Unit information: Metamorphosis in Greece and Rome in 2010/11

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Unit name Metamorphosis in Greece and Rome
Unit code CLAS32364
Credit points 20
Level of study H/6
Teaching block(s) Teaching Block 2 (weeks 13 - 24)
Unit director Emeritus Professor. Buxton
Open unit status Not open
Pre-requisites

None
Co-requisites

None
School/department Department of Classics & Ancient History
Faculty Faculty of Arts

Description including Unit Aims

The aim of this unit will be to analyse a number of Greek and Roman texts (read in translation) and images relating to theme of metamorphosis. We shall consider both transformations of gods and transformations of mortals. One central angle of approach will be to examine how different narrative genres present metamorphosis differently. Another distinctive emphasis will be that we shall not be concentrating solely or even largely on Ovid: there is much Greek material to be exploited, and we shall aim to give this its due weight. As well as studying ancient texts and images, there will be an opportunity to consider more modern treatments of the theme - e.g. in stories by Hawthorne and Kafka.

Intended Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit students should:

  • have engaged in close analysis of a range of texts and images which have metamorphosis as a central theme
  • be able to use the knowledge acquired in seminars and through independent research to construct coherent, relevant and critical arguments concerning the interpretative issues raised by the texts and images studied
  • have had the opportunity to develop their skills in oral and written communication, in making seminar presentations and in discussing the presentations of others, and in essays and written exams

Teaching Information

2 hours a week, seminars

Assessment Information

One essay of 3,000 words (50%), and one 90-minute exam containing passages for comment and essay questions (50%)

Reading and References

Set texts (all to be read in translation): selected parts of Homer’s Iliad and Odyssey, especially Odyssey Book 10; Aristophanes’ Birds; Euripides’ Bacchae; Plutarch’s Gryllos (alias That Animals Make Use of Reason); Ovid Metamorphoses Book 6; Apuleius, The Golden Ass, Book 3.

Essential Reading:

  • P.M.C. Forbes Irving, Metamorphosis in Greek Myths (Oxford, 1990)
  • Marina Warner, Fantastic Metamorphoses, Other Worlds (Oxford, 2002)
  • Leonard Barkan, The Gods Made Flesh: Metamorphosis and the Pursuit of Paganism (New Haven, 1986)

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