Introductory description

The purpose of the module is to build upon Greek Language and Literature (or A Level) and to allow students both to broaden and to deepen their understanding of Greek by further reading of significant works in archaic and classical Greek literature. As well as developing the ability of students to translate from Greek, the module also includes discussion of literary and grammatical points and hones wider interpretative skills in relation to up-to-date scholarship on set texts.

Module web page

Module aims

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 builds upon the module Greek Language and Literature (or A level), aiming to enhance the student's appreciation of Greek literature. Students will read set texts in both prose and verse. Current set texts: Homer, Odyssey 8; Sophocles Antigone; Plato, Symposium (extracts)

Learning outcomes

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

• The ability to recognise and comment upon a number of different genres and stylistic registers in Greek texts;
• The ability not only to understand in detail the expressive structures of form in the set texts but also to recognise the interpretative implications of these structures;
• An awareness of how the thematic concerns of the individual works studied relate more broadly to the authors’ works/genres as a whole;
• The ability to interpret and discuss critically aspects of the set texts in relation to secondary scholarship.
• increased confidence and fluency in independent reading of Ancient Greek texts in the original language.

Subject specific skills

• an advanced and comprehensive knowledge of Greek grammar;
• the ability to recognise and comment upon a number of different genres and stylistic registers in Greek texts;
• the ability not only to understand in detail the expressive structures of form in the set texts but also to recognise the interpretative implications of these structures;
• an awareness of how the thematic concerns of the individual works studied relate more broadly to the authors’ works/genres as a whole;
• the ability to interpret and discuss critically aspects of the set texts in relation to secondary scholarship;
• increased confidence and fluency in independent reading of Ancient Greek texts in the original language.

Transferable skills

• critical thinking
• problem solving
• communication
• information literacy
• professionalism