Module manager: Fabio Sarranito
Email: f.sarranito@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2026/27
| CLAS3790 | Greek Tragedy |
This module is not approved as a discovery module
Greek tragedy was one of the most popular and influential literary genres in Antiquity, with a legacy that stretches throughout the whole history of the Ancient World and beyond. It marks a crucial transition point between Homeric epic and other older literary traditions and the literary production of subsequent centuries in both Greek and Roman literatures. Greek tragedy was also a sophisticated and still somewhat mysterious cultural practice, enmeshed in a complex political, religious, ethical and intellectual context. The study of Greek tragedy is still to this day one of richest and most productive veins of classical scholarship, with new evidence coming to light in recent years. In this module students will engage with some of the most exciting and emotionally charged texts in Ancient literature, in English translation. Students will explore the themes, ideas, debates, conventions and practices of Greek tragedy, as well as its ethical, political, religious and cultural contexts. Students will have the chance to explore and imagine Greek tragedy’s performance practices and the experiences of its audience, as well as reflect on its legacy and afterlife. 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 is designed to allow students to gain an understanding of the literary conventions and performance practices of Greek tragedy through close reading of the texts and through discussions in lectures and seminars. They will also have opportunities to explore the political, religious, social, cultural and intellectual contexts of Greek tragedy, as well as the connections between Greek tragedy and other literary genres and forms of mythmaking, through discussions in lectures and seminars, and through independent study. Reading, discussing and debating selected Greek tragedies will give students the opportunity to experience the poetic, intellectual, ethical and emotional dimensions of Greek tragedy and to gain an appreciation of the literary and poetic beauty of these texts.
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes relevant to the subject:
1. Outline and examine the conventions, practices and typical themes of ancient Greek tragedy as well as its ethical, political, religious, cultural and social contexts;
2. Demonstrate a holistic and detailed understanding of selected individual plays;
3. Discuss, examine and debate a range of scholarly views on various aspects of Greek tragedy.
Skills Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following skills learning outcomes:
4. Analyse and evaluate a range of primary and secondary sources;
5. Discuss and debate complex and nuanced arguments and ideas;
6. Examine and reflect creatively on the choices associated with the conception, performance and reception of Greek Tragedy.
Details of the syllabus will be provided on the Minerva organisation (or equivalent) for the module
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lecture | 14 | 1 | 14 |
| Seminar | 6 | 1 | 6 |
| Private study hours | 180 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 20 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 200 | ||
There are ongoing opportunities for formative feedback through participation in seminars. There will be a seminar session dedicated to preparing each of the assessment. Students are also given the opportunity to contact tutors to help plan essays and, especially, the creative task and reflection. Feedback from first coursework will afford a formal opportunity to monitor student progress.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework | Essay | 40 |
| Coursework | Written 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