2024/25 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

CLAS3740 Greek Religion

20 creditsClass Size: 27

Module manager: Prof. Emma Stafford
Email: E.J.Stafford@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable

Year running 2024/25

Pre-requisite qualifications

There are no formal prerequisites for this module, but a basic level of knowledge of the ancient Greek world will be assumed. This might have been acquired via an A-level in Classical Civilisation or Ancient History, via a Classics Level 1 or 2 module at Leeds (e.g. CLAS1300 Greek World, CLAS1610 After Troy, CLAS2700 Homer’s Iliad), or via private study. Students unsure about the suitability of their prior experience should consult the module leader before enrolling.

This module is approved as a discovery module

Module summary

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, focussing on the sixth to fourth centuries BC. Seminar discussions highlight methodological issues and the skills involved in handling different sorts of evidence (epigraphic, material, literary and iconographic).

Objectives

To gain an understanding of ancient Greek religion and of the various methodological approaches employed in its study. Through participation in seminars and the preparation of essays students will develop their skills in critical analysis and communication.

Learning outcomes
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.

Skills outcomes
The study of Greek religion requires a holistic approach to the ancient Greek world, using a wide variety of source material. This module will therefore develop the following skills, from a variety of sub-disciplines within Classics:
- Textual analysis
- Interpreting material remains
- Understanding inscriptions
- Reading images

Syllabus

A series of lectures outlines what we know of the major public festivals, family rituals, and private observances of the people of ancient Greece, focussing on the sixth to fourth centuries BC. Seminar discussions highlight methodological issues and the skills involved in handling different sorts of evidence (epigraphic, material, literary and iconographic).

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Lecture	16	1.00	16.00
Seminar	5	1.00	5.00
Private study hours			179.00
Total Contact hours			21.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			200.00

Private study

Lectures and seminars provide a total of 21 hours contact time. In addition, students are expected to do 179 hours of private study as follows:
- 4 hours of study per lecture (= 64): this time would typically be divided between reading of books and articles, pursuing of online resources, and note-taking.
- 4 hours preparation/follow-up for each seminar (= 20 hours).
- 95 hours preparation for assessments

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Student progress will be informally monitored via participation in the seminar discussions. Opportunities will also be provided for one-to-one consultation via the lecturer’s weekly Drop-In times. Formal feedback will of course be provided on the coursework essay, which will be returned in good time to inform the student’s exam preparation.

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Essay	2000 words	50.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		50.00

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

Exams

Exam type	Exam duration	% of formal assessment
Online Time-Limited assessment	48 hr 00 mins	50.00
Total percentage (Assessment Exams)		50.00

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: 20/08/2024

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