2008/09 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

CLAS1540 Parallel Lives: Alexander the Great and Julius Caesar

10 creditsClass Size: 150

Module manager: Dr. P.J. Goodman
Email: p.j.goodman@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable

Year running 2008/09

This module is approved as an Elective

Module summary

This module explores the issues raised in interpreting historical evidence, through a detailed study of Plutarch's Alexander and Caesar, and of the well-documented lives of two individuals of central importance in ancient history. 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 completing this module, students should have acquired an appreciation of the issues raised in interpreting historical evidence through a detailed study of Plutarch's 'Alexander' and 'Caesar', and of the well-documented lives of two individuals of central importance in ancient history. The knowledge and critical skills acquired in this module will provide a basis for further study of Greek and Roman history and historiography

Syllabus

This module will provide an introductory course in the interpretation of historical evidence through a detailed study of Plutarch's Alexander and Caesar. In particular, it will cover: the nature of Plutarch's 'Lives'; Plutarch's sources and his approach to biographical history; the other source material relating to Alexander and Caesar; the selection and interpretation of source-material in constructing the lives of Alexander and Caesar. The two Plutarch 'Lives' will be read in the English translation by R. Waterfield, the Alexander in Plutarch, Greek Lives (Oxford World's Classics 1998) and the Caesar in Plutarch, Roman Lives (Oxford World's Classics 1999).

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

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Essay	An essay of 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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