Introductory description

n/a.

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 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
• develop the ability to set findings into a wider comparative context, drawing in other aspects of the study of the ancient world;
• engage creatively with a wider range of secondary literature that includes discussion of classical literature within broader comparative, including critical-theoretical, frames.

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

In additional, final year students will:

• develop the ability to set findings into a wider comparative context, drawing in other aspects of the study of the ancient world;
• engage creatively with a wider range of secondary literature that includes discussion of classical literature within broader comparative, including critical-theoretical, frames.

Transferable skills

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