CLU44501+CLU44502 Entertainment and Spectacle in the Greek and Roman Worlds
Entertainment is a fundamental feature of our modern society, but how did it work in the Greek and Roman periods? Was it 'fun' or were there other important factors in play? This module explores the nature, context and social importance of the different forms of public entertainment and spectacle in the Greek and Roman worlds, and examines how and why such displays changed in significance over time. A primarily archaeological approach is taken and there will be close analysis of the physical evidence. Textual and epigraphic sources will be integrated so that a broad perspective can be appreciated. On a more light-hearted note, by the end of this module students should also be able to spot the mistakes in films such as Gladiator, Spartacus and Ben Hur!
- Module Organiser:
- Dr Hazel Dodge
- Duration:
- All year
- Contact Hours:
- 44 (22 x 2-hr seminars)
- Weighting:
- 20 ECTS
- Assessment:
- 65% coursework (four written assignments), 35% written examination
- Course Open To:
- Classics, Ancient History and Archaeology; TJH Ancient History and Archaeology; TJH Classical Civilisation and Classical Languages (subject to Departmental approval)
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module, students should be able to:
- Demonstrate sound a clear knowledge and understanding of the module content, including relevant theoretical approaches
- Analyse critically a wide range of primary evidence, including texts, artefacts, imagery, individual buildings and larger sites.
- Apply interdisciplinary perspectives to the primary material.
- Engage critically with primary sources (both archaeological and documentary), to discuss them in an integrated way, and to assess relevant modern interpretations
- Evaluate the major debates and modern scholarship relevant to the module topics.
- Discuss the above, both orally and in written form, in a clear and scholarly manner