| Unit name | Epic |
|---|---|
| Unit code | CLAS12361 |
| Credit points | 20 |
| Level of study | C/4 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12) |
| Unit director | Dr. Hitch |
| Open unit status | Open |
| Pre-requisites |
None |
| Co-requisites |
None |
| School/department | Department of Classics & Ancient History |
| Faculty | Faculty of Arts |
This unit will examine a selection of epic works from Greece and Rome all studied in translation to trace the development of Greek and Latin epic from the oral tradition of Homer through the literary composition exemplified by Virgil's Aeneid to the generically challenging form of Ovid's Metamorphoses. Themes studied in this unit will include epic and genre, epic and gender, epic and myth, epic and history, gods and heroes. Students will be encouraged to consider textual and contextual differences between Greek, Roman, and postclassical epic, and to analyse the changing dynamics of the epic tradition.
On successful completion of this unit, students should: have gained knowledge about the cultural contexts of ancient epic and its postclassical reception; developed an understanding of the principal critical approaches to studying epic as a genre; have read and analysed a range of key texts in translation; have had the opportunity to develop their skills in oral communication (through discussion and questions) and in written communication (through essay work and examinations). In addition, second year students will be expected to have developed more sophisticated analytical skills, as demonstrated in their formal assessments, in a seminar presentation, and in their participation in class discussions.
