CLU22342 Herodotus
This module explores the work of the fifth-century BC Greek historian Herodotus, the first person to write history in the European tradition. Herodotus' Histories is a multifaceted text that blends together history, ethnography, geography, anthropology and political critique in the course of explaining the cause of the Persian wars (490-479 BC). Weekly lectures explore the context and themes of Herodotus' text; language classes focus on close readings and consider the content and narrative style of Herodotus' Greek.
- Module Organiser:
- Dr. Ashley Clements
- Duration:
- One term (Jan - Apr)
- Contact Hours:
- 33 (two lectures/seminars and one language lab per week)
- Weighting:
- 10 ECTS
- Assessment:
- 50% coursework (one written assignment), 50% written examination
- Course Open To:
- Classics, Ancient History and Archaeology; TJH Greek; Columbia Dual Degree; Visiting
Learning Outcomes
- to acquire thorough familiarity with Herodotus’ text and Herodotean Greek
- to read the Histories against the intellectual and political trends of the fifth century, and both as an account of the past and as commentary on its own times
- to develop the core skill of close linguistic analysis
- to develop an understanding of, and the ability critically to evaluate, later receptions of Herodotus’ work