2008/09 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

CLAS3740 Greek Religion

20 creditsClass Size: 50

Module manager: Dr E J Stafford
Email: E.J.Stafford@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 is suitable for Level 2 or 3 students with some basic knowledge of the Greek world. It introduces students to the major public festivals, family rituals, and private observances of the people of ancient Greece, using a variety of methodologies and sources, from literary texts and inscriptions to temple remains and vase-painting; such an approach is vital if we are to begin to reconstruct the practices, let alone the beliefs of ordinary people. The module is worth 20 credits and runs over both semesters, with one lecture per week and a total of four seminars. For further information, see the School of Classics Undergraduate Courses site or contact the School of Classics via e-mail, telephone (0113-343-3537), or in person: the Department Office is situated on the first floor of the Parkinson Building (south end).

Objectives

Students completing the module should have a good general knowledge of ancient Greek religion and of the various methodological approaches employed in its study, as well as a clearer understanding of some challenging issues raised by confrontation with a religious system very different from those predominant in our own society. Through participation in seminar discussions and the preparation of essays students will develop their skills in critical analysis and communication.

Syllabus

Religion was an integral part of life in ancient Greece, underpinning areas of experience which might seem quite separate and often "secular" to us. In addition to introducing the student to an area of primary importance for the understanding of the ancient world, this course aims to promote an interdisciplinary approach, exploiting a variety of methodologies and sources, from literary texts and inscriptions to temple remains and vase-painting; such an approach is vital if we are to begin to reconstruct the practices, let alone the beliefs of ordinary people. A series of lectures outlines what we know of the major public festivals, family rituals, and private observances of the people of ancient Greece, focusing on the sixth to fourth centuries BC. Seminars highlight methodological issues and the skills involved in handling different sorts of evidence (material, iconographic, literary, and epigraphic).

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Lecture	20	1.00	20.00
Seminar	4	1.00	4.00
Private study hours			176.00
Total Contact hours			24.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			200.00

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Assignment	One short assignment of approximately 500 words to be submitted at the end of the autumn term	10.00
Essay	1 x essay of approximately 2,000 words to be submitted at the end of semester 2	50.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		60.00

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 30 mins	40.00
Total percentage (Assessment Exams)		40.00

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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