GRC10160 Homer and Herodotus

Academic Year 2016/2017

This module is an introduction to ancient Greek literature and history. Homer’s Iliad and Odyssey (c. 700 B.C.), dealing with the mythical Trojan war, are the foundation of Greek and Western literature. The lectures will discuss the structure, characters, and main themes of the two works, with special reference to the epic heroes Achilles and Odysseus. Herodotus, because of his Histories (c. 430 B.C.), has been called the ‘father of history’ but also the ‘father of lies’. Ostensibly the work’s focus is on the historical Persian Wars, but in fact it is about so much more. It is one of the most entertaining books from antiquity and is generally agreed to be a masterpiece by all who read it. Tutorial classes will encourage students to develop their skills in analysis and evaluation of the texts. The module requires no previous knowledge of Homer or Herodotus, and all three texts are studied in translation.

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

On completion of this module students should be able to:• synthesize information about the moral, social, and religious beliefs expressed in the Iliad and the Odyssey;• analyse the main themes and central characters of the Iliad and the Odyssey;• outline the main themes and structure of Herodotus’ Histories • synthesize information about the attitudes revealed by Herodotus in his work about the societies of Greek cities and their eastern neighbours

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

24
Tutorial

5
Specified Learning Activities

40
Autonomous Student Learning

33
Total

102
 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.



Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Incompatibles:
Homer and the Age of Heroes (GRC20140)

 
Description % of Final Grade Timing
Examination: Essay and comment questions

70

 2 hour End of Trimester Exam
Assignment: Passages for comment

30

 Week 7

Compensation

This module is not passable by compensation

Resit Opportunities

In-semester assessment

Remediation

The resit assignment will consist of a maximum of two essays of about 1,500 words each, but this may be reduced if some module learning outcomes have been achieved in the first sitting. Students intending to resit should contact the module co-ordinator for a list of essay titles.

Name Role
Assoc Professor Philip De Souza Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Ms Kaylin Bednarz Tutor
Mr Eoghan Finn Tutor
Ms Suzanne Lynch Tutor
Mr Aron Newell Tutor