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2015/16 Undergraduate Module Catalogue
CLAS3440 Understanding Aristotle's Poetics
20 creditsClass Size: 48
Module manager: Prof. Malcolm Heath
Email: m.f.heath@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2015/16
This module is approved as a discovery module
Module summary
Aristotle's Poetics is one of the most influential texts in the history of literary criticism, but there is still much disagreement about the interpretation of Aristotle's theory, and about its adequacy when applied to real poetic and dramatic texts. Aristotle's understanding of the function and value of poetry in human life is also a matter of debate. In this module, we shall try to make sense of Aristotle's theory of epic and tragedy, ask how well that theory works in practice, and consider why humans are poetical animals. The Poetics will be read in English translation (tr. M. Heath, Penguin Classics 1996); some prior knowledge of Homer and Greek tragedy will be an advantage, but is not essential. Assessment will be by coursework (semester 1) and exam (semester 2); the exam will include a prepared essay. The module is worth 20 credits and runs over 2 semesters, , with 19 lectures and an exam-preparation workshop, and a total of five seminars.Objectives
On completion of this module, students should have:(i) acquired an understanding of the theory of epic and tragedy in Aristotle's Poetics,
(ii) engaged with scholarly debates about the interpretation of the Poetics;
(iii) reflected on Aristotle's views on the function and value of poetry in human life;
(iv) critically evaluated Aristotle's theory through case-studies in its application;
(v) discussed these issues orally and in writing.
Learning outcomes
On completion of this module, students should (i) be familiar with the basic concepts of Aristotle’s theory of epic and tragedy; (ii) have an understanding the overall structure of the theory (taking account of debates about its interpretation); (iii) have critically evaluated Aristotle’s theory through case-studies in its application; (iv) reflected on Aristotle’s and their own views of the function and value of poetry in human life. They will have discussed these issues orally and in writing.
Skills outcomes
On successful completion of this module, students should be able to interpret and evaluate Aristotle's theory of poetry, and to explain and discuss the theory and its implications orally and in writing.
Syllabus
1. Aristotle's Poetics in its philosophical context: why are humans poetical animals?
2. Making sense of Aristotle's Poetics: the theory of epic and tragedy.
3. Evaluating Aristotle's theory of epic and tragedy: how well does it work in practice?
Teaching methods
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
| Workshop | 1 | 1.00 | 1.00 |
| Lecture | 19 | 1.00 | 19.00 |
| Seminar | 5 | 1.00 | 5.00 |
| Private study hours | 175.00 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 25.00 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 200.00 | ||
Private study
Reading primary texts: 50Lecture preparation: 19x1 = 19
Seminar preparation: 5x4 = 20
Essay 1: 16
Exam preparation: 70
Opportunities for Formative Feedback
Seminar participation; semester 1 coursework.Methods of assessment
Coursework
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
| Essay | Short reports on 2 key concepts (combined total 1500 words) | 30.00 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 30.00 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
Exams
| Exam type | Exam duration | % of formal assessment |
| Exam with advance information on questions | 3 hr 00 mins | 70.00 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Exams) | 70.00 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
Reading list
The reading list is available from the Library websiteLast updated: 01/04/2015
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