and potential of the two plays

critique modern interpretations of the plays in the light of these outcomes

demonstrate such essay, translation and commentary skills as stipulated in the Honours Handbook

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