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Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
45
Classical civilisation
COURSE CODE:
PLACES 2012:
POINTS 2011
DEGREE AWARDED:
TR001 (TSM)
29
390*-535*
B.A.
TSM points:
See page 27
Classical civilisation cannot be studied as a single honor
course. It must be combined with one other subject within
the two-subject moderatorship (TSM) programme. TSM is
a joint honor programme. An honors degree is awarded in
both subjects.
For subjects that combine with Classical civilisation see
page 36.
See also:
TR001/TSM subjects:
Ancient history and archaeology, page 77
Greek, page 46
Latin, page 48
TR021: Classics, page 43
Course overview
The study of Classical civilisation is concerned with the
literature and culture of ancient Greece and Rome. Through
the examination and contextualisation of literary works and
the analysis of the main aspects of ancient history and art, you
will develop a thorough knowledge of the classical world and
a critical approach to textual and material culture. All texts are
studied in translation and no knowledge of Greek or Latin is
required.
Is this the right course for you?
If you enjoy literature; if you want to acquire an understanding
of the past and its influence; if you would like to engage with the
mythology, poetic imagination, depth of thought and historical
value of two civilisations that shaped the western world, this is
the course for you.
Course content
Over four years you will develop a broad understanding of the
classical world, primarily through its literature. You will move
from introductory courses in the first year to the study of specific
authors, genres and themes in the second and third years.
In your final year you will choose from a range of specialised
options. All courses are taught by lectures and small-group
seminars.
The Junior Freshman year
In the Junior Freshman (first) year you will be introduced to the
critical study of ancient history, art, myth and religion, with a view
to acquiring a comprehensive and interdisciplinary perspective
on classical culture. There are approximately six hours of
classes in the Junior Freshman year.
n
Greek and Roman history
– an introductory survey of the
Greek and Roman world from the Greek Archaic age to
the early Roman Empire. The course covers topics such
as politics and power, Athenian democracy, the conquests
of Alexander, the emergence of Rome as a major imperial
power, colonisation, war and conflict.
n
Greek and Roman art and architecture
– an introduction
to the development and major artistic achievements in
architecture, sculpture and painting. The course places art
and architecture in its social and political context; it focuses
on themes such as the use of narrative and mythology in
art, urbanisation, and the development of architectural forms
such as temples, theatres and Roman baths.
n
Mythology and religion
– an introduction to the major
myths and religions of the classical world using both literary
and material evidence. The course also explores theories of
myth and the functions of myth within society, and includes
seminars designed to develop analytical and critical skills
relevant to the study of literature.
The second and third years
In each of these two years you will take four or five course which
focus on specific authors (e.g. Homer, Virgil, Herodotus), genres
(e.g. tragedy, comedy, philosophy) or themes (e.g. gender and
sexuality, identity and self-image). In these courses you will
analyse ancient texts both as literature and as gateways into
culture and thought, discuss key themes of relevance to both the
ancient and modern world, and refine your analysis of texts in
their literary and cultural context through more specialised skills
and methodologies. All the courses are taught by lectures and
small-group seminars.
You will learn, for example, how the Greeks and Romans saw
themselves and other cultures; how they tried to make sense of
the world around them through philosophy and religion; how they
thought about politics and ideology, ethnicity and identity, life and
death.
The Senior Sophister year
If you decide to study Classical civilisation in the final year you
will be able to choose two special subjects from a range on offer.
Courses offered recently include Ethnicity in the ancient world;
The city of Rome; Athens and Attica; The Jews of Palestine;
Ancient Cyprus; Entertainment and spectacle in the Greek
and Roman worlds; Goddesses of the ancient Mediterranean;
Anthropology and the Greeks.
You will also write a thesis on a subject of your choice. This is
an opportunity to do research which will allow you to develop
independent ideas and acquire critical skills while investigating
in great depth an area that particularly interests you.
Assessment
A combination of end-of-year examination and continuous
assessment (e.g. essays, seminar presentations and short
commentaries on texts), and a thesis in the final year.