Unit information: Citizenship and the Greek Polis in 2013/14

Unit name	Citizenship and the Greek Polis
Unit code	CLASM0045
Credit points	20
Level of study	M/7
Teaching block(s)	Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12)
Unit director	Emeritus Professor. Fowler
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

This unit, which is designed for students of both historical and literary interests, explores the nature of citizenship in 5th and 4th century Athens and relates it to the ongoing debate about citizenship in modern Western societies. Reading a range of texts in translation, we will discuss issues such as the concept of responsible citizenship in ancient and modern society, the connection between citizenship and identity, the function of reputation and appearances in determining citizenship status, and the role played by women in the construction of the male citizen ideal. We will consider how these issues inform and affect great works of ancient literature, and how these works in turn comment on and challenge the ideologies of their contemporary society.

Intended Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit students will have :

1. developed a good knowledge of citizenship in 5th and 4th century Athens and a sophisticated understanding of the theoretical issues involved in studying citizenship in both the ancient and the modern context
2. developed their skill in reading and analysing a range of texts related to citizenship in the Greek world
3. developed and refined their skills in constructing coherent, relevant and sophisticated critical arguments, and in relating their readings of texts and images to wider theoretical issues
4. developed skills in oral and written communication appropriate to level H by

contributing to discussion in seminars and producing an essay and a written examination.

1. Additionally (specific to level M), students will be expected to display high level skills in evaluating, analysing, synthesising and (where apt) critiquing images and ideas.
2. apply existing analytical strategies to new evidence with flexibility and creativity
3. demonstrate the capacity for independent research

Teaching Information

10 x 2 hour weekly seminars

Assessment Information

One summative essay of 4000 words (1000%). Measures ILOs 1-7

Reading and References

Kymlicka, W. Contemporary Political Philosophy: An Introduction, Oxford University Press 2002.

Aristotle Politics, translated by T.A. Sinclair, revised and re-presented by T.J. Saunders, Penguin edition 1981.

Aeschylus Oresteia translated by Christopher Collard, Oxford World's Classics, 2003.

Sophocles Theban Plays, translated by Meineck and Woodruff, Hackett Publishing Company, Inc. 2003.

Plato The Defence of Socrates, Eutyphro, Crito translated by David Gallop, Oxford World's Classics 1999.

Aristophanes Lysistrata and Other Plays, translated by A. Sommerstein, Penguin edition 1973.