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Module Catalogue

CX230-30 Epic & Epyllion

Department
Classics & Ancient History
Level
Undergraduate Level 2
Module leader
Elena Giusti
Credit value
30
Module duration
23 weeks
Assessment
50% coursework, 50% exam
Study location
University of Warwick main campus, Coventry

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Introductory description

n/a.

Module web page

Module aims

This module aims to introduce students to important ancient examples of epyllion literature and to consider this exciting form of narrative in a wider cultural context. It offers a systematic exploration of the development of Greek and Latin narrative poetry from antiquity. The myths presented by authors such as Apollonius, Catullus and Ovid are often well known: the approach here will advance beyond appreciation of the stories to consider questions about genre, poetic form and narrative technique, recurrent themes, literary genealogy, tradition and innovation.

Outline syllabus

This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.

This module aims to introduce students to important ancient examples of epyllion literature and to consider this exciting form of narrative in a wider cultural context. The ancient narratives modern scholars refer to as 'epyllia' (i.e. little epics) often appeal greatly to modern readers because of their subjective nature, romantic perspectives, and their content - which tends to be erotic or fantastic. The particular authors studied in this module, particularly the Greek Apollonius and the Roman Ovid, are more than ever before the subject of a great deal of scholarly and critical interest.

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

  • Have enhanced their research, writing and communication skills
  • be familiar with the form and subject matter of epyllion poetry and its relation to epic and ancient literature in general
  • have acquired important insights into the development of Greek and Roman literary history
  • have become acquainted with some major Greek and Roman poets and their work

Indicative reading list

Clauss, J.J. and M. Cuypers (2010) A Companion to Hellenistic Literature (Wiley-Blackwell)
Crump M.M. (1931) The Epyllion from Theocritus to Ovid (Oxford; reprinted by Bristol Classical Press)
Goldhill S (1991) The Poet's Voice (Cambridge)
Hardie, P (2002) The Cambridge Companion to Ovid (Cambridge University Press)
Hinds, S. (1987) The Metamorphosis of Persephone (Cambridge)
Nelis, D. (2001) Virgil's Aeneid and the Argonautica of Apollonius Rhodius (Leeds)

Subject specific skills

Students will...

  • acquire a broad understanding of epyllion literature in Rome, and its relevance for thinking about
    conceptualisations of genre, 'Hellenisation', Roman power, authority and creative experimentation in the early imperial period, through both an ancient and a modern lens.
  • appreciate how the form, content and poetics of the texts under consideration relate to broader political and historical questions in (the study of) 1st century BCE-1st century CE Rome, and beyond;
  • develop skills in the close reading of literary texts (studied in translation, and for some students, in Latin);
  • develop skills in the critical analysis of classical scholarship;
  • gain awareness of comparative dimensions in the study of Latin literature, Roman culture, and thought

Transferable skills

  • critical thinking
  • problem solving
  • active lifelong learning
  • communication
  • information literacy
  • professionalism

Study time

Type Required Optional
Lectures 23 sessions of 2 hours (15%)
Seminars 14 sessions of 1 hour (5%)
Tutorials 2 sessions of (0%)
Practical classes (0%) 21 sessions of
Private study 240 hours (80%)
Total 300 hours

Private study description

private study and revision

Costs

Category Description Funded by Cost to student
Books and learning materials

texts

 Student £30.00

You do not need to pass all assessment components to pass the module.

Students can register for this module without taking any assessment.

Assessment group C1
Weighting Study time Eligible for self-certification
Assessment component
essay 25% Yes (extension)
Reassessment component is the same
Assessment component
essay 25% Yes (extension)
Reassessment component is the same
Assessment component
Online Examination 50% No

~Platforms - AEP
Reassessment component is the same
Feedback on assessment

Individual tutorials, Tabula feedback marking sheets

Past exam papers for CX230

Courses

This module is Core for:

  • Year 2 of UCXA-Q800 BA in Classics

This module is Core optional for:

  • Year 2 of UCXA-Q800 BA in Classics

This module is Core option list B for:

  • Year 2 of UCXA-Q802 Undergraduate Classics (Latin) with Study in Europe

This module is Option list A for:

  • Year 2 of UCXA-VV18 Undergraduate Ancient History and Classical Archaeology with Study in Europe
  • Year 2 of UCXA-Q802 Undergraduate Classics (Latin) with Study in Europe

This module is Option list B for:

  • Year 2 of UCXA-Q800 BA in Classics
  • Year 2 of UCXA-VV16 Undergraduate Ancient History and Classical Archaeology
  • Year 2 of UCXA-Q820 Undergraduate Classical Civilisation
  • Year 2 of UCXA-Q821 Undergraduate Classical Civilisation with Study in Europe