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Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
95
Classical civilisation
COURSE CODE:
PLACES 2011:
POINTS 2010:
DEGREE AWARDED:
TR001 (TSM)
29
410-535*
B.A.
TSM points:
See note on page 28
Classical civilisation cannot be studied as a single honor
course.
It must be combined with one other subject within the two-
subject moderatorship (TSM) programme. TSM is a joint
honor programme. Both subjects are normally studied for
three years and one subject only is studied in the fourth
year.
An honors degree is awarded in both subjects.
For subjects that combine with Classical civilisation see
page 92.
See also:
(TSM subjects): Ancient history and archaeology, page 93
Greek, page 104
Latin, page 110
TR021: Classics, page 44
Course overview
The study of Classical civilisation is concerned with the literature
and culture of ancient Greece and Rome. Through the examination
and contextualisation of literary works and the analysis of
the main aspects of ancient history and art, you will develop
a thorough knowledge of the classical world and a critical
approach to textual and material culture. All texts are studied
in translation and no knowledge of Greek or Latin is required.
Is this the right course for you?
If you enjoy literature; if you want to acquire an understanding
of the past and its influence; if you would like to engage with the
mythology, poetic imagination, depth of thought and historical
value of two civilisations that shaped the western world, this is
the course for you.
Course content
Over four years you will develop a broad understanding of the
classical world, primarily through its literature. You will move from
introductory courses in the first year to the study of specific authors,
genres and themes in the second and third years. In your final
year you will choose from a range of specialised options. All
courses are taught by lectures and small-group seminars.
The Junior Freshman year
In the Junior Freshman (first) year you will be introduced to the
critical study of ancient history, art, myth and religion, with a view
to acquiring a comprehensive and interdisciplinary perspective
on classical culture. There are approximately six hours of
classes in the Junior Freshman year.
n
Greek and Roman history
– an introductory survey of
the Greek and Roman world from the Greek Archaic age
to the early Roman Empire. The course covers topics such
as politics and power, Athenian democracy, the conquests
of Alexander, the emergence of Rome as a major imperial
power, colonisation, war and conflict.
n
Greek and Roman art and architecture
– an introduction
to the development and major artistic achievements in
architecture, sculpture and painting. The course places art
and architecture in its social and political context; it focuses
on themes such as the use of narrative and mythology in
art, urbanisation, and the development of architectural forms
such as temples, theatres and Roman baths.
n
Mythology and religion
– an introduction to the major
myths and religions of the classical world using both literary
and material evidence. The course also explores theories of
myth and the functions of myth within society, and includes
seminars designed to develop analytical and critical skills
relevant to the study of literature.
The second and third years
In each of these two years you will take four or five course which
focus on specific authors (e.g. Homer, Virgil, Herodotus), genres
(e.g. tragedy, comedy, philosophy) or themes (e.g. gender and
sexuality, identity and self-image). In these courses you will
analyse ancient texts both as literature and as gateways into
culture and thought, discuss key themes of relevance to both
the ancient and modern world, and refine your analysis of texts
in their literary and cultural context through more specialised
skills and methodologies. All the courses are taught by lectures
and small-group seminars.
You will learn, for example, how the Greeks and Romans saw
themselves and other cultures; how they tried to make sense
of the world around them through philosophy and religion; how
they thought about politics and ideology, ethnicity and identity,
life and death.
The Senior Sophister year
If you decide to study Classical civilisation in the final year you
will be able to choose two special subjects from a range on offer.
Courses offered recently include Ethnicity in the ancient world;
The city of Rome; Athens and Attica; The Jews of Palestine;
Ancient Cyprus; Entertainment and spectacle in the Greek
and Roman worlds; Goddesses of the ancient Mediterranean;
Anthropology and the Greeks.
You will also write a thesis on a subject of your choice. This is
an opportunity to do research which will allow you to develop
independent ideas and acquire critical skills while investigating
in great depth an area that particularly interests you.
Assessment
A combination of end-of-year examination and continuous
assessment (e.g. essays, seminar presentations and short
commentaries on texts), and a thesis in the final year.