LW1004: LITERATURE IN THE CLASSICAL WORLD (2015-2016)

Course Aims: This course aims to give students a grounding in those works of ancient Greek and Roman literature which were most important to and influential on the subsequent Western literary tradition. They will be encouraged to consider the development and implications of different forms and genres, introduced to different ways of thinking about the relation between literary form and historical context, and given the opportunity to develop their skills of literary analysis and critical argument. Main Learning Outcomes: Students will acquire familiarity with foundational works in the Western literary tradition. They will become conversant with questions about the relation of literature to myth, history and political power already central to the classical texts covered, and still at issue in current literary and theoretical thought. They will develop their skills of literary analysis and powers of argument in both oral and written form. Content: Like so many other aspects of its culture, philosophy, politics, and art, the great literary works of ancient Greece, from Homer on, have exerted a constant and continuing shaping force on the Western imagination. Though politically so different to ancient Greece, the Roman Empire emulated its cultural achievements, imitating and transforming its literature, and Rome's military conquests ensured the dissemination and cultural dominance of these Greek and Roman models throughout Europe. The literature of the intervening millennia has variously imitated, played with, and reacted against this original canon, which therefore provides a vital point of reference in our efforts to understand the literatures of the modern European languages. Combining formal literary analysis and study of historical context, and addressing the question of how literary form, history and politics are intertwined, we will read (in English translation) and discuss some of the most important and influential texts in this canon, and explore the competing aesthetic and political views which went into its evolution, making it such a rich, and volatile, resource for the later writers of so many nations. At least from a Western perspective, literature in a world context starts here.

Priority will be given to intending LWC students.

Information on contact teaching time is available from the course guide.

View LW1004 Timetable

More Information about Week Numbers

1st Attempt: Essay 1 (40%): 1200 words Essay 2 (50%): 1500 words Tutorial Assessment Mark (10%): regularity of participation and quality of ideas presented in class discussion. Resit: Two hour written examination (100%).

Informal oral feedback on performance in class.

Detailed written feedback on written work; detailed oral feedback on contribution to tutorial discussion, offered continuously in tutorials.

None.