Module CLAS3621: Historiography, Propaganda and Persian Wars

Department: Classics and Ancient History

CLAS3621: Historiography, Propaganda and Persian Wars

Prerequisites

• CLAS 1601 Remembering Athens or one Level 1 History module.

Corequisites

• None

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None

Aims

• To introduce the major political, economic, social and cultural characteristics and developments of the late Archaic and early Classical period with a focus on the Persian Wars and its resonances in Classical and postclassical historiography.
• To assess the significance of the events from the first half of the 5th century BC for self-understanding and identity of Greek city states in Classical and postclassical period.
• To deepen the appreciation of the relevant historiographical sources (epigraphic and literary) and ability to critically assess both textual and material sources.

Content

• The module will investigate tales and traditions concerning Persian Wars, and will address media of commemoration, uses of key historical events in contemporary and later political discourses in various Greek poleis, and formulations of local narratives preserving the memory of the wars that produced “the first race of heroes”. In terms of chronology of political events, the module will cover events from Greek history from mid 6th century BC until the mid 5th c. BC, but in terms of historiographical traditions, it will also include reception of the events from Classical and Hellenistic period to modern day cinema.

Learning Outcomes

• The student should gain knowledge of the basic elements of late Archaic and early Classical socio-political history and the society and be familiar with the elementary social and cultural features of the period.
• An overview and understanding of the relevant literary and inscriptional evidence and insight into source-specific problems.
• Insight in the current scholarly debates pertaining to Archaic and Classical history.

• Ability to apply methodology appropriate for the type of evidence.
• Ability to develop analytical and evaluative skills in handling the sources.
• Ability to use and understand modern scholarship when formulating an argument.

• Justifiable critical approach to a variety of heterogeneous sources, including analytical and evaluative skills.
• Justifiable critical approach to modern scholarly literature, based on understanding of a given argument.
• Capability to synthesize and formulate a plausible, clear and persuasive argument in writing.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

• Lectures introduce students to the major sources, topics and debates within history of the period.
• Seminars enable students to discuss ideas in an interactive environment, explore key sources at a deeper level through close reading, and develop their presentation skills
• Tutorials provide the opportunity to explore in more depth topics of students’ choice, and to receive detailed feedback on written work.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

One formative essay, 2,000 words.

■ Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University