Unit Overview

Description

This unit introduces students to how Greco-Roman culture has by received, transformed, appropriated, translated, and so on, in a variety of cultural contexts from late antiquity to the modern day. Students will receive a roadmap of major historical landmarks in the ‘Classical Tradition,' such as the revival of classical learning under Charlemagne in the 9th century CE, the Platonic Renaissance of the twelfth century, and the recovery of lost ancient works by the humanists of the European Renaissance. Specific case studies might include Augustine's understanding of Greco-Roman antiquity in The City of God; John Milton's use of Greek tragedy in Samson Agonistes; and Homer's Odyssey revisited in Margaret Atwood's The Penelopiad, Margaret Miller's Circe, and in films such as the Coen Brothers' O Brother, Where Art Thou? and Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey.

Credit
6 points
Offering
(see Timetable)
AvailabilityLocationMode
Semester 1UWA (Perth)On-campus

The timetable for this teaching period is not currently available. Please see the Important Dates page for the timetable release date and other key date information.

Details for undergraduate courses
  • Level 3 option in the Classics and Ancient History major sequence
  • Level 3 elective
Outcomes

Students are able to (1) identify and describe significant elements of continuity and change in the global inheritance of the Classical tradition of Greece and Rome over the period from late antiquity to the present day; (2) read and interpret original literature, documents and artworks in relation to their influence from and transformation of Classical models; (3) display familiarity with the major disciplinary approaches (scholarship, theories and methodologies) that underpin the study of the Classical tradition and also the newer field of Classical Reception Studies; and (4) develop clear and scholarly interpretations from independent research and analysis, using the appropriate discourse conventions of written and oral forms, and be able to defend a critical position.

Assessment

Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) tutorial and/or workshop participation; (2) written review of a contemporary exhibition/ film/ book showing classical influence; and (3) research essay. Further information is available in the unit outline.



Student may be offered supplementary assessment in this unit if they meet the eligibility criteria.

Unit Coordinator(s)
Dr Kirk Essary
Unit rules
Prerequisites
Any level-2 unit from CLAN, HIST, ENGL,
or EURO.
Advisable prior study
Units from Classics and Ancient History (including Latin
or Greek) complement this unit very well, as do studies in History, Art History, European Studies,
or English, but there are no prerequisites beyond those listed above
Contact hours
Up to 3 hours per week
  • The availability of units in Semester 1, 2, etc. was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change.
  • All students are responsible for identifying when they need assistance to improve their academic learning, research, English language and numeracy skills; seeking out the services and resources available to help them; and applying what they learn. Students are encouraged to register for free online support through GETSmart; to help themselves to the extensive range of resources on UWA's STUDYSmarter website; and to participate in WRITESmart and (ma+hs)Smart drop-ins and workshops.
  • Visit the Essential Textbooks website to see if any textbooks are required for this Unit. The website is updated regularly so content may change. Students are recommended to purchase Essential Textbooks, but a limited number of copies of all Essential Textbooks are held in the Library in print, and as an ebook where possible. Recommended readings for the unit can be accessed in Unit Readings directly through the Learning Management System (LMS).
  • Contact hours provide an indication of the type and extent of in-class activities this unit may contain. The total amount of student work (including contact hours, assessment time, and self-study) will approximate 150 hours per 6 credit points.