Gwybodaeth Modiwlau

Module Identifier
CL10120
Module Title
Greek and Roman Epic and Drama
Academic Year
2025/2026
Co-ordinator
Dr Louise Marshall
Semester
Semester 2
Reading List
View example reading list on Aspire
Other Staff
 

Course Delivery

 

Assessment

Assessment Type Assessment length / details Proportion
Semester Assessment Essay  Comparative essay addressing two texts OR a portfolio comprised of 1500 words creative response and 1000 words critical commentary. 2500 Words  100%
Supplementary Assessment Essay  Comparative essay addressing two texts OR a portfolio comprised of 1500 words creative response and 1000 words critical commentary. 2500 Words  100%

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this module students should be able to:

Demonstrate some knowledge of The Odyssey and The Aeneid

Use examples from the plays to demonstrate a knowledge of important themes and topics in Greek tragedy;

Write about a range of texts in an informed and well-argued manner;

Demonstrate an ability to identify and engage with a range of relevant secondary material.

Brief description

This module provides a valuable supplement to the literature modules offered within the Department of English and Creative Writing and to anyone with an interest in classical drama. The course includes Greek Tragedy including Sophocles and Euripides, with a particular emphasis on the representations of gendered roles. The 'epic' element comprises the study of Homer, Virgil and Ovid with emphasis on the predicament of the heroic figure. Alongside these ancient texts students will read three modern adaptations or re-imaginings of classical texts through which they will consider the influence of the ancient poets on contemporary textual production.

A previous knowledge of the Classics is not required. All texts will be read in English translations.

Aims

This module aims to introduce students to some of the basic conventions associated with classical epic poetry and tragedy. Students will encounter some of the most infamous and well-known stories of the Western canon. This module is a valuable opportunity to engage with a small selection of ancient story telling that has influenced literature and textual production in the Common Era.

Content

Over the course of this module the following topics will be addressed:
Gods and Heroes in Homer and Virgil
The Underworld in Homer and Virgil
Families in Ovid's Metamorphoses
Epic re-imaginings
Defying the state in Sophocles
Revenge of the barbarian in Euripides
Tragic re-imaginings

Module Skills

Skills Type Skills details
Co-ordinating with others .

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 4