Module manager: Prof. Emma Stafford
Email: e.j.stafford@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2025/26
| CLAS3680 | Greek Art and Society |
This module is not approved as a discovery module
This module provides an introduction to Greek art of the archaic and classical periods (c.800-330 BC), covering vase-painting, free-standing and architectural sculpture. Technical and stylistic developments are outlined, but the emphasis of the module is on placing the works of art in their social and cultural context. In the first half of the module we cover the archaic period, looking at vase-painting from the emergence of figure scenes to the developments of Attic black-figure and early red-figure, alongside developments in sculpture, from the earliest stylised figures of the late seventh and sixth centuries BC to the beginnings of naturalism in the early fifth. In the second half of the module we cover the classical period, looking at later red-figure vase-painting alongside developments in free-standing sculpture, as well as the architectural sculpture of such well known buildings as the temple of Zeus at Olympia and the Parthenon at Athens. 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.
This module aims to introduce the student to Greek art from the Geometric to the late classical period. Technical and stylistic developments in vase-painting, free-standing and architectural sculpture are outlined, but the emphasis of the module is on placing the works of art in their social and cultural context.
Lectures follow a roughly chronological progression. In the first half of the module we cover the archaic period, looking at vase-painting from the emergence of figure scenes in the eighth century BC, through the developments of Attic black-figure and early red-figure, alongside developments in free-standing and architectural sculpture, from the earliest stylised figures of the late seventh and sixth centuries BC to the beginnings of naturalism in the early fifth. In the second half of the module we cover the classical period, looking at the red-figure vase-painting of later fifth-century Athens and fourth-century South Italy, alongside fifth- and fourth-century developments in free-standing sculpture, as well as the architectural sculpture of such well known buildings as the temple of Zeus at Olympia and the Parthenon at Athens. Some thematic lectures take a broader view e.g. of the development of funerary art over both the archaic and classical periods.
Seminars allow us to discuss in more depth issues such as techniques for the visual expression of narrative, the meanings of free-standing sculpture, and the transhistorical significance of the Parthenon Marbles. We also make use of local resources, such as the University’s own small collection of Greek antiquities.
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes relevant to the subject, being able to:
1- Analyse the materials, techniques and concepts which are standard features of Greek art in order to demonstrate a sound basic understanding of the subject.
2- Employ a variety of methods of enquiry in Greek art history, and critically evaluate the appropriateness of these methods to the study of different media and topics.
3- Discuss the place of artists and their work in the Greek world, and the significance of visual imagery for our understanding of Greek society.
4- Identify and provide analysis of individual examples of Greek vase-painting and sculpture, relating individual works of art to their social-historical context.
Skills Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following skills learning outcomes, being able to:
5- Critically analyse and synthesize information from a range of primary sources and secondary scholarship, applying appropriate methodologies to evaluate their reliability and significance.
6- Demonstrate basic problem-solving by addressing the challenges of interpreting incomplete and fragmentary evidence and proposing reasoned solutions.
7- Communicate effectively through clear, structured, and well-supported written arguments.
Details of the syllabus will be provided on the Minerva organisation (or equivalent) for the module.
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lecture | 20 | 1 | 20 |
| Seminar | 5 | 1 | 5 |
| Private study hours | 175 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 25 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 200 | ||
Student progress will be informally monitored via participation in the seminar presentations and discussion. Opportunities will also be provided for one-to-one consultation via the lecturer’s weekly Drop-In times. Formal feedback will be provided on the first coursework assignment, which will inform the student’s work on the second assignment.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework | Artwork analysis | 50 |
| Coursework | Essay | 50 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
The reading list is available from the Library website
Last updated: 14/03/2025
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team