2024/25 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

CLAS1300 The Greek World: an Introduction

20 Credits Class Size: 110

Module manager: Dr Roger Brock
Email: r.w.brock@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable

Year running 2024/25

This module is approved as a discovery module

Module summary

This module provides a historical survey of events in the Greek world from the eighth to the fourth centuries BC, followed by a more detailed study of the social and cultural life of fifth- and fourth-century BC Athens. Topics include: the workings of democracy; women and the family; slavery; religion; and the place of drama in the city. Throughout there is an emphasis on the ancient sources: how do we know all this?

Objectives

The module is intended as a foundation for further studies in all aspects of Greek civilisation by providing an introduction to some major issues in the study of classical Greece today. It offers an introduction to the broad lines of development of ancient Greek history from the eighth to the fourth centuries B.C.; a more detailed knowledge of the social and cultural history of fifth and fourth century B.C. Athens; and an appreciation of the variety of ancient sources available and methodologies for their interpretation.

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes relevant to the subject:
1. Identify and describe the development of, and major events in, archaic and classical Greek history.
2. identify and describe major Athenian social and cultural institutions.
3. Engage with primary evidence and recognise issues and problems involved in the use of that primary evidence.
4. Locate and engage critically with modern scholarship relating to Greek history.

Skills Learning Outcomes:
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following skills learning outcomes:
5. Evaluate, select and apply appropriate strategies for the analysis of primary evidence.
6. Communicate the results of your work effectively.
7. Synthesise and reflect on a large body of subject matter and select appropriately from it for particular purposes.

Syllabus

Details of the syllabus will be provided on the Minerva organisation (or equivalent) for the module.

Teaching Methods

Delivery type Number Length hours Student hours
Lecture 21 1 21
Seminar 5 1 5
Private study hours 174
Total Contact hours 26
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) 200

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

As this is a core module for students on the Classical Civilisation and Ancient History programmes, student progress is monitored carefully and regularly in order to provide formative feedback and help students to adjust to working at University level. Formative feedback is provided by the seminar classes, where students articulate their ideas as part of discussion with their peers and the seminar tutor. The written assignment then provides summative feedback part-way through the semester, offering a clear formal assessment of progress at a point well in advance of the final exam. Finally, the exam tests the level of attainment at the point when students have completed the module.

Methods of Assessment

Coursework
Assessment type Notes % of formal assessment
Essay Essay (1500 words) 40
Online Assessment 48 hrs; 2 hrs recommended duration. 60
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) 100

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated

Reading List

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 5/8/2024

Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team