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CLU22342 Herodotus

This module explores the work of the fifth-century BC Greek historian Herodotus, the first person to write history in the European tradition. Herodotus' Histories is a multifaceted text that blends together history, ethnography, geography, anthropology and political critique in the course of explaining the cause of the Persian wars (490-479 BC). Weekly reading classes explore the context and themes of Herodotus' text through close readings and consider the content and narrative style of Herodotus' Greek.
  • Module Organiser:
    • Dr Ashley Clements
  • Duration:
    • Semester 2
  • Contact Hours:
    • 33 (3 language classes per week)
  • Weighting:
    • 10 ECTS
  • Assessment:
    • 50% coursework, 50% written examination
  • Course Open To:
    • Classics, Ancient History and Archaeology; TJH Greek; Columbia Dual Degree; Visiting

Learning Outcomes

  • to acquire thorough familiarity with Herodotus’ text and Herodotean Greek
  • to read the Histories against the intellectual and political trends of the fifth century, and both as an account of the past and as commentary on its own times
  • to develop the core skill of close linguistic analysis
  • to develop an understanding of, and the ability critically to evaluate, later receptions of  Herodotus’ work