Module manager: Dr Samuel Gartland
Email: S.D.Gartland@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable
Year running 2025/26
There are no formal prerequisites for this module, but a basic level of knowledge of the ancient Greek world will be assumed. This might have been acquired via an A-level in Classical Civilisation or Ancient History, via a Classics Level 1 or 2 module at Leeds (e.g. CLAS1300 Greek World, CLAS1100 Ancient Lives, CLAS2900 Ancient Empires), or via private study. Students unsure about the suitability of their prior experience should consult the module leader before enrolling.
| CLAS2650 | The Image of Sparta |
This module is approved as a discovery module
Sparta was one of the greatest cities of the ancient Greek world, but how much do we truly know about the Spartans, their society, and their values? In what ways has the image of Sparta been shaped by the accounts of non-Spartans? This module invites students to explore the history of Sparta alongside the ways it is portrayed in ancient sources, focusing on themes such as Spartan militarism, austerity, and social structures. Students will analyse a variety of literary and material evidence, critically examining how these sources construct an idealized or distorted view of Spartan life. The module equips students with the tools to differentiate between historical reality and myth, encouraging them to assess the reliability of ancient narratives and to reflect on the cultural and political factors influencing their creation. 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 will equip students with the tools needed to understand and analyse both the history of Sparta and its portrayal in ancient sources, focusing on the significant challenges posed by non-Spartan perspectives. Students will engage with a range of primary materials, including Archaic poetry, historiographical texts and political philosophy, as well as a wide range of material culture. The module will help students develop an appreciation of the complexities involved in interpreting ancient accounts, including their biases, agendas, and the cultural contexts in which they were created.
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes relevant to the subject:
1. Describe accurately the key events, figures, and cultural, political, and social structures of Spartan history from the Archaic to the Hellenistic period.
2. Analyse critically the literary sources on Sparta, evaluating the influence of non-Spartan perspectives, later agendas, and cultural biases on their presentation of Spartan society.
3. Evaluate the material and archaeological evidence for Sparta, demonstrating an understanding of the challenges and limitations involved in interpreting this evidence.
4. Understand and engage critically with modern scholarship on Sparta, outlining and evaluating key areas of scholarly debate.
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following skills learning outcomes:
5. Critically analyse and synthesize information from a wide range of primary sources and secondary scholarship, applying appropriate methodologies to evaluate their reliability and significance.
6. Communicate effectively through clear, structured, and well-supported arguments.
7. Demonstrate problem-solving and reflective thinking by addressing the challenges of interpreting biased or fragmentary evidence and proposing reasoned solutions.
In addition to broader/transferable skills, students will have had the opportunity to acquire the following subject-specific skills:
- ability to situate Sparta in the broader context of Greek history from the archaic to the hellenistic periods;
- ability to read ancient texts on Sparta critically;
- ability to analyse the full range of available evidence for Spartan history, and to evaluate its reliability.
This module looks at the enduring myth of Spartan austerity and military prowess, as developed by a variety of non-Spartan writers from the fifth century BC to the second century AD. Works to be studied closely are Xenophon's Spartan Society, Plutarch's lives of the great Spartan leaders Lycurgus, Agesilaos, Agis and Cleomenes, and the Spartan Sayings (all included in the volume Plutarch on Sparta tr. R. Talbert and I. Scott-Kilvert, revised ed. Penguin 2005); reference will also be made to the place of Sparta in the histories of Herodotus and Thucydides, and in Plato's and Aristotle's discussions concerning the ideal state. Students will be encouraged to criticise the texts from both a literary and a historical point of view, to which end factors will be considered which tend to undermine the image of Spartan austerity and egalitarianism, including material evidence from Sparta itself and its territory.
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tutorials | 8 | 1 | 8 |
| Lecture | 17 | 1 | 17 |
| Private study hours | 175 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 25 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 200 | ||
The module provides multiple opportunities for students to receive formative feedback throughout its duration. Central to this are the small group group supervisions, where students present and discuss elements of their portfolio—source analyses, reflections, and thematic essay ideas. These sessions allow for real-time feedback from peers and the instructor on both content and analytical approaches.
During these supervisions, students will:
· Present preliminary analyses of primary sources, receiving constructive critique on their evaluation of evidence and interpretive methods from both tutor and peers.
· Share reflections on their discussion contributions and receive guidance on improving communication and collaborative engagement.
· Outline their thematic essay ideas and gain feedback on argument structure, use of evidence, and engagement with scholarship.
Each supervision session will offer an intensive yet supportive environment for iterative learning. Students are encouraged to act on the feedback provided, learn from each other as well as the tutor, and refine their work before final submission.
Additionally, one-on-one consultations during office hours offer further opportunities for personalised feedback on any aspect of the portfolio. This continuous feedback mechanism ensures that students can monitor their progress, improve their skills, and achieve the module’s learning outcomes effectively.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Essay | Between 2500-3000 words | 50 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 50 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
| Exam type | Exam duration | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Online Time-Limited assessment | 48.0 Hrs 0 Mins | 50 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Exams) | 50 | |
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: 25/04/2025
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