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| Unit name |
Metamorphosis in Greece and Rome |
| Unit code |
CLASM1006 |
| Credit points |
20 |
| Level of study |
M/7
|
| 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 the 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.
Aims:
- to familiarise students with a wide range of different ancient texts and images relating to the theme of metamorphosis.
- to develop a sophisticated understanding of the narratological and generic issues related to representations of metamorphosis both ancient and modern.
- to enable students 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 theme of metamorphosis.
- to develop skills in oral and written communication, and in independent research.
- to broaden and/or fill-in the range of ancient texts and topics with which MA students are familiar.
Intended Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, students should:
- be familiar with a wide range of different ancient texts and images relating to the theme of metamorphosis.
- have developed a sophisticated understanding of the narratological and generic issues related to representations of metamorphosis both ancient and modern.
- be able to construct coherent, relevant and critical arguments concerning the interpretative issues raised by the theme of metamorphosis.
- have had the opportunity to develop their skills in oral and written communication, in making seminar presentations, taking part in seminar discussions, and in assessed essays.
Teaching Information
Seminars.
Assessment Information
Summative assessment: 1 essay of 4,000 words (100%)
Formative assessment: written feedback on a presentation; comments on plans and draft bibliographies for summative essay.
Reading and References
- 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)
- Selected parts of Homers Iliad and Odyssey, especially Odyssey Book 10; Aristophanes Birds; Euripides Bacchae; Plutarchs Gryllos (alias That Animals Make Use of Reason); Ovid Metamorphoses Book 6; Apuleius, The Golden Ass, Book 3.
