The central norms and values of the ancient Greeks had profound effects both on their society, economy and politics, and on the nature of the literary and documentary evidence they have left us. The module traces the development of a number of these values and ideals (e.g. those associated with competition and excellence; honour and shame; self-control, piety and friendship) from the eighth to the fourth century BC. Throughout, the module compares and contrasts ancient Greek values with those of modern Western cultures.

• demonstrate a knowledge and critical understanding of the documentary evidence for a number of centrally important Greek values and ideals.
• demonstrate an understanding of the role played by such values and ideals in ancient Greek society.
• demonstrate an understanding of the relationship between cultural values and social behaviour.
• demonstrate an awareness of similarities and differences between Greek culture on the one hand, and modern cultures on the other.
• demonstrate a knowledge and critical understanding of modern theories and debates relating to Greek values, and an ability to evaluate the evidence with reference to these debates.
• discuss these issues in written work with coherent and logical arguments, clearly and correctly expressed.

10 lectures and 2 seminars; independent study 

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. Where appropriate slides and handouts are used to illustrate the material discussed. 

The seminars provide an opportunity for students to analyse and discuss key issues and topics in the module, and to 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. 

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 major themes and lecture topics.

• 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
• employing basic skills and conventions in the presentation and use of literary and material evidence
• bibliographic and referencing skills
• contributing to group discussions
• using IT resources effectively
• independent working and time management

The module will be assessed through an exam consisting of one essay question and one source criticism exercise, weighted 70:30.

The essay question will require knowledge and critical deployment of evidence and critical understanding of modern scholarship to answer questions and construct arguments relating to Greek values and ideals.

In the source criticism exercise, specific primary sources relating to Greek values will be set, and students will have to assess their significance, thus deploying their knowledge of the issues and their interpretations. 

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

• differences and similarities between Greek and modern Western values
• some central values in Greek thought: competition and excellence (arete); honour, hybris and aidos; self-control and moderation (sophrosyne); piety
• concepts of friendship and enmity
• the roles of greed and generosity in Greek life and thought
• personal and communal values

A. Adkins, Moral Values and Political Behaviour in Ancient Greece (1972)

M. Blundell, Helping Friends and Harming Enemies: A Study in Sophocles and Greek Ethics (1989)

D. Cohen, Law, Violence and Community in Classical Athens (1994)

W. Donlan, The Aristocratic Ideal and Selected Papers (1999)

K.J. Dover, Greek Popular Morality (1974)

M.I. Finley, The World of Odysseus (1977)

N.R.E. Fisher, Social Values in Classical Athens (1976)

N.R.E. Fisher, Hybris: a Study in the Values of Honour and Shame in Ancient Greece (1992)

D. Konstan, The Emotions of the Ancient Greeks: Studies in Aristotle and Classical Literature (2006)

M. Nussbaum, The Fragility of Goodness (1986)

J.P. Sabben-Clare and M.S. Warman (eds.), The Culture of Athens (LACTOR 12) (second edition, 1991)

I. Sluiter and R. M. Rosen (eds.), KAKOS, Badness and Anti-Value in Classical Antiquity (Mnemosyne Supplement 307, 2009)

H. van Wees, Status Warriors (1992)

B. Williams, Shame and Necessity (1993)

 See the module handout for the full reading list.