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Department of Classics

CLU44563 Ancient Bodies: archaeologies of gender, identity, and representation

We all have bodies through which we experience the world. Can ‘ancient bodies’ - objects and images representing the human body (and indeed other bodies, human-animal, hybrid) – offer us a window for exploring expressions and conceptualizations of gender, social identities and other ideas? Images of the body are constructed – each ancient culture choosing to place emphasis on or to omit different bodily elements, so that selection and abstraction is everywhere part of the creative process. Why, for example, do some images have no faces; how (and why) are bodies hybridized, entangling human and human-animal; and how have approaches to gender within material culture changed over time? The module will take a broad chronological and geographical range of case studies, focusing mainly on the ancient Mediterranean and Near East but also drawing in some non-western comparanda. We will also incorporate handling and seminar sessions with museum objects, encouraging us develop more sensory perspectives.

  • Module Organiser:
    • Professor Christine Morris
  • Duration:
    • Semester 2
  • Contact Hours:
    • 22 (one 2-hour seminar per week)
  • Weighting:
    • 10 ECTS
  • Assessment:
    • 50% coursework, 50% exam
  • Course Open To:
    • Classics, Ancient History and Archaeology; JH Classical Civilisation; JH Ancient History and Archaeology; JH Classical Languages

Learning Outcomes

On successful conclusion of this module, students should be able to:

  • Demonstrate sound knowledge of the course material within its relevant historical and cultural contexts Analyse critically a wide range of primary evidence, such as figurines, images and osteological data Apply theoretical and interdisciplinary perspectives, such as gender theories, material and sensory perspectives, and anthropological and ethno-archaeological approaches Evaluate the major debates and modern scholarship relevant to the module topics Discuss the above, both in oral presentation and in written form, in a clear and scholarly manner

Further Information (PDF)