HS3101: Introduction to Ancient Greek History

School Ancient History
Department Code SHARE
Module Code HS3101
External Subject Code V110
Number of Credits 20
Level L4
Language of Delivery English
Module Leader Dr Louis Rawlings
Semester Double Semester
Academic Year 2014/5

Outline Description of Module

This module is an introduction to the history of the ancient Greek world in three main periods: the Archaic period (early eighth century BCE to 480 BCE); the Classical period (480–323 BCE); and the Hellenistic period (323–31 BCE). We will look at the different sources available to historians, such as poetry, histories, drama, philosophy, inscriptions, and archaeological and visual evidence, and consider how we can use them to study political, economic, cultural, social and religious history. Topics covered will include the emergence of city-states and the rise to power of tyrants, the evolution of the world’s first democracy, the lives of men and women, the role of religion in daily and civic life, philosophy and science, and the rise of the powerful Hellenistic kingdoms.

On completion of the module a student should be able to

  • demonstrate a knowledge of Archaic, Classical and Hellenistic Greek history.
  • demonstrate a knowledge of a range of sources for ancient Greek history, including histories, poetry, speeches, drama, philosophy, inscriptions, and visual and archaeological evidence.
  • analyse these sources and evaluate their reliability and significance.
  • demonstrate an awareness of modern interpretations of ancient Greek history, and an ability to develop their own ideas.
  • discuss these issues in written work with coherent and logical arguments, clearly and correctly expressed.
  • work in a group to discuss these issues in an oral presentation, with appropriate visual aids.

How the module will be delivered

20 lectures and 4 seminars; 8 study group meetings; independent study; optional practice essay; 1 or 2 coursework feedback sessions

The lectures provide an introduction to a particular topic, establishing the key points of major course themes, identifying important issues, and providing guidance for more in-depth reading. They aim to provide a basic framework for understanding, and should be thought of as a useful starting-point for further discussion and independent study. Slides will be used to illustrate the material discussed.

The seminars enable students to develop their source criticism skills by analysing and discussing key primary sources for the period, including literary texts, inscriptions, images, artefacts and archaeological sites. During seminars students will practise constructing arguments and debates, and get feedback on their ideas from the tutor and their peers. Handouts with material for study and suggestions for preparatory reading will be circulated prior to the seminars.

In their study groups, students explore and discuss key resources, such as reference works, journals and websites, and important topics such as monuments, historiography and the reception of classical antiquity in the modern world. One study group meeting in each semester is devoted to preparing for the assessed oral presentation.

Independent study enables students to familiarise themselves with the primary source material and the most important modern approaches and debates on the subject. A reading list is provided, with guidance on key items of reading for the major themes of the module.

Coursework feedback tutorials provide students with an opportunity to get feedback and guidance on all aspects of their written work. The optional practice essay enables students to practise writing a university-level essay and get feedback and advice before submitting their summative coursework.

Skills that will be practised and developed

  • assimilating and synthesising complex information and ideas
  • critical thinking skills, such as analysing and evaluating evidence, critiquing interpretations or arguments, and challenging assumptions
  • constructing and defending arguments based on evidence
  • clear, accurate and effective communication of ideas and arguments in writing and in debate
  • oral presentation skills, including the preparation of effective supporting material such as PowerPoint and handouts
  • employing basic skills and conventions in the presentation and use of literary and material evidence
  • bibliographic and referencing skills
  • team-working and contributing to group discussions
  • using IT resources effectively
  • independent working and time management

How the module will be assessed

The module will be assessed through a 2000-word essay, a group presentation, and an exam consisting of one essay question and one source criticism exercise, weighted 70:30. There is also an optional practice essay (2000 words).

The essay and exam questions will require knowledge and critical deployment of evidence and an awareness of modern scholarship to answer questions and construct arguments relating to ancient Greek history.

In the source criticism exercise that forms part of the exam, specific written or material sources relating to the history of the period will be set, and students will have to assess their significance, thus deploying their knowledge of the period and interpretations of it. The sources will be selected from the material discussed in the seminars.

The oral presentation will be written and delivered by study groups. Students will demonstrate their skills in public speaking, team-working and designing visual aids, as well as their knowledge and understanding of the period and of key sources of evidence.

Type of assessment

%Contribution

Title

Duration
(if applicable)

Approx. date of Assessment

CW

0

Coursework - practice essay (optional)

 

autumn semester

CW

35

Coursework - essay

 

autumn or spring

PR

15

Presentation

10 minutes

autumn or spring

EXSP

50

Introduction to Ancient Greek History

1.5 hours

spring semester

The opportunity for reassessment in this module

Students who fail the module will normally be expected to resit the failed component(s) in the summer resit period.

Assessment Breakdown

Type % Title Duration(hrs)
Presentation 15 Introduction To Ancient Greek History N/A
Written Assessment 35 Introduction To Ancient Greek History N/A
Exam - Spring Semester 50 Introduction To Ancient Greek History 1.5

Syllabus content

  • Archaic history: major sources, including Homer and Herodotus; the emergence of city-states and the rise of tyrants; trade and colonisation; social values; Archaic culture; religion; the Persian Wars
  • Classical history: the Peloponnesian War and the rise of Macedon; major sources, including Thucydides, Xenophon and Lysias; Athenian democracy and its alternatives; slavery, work and trade; household, gender and sexuality; religious festivals and drama; Classical philosophy
  • Hellenistic history: from Alexander the Great to the Battle of Actium; major sources, including Polybius and Plutarch; kings, queens and courts; social mobility and new opportunities for women; cosmopolitan cults and personal religions; science and medicine

Essential Reading and Resource List

R. Osborne, Greece in the Making (second edition, 2009)
J.M. Hall, A History of the Archaic Greek World, ca. 1200–479 BC (2007)
P.J. Rhodes, A History of the Classical Greek World, ca. 480–323 BC (2005)
S. Hornblower, The Greek World, 479–323 BC (fourth edition, 2011)
R.M. Errington, A History of the Hellenistic World, ca. 323–30 BC (2008)
G. Shipley, The Greek World after Alexander, 323–30 BC (2000)
R. Just, Women in Athenian Life and Law (1980)
N.R.E. Fisher, Slavery in Classical Greece (1993)
J. Mikalson, Ancient Greek Religion (2004)

Primary sources:
Homer, Iliad and Odyssey
Herodotus, The Histories
Thucydides, The Peloponnesian War
Greek drama: tragedies by Aeschylus, Sophocles, Euripides; comedies by Aristophanes

Background Reading and Resource List

See the module handout for the full reading list.


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