Module manager: Paul White
Email: p.m.white@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable
Year running 2026/27
| CLAS3595 | Heroines: Representations of Mythological Women from Antiqui |
This module is not approved as a discovery module
This module looks at literary representations of heroines of classical myth from antiquity through the medieval and early modern periods to the modern era. Classical heroines were imagined not only as passive, suffering figures, or embodiments of insane vengeance, but as fascinatingly complex agents of their own stories, capable of challenging narratives of heroism and subverting the expectations of readers. We will explore questions of gender and genre, virtue and transgression, power and freedom. Over the centuries, authors have returned again and again to these heroines, each age creating them anew, rewriting their stories and casting them in unexpected roles. There will be an opportunity to read texts by major authors who wrote in various languages; all texts will be studied in English translation. 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 aims to equip students with an understanding of ancient myth and later literary engagements with it. It will introduce students to a wide-ranging and comparative approach to the reading of literature, and to a range of literary genres and traditions, and will enable them to understand texts in their proper historical and cultural contexts and to read and closely analyse literary language in these texts. Students will consider the ways in which representations of mythological heroines have been used to put ethical and political questions to the test; to explore the complexities of the mind and the shocking extremes of human behaviour; and to do new and unexpected things with literary form and genre. They will interrogate theoretical issues relating to gender, genre and reception as exemplified in a set of ancient and modern texts telling the stories of the same mythical heroines.
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes relevant to the subject:
1. comparatively analyse literary texts written in a range of periods and languages (in English translation).
2. identify and compare critically aspects of the historical, cultural and literary contexts of the set texts.
3. reflect on theoretical issues relating to gender, genre and reception.
Skills Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following skills learning outcomes:
1. write to a brief in a form that observes defined parameters.
2. gather, evaluate and use information from secondary sources.
3. communicate ideas and interpretations effectively in writing.
Details of the syllabus will be provided on the Minerva organisation (or equivalent) for the module
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lecture | 10 | 1 | 10 |
| Seminar | 10 | 1 | 10 |
| Private study hours | 180 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 20 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 200 | ||
Oral feedback will be given on formative seminar presentations and discussions throughout the module. Students will be given the opportunity to submit and receive written feedback for a formative practice comparative commentary in preparation for the final summative assessment. Feedback sessions will also take place during regular office hours.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework | Coursework 1 - Essay | 40 |
| Coursework | Coursework 2 - Assignment | 60 |
| 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
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team