HS2389: Art and Archaeology of Classical Greece

School Archaeology
Department Code SHARE
Module Code HS2389
External Subject Code 100384
Number of Credits 20
Level L6
Language of Delivery English
Module Leader Dr Ruth Westgate
Semester Double Semester
Academic Year 2013/4

Outline Description of Module

 This moduleis concerned with the art and archaeology of Classical Greece (479–323 BC) and with the questions that arise from the study of these material remains. The emphasis will be on Classical cities (particularly Athens), and on how archaeology can help to improve our understanding of this crucial moment in Greek history. The course will also endeavour to combine traditional topics (e.g. sculpture, architecture, vase-painting) and modern concerns (e.g. gender and the household; burial and society; survey, landscape and the countryside).

On completion of the module a student should be able to

On successful completion of the module, the student should be able to demonstrate:

  • a knowledge of the archaeological evidence of Classical date from excavations and from surveys;
  • an understanding and appreciation of the art of the period;
  • a knowledge of the literary sources relevant to monuments and works of art;
  • an understanding of the various debates that surround the interpretation of the art and archaeology of Classical Greece;
  • an ability to evaluate the relevance of various kinds of archaeological and artistic evidence with reference to these debates;
  • an appreciation of the kinds of problems encountered when trying to interpret archaeological evidence and ancient art;
  • an ability to discuss these issues in written work with coherent and logical arguments, clearly and correctly expressed.

How the module will be delivered

20 lectures, 3 1-hour seminars (groups and times to be arranged), field trip to the British Museum

The lectures present an outline of the archaeological, artistic and literary evidence for the period, and provide a framework for the interpretation of that evidence by introducing the major concepts and debates that have shaped research into the period.

Several of these key debates are then explored in greater depth in seminars and written work, providing an opportunity for the students to develop their own opinions and express them both orally and in writing.

Skills that will be practised and developed

Intellectual Skills:

  • demonstrate an ability to evaluate the relevance of various kinds of archaeological and artistic evidence with reference to these debates
  • demonstrate an appreciation of the kinds of problems encountered when trying to interpret archaeological evidence and ancient art

Discipline Specific (including practical) Skills:

  • Know particular classes of evidence
  • Understand particular case studies
  • Understand particular research traditions
  • Recognise the many problems and limitations with the available evidence

Transferable Skills:

  • demonstrate an ability to discuss the above issues in written work with coherent and logical arguments, clearly and correctly expressed.

How the module will be assessed

1 essay of not more than 2500 words (50%), 

1 exam (2 1-hour questions) (50%), at the end of the Spring semester.

 

Assessment Breakdown

Type % Title Duration(hrs)
Written Assessment 50 Art & Archaeology Of Classical Greece N/A
Exam - Spring Semester 50 Art & Archaeology Of Classical Greece 1.5

Syllabus content

This course is concerned with the art and archaeology of Classical Greece (479–323 BC) and with the questions that arise from the study of these material remains.  The emphasis is on Classical cities (particularly Athens), and on how archaeology can help to improve our understanding of this crucial moment in Greek history.  The course also endeavours to combine traditional topics (e.g. sculpture, architecture, vase-painting) and modern concerns (e.g. gender and the household; burial and society; survey, landscape and the countryside).

Essential Reading and Resource List

J. Whitley, The Archaeology of Ancient Greece (2001)

R. Osborne, Archaic and Classical Greek Art (1998)

R. Osborne, Classical Landscape with Figures (1987)

J.J. Pollitt, Art and Experience in Classical Greece (1972)

J.J. Pollitt, The Art of Ancient Greece: Sources and Documents (1990)


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