Module manager: Dr Samuel Gartland
Email: s.d.gartland@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable
Year running 2026/27
This module is approved as a discovery module
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? Please note this is an optional module and runs subject to enrolments. If a low number of students choose this module, then the module may not run and you may be asked to choose another module.
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.
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.
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.
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lecture | 21 | 1 | 21 |
| Practical | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Seminar | 5 | 1 | 5 |
| Private study hours | 173 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 27 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 200 | ||
As this is a core module for students on the Classical Civilisation and Ancient History programmes, student progress is monitored regularly in order to provide structured formative feedback and to support students’ transition to university-level study.
Ongoing formative feedback is embedded within seminar teaching, where students develop and articulate their ideas through guided discussion and structured preparatory tasks. These activities are directly aligned with the Skills Portfolio, enabling students to practise and refine key analytical and evidence-handling skills. Summative feedback on the Skills Portfolio provides targeted guidance which supports students’ subsequent work on the Written Assignment, where they are required to deploy these skills in a longer and more independent piece of written work.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Portfolio | Skills portfolio | 50 |
| Assignment | Written assignment | 50 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
Check the module area in Minerva for your reading list
Last updated: 30/04/2026
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