2008/09 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

CLAS1312 Greek Tragedy: An Introduction

10 creditsClass Size: 150

Module manager: Dr Sue Hamstead
Email: s.d.hamstead@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable

Year running 2008/09

This module is approved as an Elective

Module summary

This module approaches Greek tragedy through the close study of the three plays of Aeschylus' Oresteia, the earliest undisputed masterpiece of European drama. The plays are studied in English translation (tr. R. Lattimore, in D. Grene and R. Lattimore (ed.), The Complete Greek Tragedies: Aeschylus I, Chicago 1953). The module is worth 10 credits and runs in semester 2 only, with one lecture per week and two seminars during the course of the semester. For further information, visit us at the Electives Fair or contact the Department of Classics, situated on the first floor of the Parkinson Building, south end (email: classics@leeds.ac.uk; website: www.leeds.ac.uk/classics/; telephone: 0113 343 3537).

Objectives

On completion of this module, students should have acquired an understanding and appreciation of Aeschylus' 'Oresteia'. In particular, they should be able to provide an informed analysis of:
- the physical structure and stage conventions of the Greek theatre, and Aeschylus' use of these resources;
- the dramatic and narrative structure of the three plays, and of the trilogy as a whole;
- the dramatic and narrative structure of the three plays, and the trilogy as a whole;
- the trilogy's relationship to earlier Greek literary traditions;
- the implications of the religious and moral ideas which underlie the trilogy;
- the relevance of the contemporary social and political context to the interpretation of the trilogy;
- the knowledge and critical skills acquired in this module will provide a basis for further study of classical Greek drama and poetry, and relevant background to the study of later European drama.

Syllabus

The module will provide an introduction to Greek tragedy through the close study of the three plays of Aeschylus' trilogy, The Oresteia, the earliest undisputed masterpiece of European drama. The plays will be read in the English translation by Richmond Lattimore (Chicago 1953).

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Lecture	10	1.00	10.00
Seminar	2	1.00	2.00
Private study hours			88.00
Total Contact hours			12.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			100.00

Private study

88 hours - private study

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Essay	An essay of not more than 1,500 words	40.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		40.00

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated

Exams

Exam type	Exam duration	% of formal assessment
Standard exam (closed essays, MCQs etc)	1 hr	60.00
Total percentage (Assessment Exams)		60.00

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 website

Last updated: 13/03/2009

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