Module manager: Prof. Emma Stafford
Email: E.J.Stafford@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable
Year running 2024/25
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, CLAS1610 After Troy, CLAS2700 Homer’s Iliad), or via private study. Students unsure about the suitability of their prior experience should consult the module leader before enrolling.
This module is approved as a discovery module
Religion was an integral part of life in ancient Greece, underpinning areas of experience which might seem quite separate and often 'secular' to us. In addition to introducing the student to an area of primary importance for the understanding of the ancient world, this course aims to promote an interdisciplinary approach, exploiting a variety of methodologies and sources, from literary texts and inscriptions to temple remains and vase-painting; such an approach is vital if we are to begin to reconstruct the practices, let alone the beliefs of ordinary people. A series of lectures outlines what we know of the major public festivals, family rituals, and private observances of the people of ancient Greece, focussing on the sixth to fourth centuries BC. Seminar discussions highlight methodological issues and the skills involved in handling different sorts of evidence (epigraphic, material, literary and iconographic).
To gain an understanding of ancient Greek religion and of the various methodological approaches employed in its study. Through participation in seminars and the preparation of essays students will develop their skills in critical analysis and communication.
Students completing the module should have a good general knowledge of ancient Greek religion and of the various methodological approaches employed in its study, as well as a clearer understanding of some challenging issues raised by confrontation with a religious system very different from those predominant in our own society.
The study of Greek religion requires a holistic approach to the ancient Greek world, using a wide variety of source material. This module will therefore develop the following skills, from a variety of sub-disciplines within Classics:
- Textual analysis
- Interpreting material remains
- Understanding inscriptions
- Reading images
A series of lectures outlines what we know of the major public festivals, family rituals, and private observances of the people of ancient Greece, focussing on the sixth to fourth centuries BC. Seminar discussions highlight methodological issues and the skills involved in handling different sorts of evidence (epigraphic, material, literary and iconographic).
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lecture | 16 | 1 | 16 |
| Seminar | 5 | 1 | 5 |
| Private study hours | 179 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 21 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 200 | ||
Lectures and seminars provide a total of 21 hours contact time. In addition, students are expected to do 179 hours of private study as follows:
- 4 hours of study per lecture (= 64): this time would typically be divided between reading of books and articles, pursuing of online resources, and note-taking.
- 4 hours preparation/follow-up for each seminar (= 20 hours).
- 95 hours preparation for assessments
Student progress will be informally monitored via participation in the seminar discussions. Opportunities will also be provided for one-to-one consultation via the lecturer’s weekly Drop-In times. Formal feedback will of course be provided on the coursework essay, which will be returned in good time to inform the student’s exam preparation.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Essay | 2000 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: 8/20/2024
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