Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2023-2024 (archived)

Module CLAS2171: ADVANCED GREEK 2A

Department: Classics and Ancient History

CLAS2171: ADVANCED GREEK 2A

Type Open Level 2 Credits 20 Availability Available in 2023/24 Module Cap Location Durham

Prerequisites

  • For students taking Classics (Q801), Classical Civilisation (Q820) and Ancient History (V110) Intermediate Greek 1A.

Corequisites

  • None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • None.

Aims

  • To study in depth a selection of verse texts suitable for students with a good command of ancient Greek morphology and syntax, some experience of reading texts in the original, and a good understanding of Greek culture.

Content

  • This module introduces students to a selection of ancient Greek texts appropriate to readers with a good command of grammar, some experience of reading texts in the original language, and a good understanding of Greek culture.
  • Authors may include Hesiod, Solon, Aeschylus, Sophocles, Aristophanes.
  • All texts will be linked by a theme which will provide the focus for the module.
  • The emphasis will be on poetry.
  • Examples of themes may be: the hero in fifth-century Athens, the myth of Prometheus, poetry and politics, etc.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • A knowledge of ancient Greek morphology, syntax, and verse-forms sufficient to form the basis of an independent appreciation and understanding of a selection of Greek verse authors; a knowledge and understanding of a selection of works from a selection of Greek verse authors; a knowledge of vocabulary appropriate to a student with a year's post-Intermediate study and experience of the Greek language.
Subject-specific Skills:
  • An ability to construe some Greek verse texts with dictionaries; an ability to read and interpret these texts in relation to a knowledge of Greek culture.
Key Skills:
  • A grasp of the differences between two Indo-European languages, one ancient and one modern, and of the issues relating to moving between them, in relation to verse texts.

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

  • Interactive classes will be offered as the most appropriate and effective way of teaching.
  • Students will learn through regular preparation for the classes and interaction with the teacher and each other in the process of learning.
  • The course will be assessed through an exam paper and a summative essay, each of which will be designed to test knowledge and interpretation of the set texts at Advanced level 2.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
Seminars (language classes) 44 2 per week 1 hour 44
Preparation and Reading 156
Total 200

Summative Assessment

Component: Essay Component Weighting: 30%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Summative essay 2,500 words 100%
Component: Examination Component Weighting: 70%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Written examination 2 hours 100%

Formative Assessment:

Homework in the form of translations and/or commentaries to be prepared in advance of every class. Formative tests in class. No collections.


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