Greek History: Archaic Age to Alexander

Module Provider: Classics
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:5
Terms in which taught: Autumn term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Module version for: 2016/7

Summary module description:
Greek History 479-323 BC, from the end of the Persian Wars, through the Peloponnesian War and the fall of Sparta, to the rise of Macedon and the meteoric career of Alexander the Great.

Aims:
This module aims to provide students with a knowledge of the main themes in Greek history between the end of the Persian Wars to the death of Alexander the Great. Students will also be equipped to evaluate and use the different kinds of source material from which the history of the Greek world can be studied.

Assessable learning outcomes:
By the end of the module it is expected that students will be able to: - describe the chronological framework of the Greek world in the period; - discuss the main political and military changes which took place in the Greek world in the period; - discuss literary texts and archaeological evidence for the period, and assess the limitations of the different sources of evidence; - utilise and evaluate modern theories and approaches relevant to the history of the Greek world in the period of the course.

Additional outcomes:
The module develops students? skills in oral communication and team-work, through discussions and presentations in seminars. It also encourages critical thinking in the assessment of ancient and modern texts, and the logical and persuasive construction of arguments. It provides training in key research skills such as locating ancient evidence and modern scholarly works.

Outline content:
This module examines the history of Greece in the Classical period (479-323 BC), including the Athenian Empire, Sparta, the development of Athenian democracy, the Peloponnesian War, the ascendancy of Thebes, the rise of Macedonia and the conquests of Alexander. It will also introduce students to the study of ancient sources, especially the works of the historians and inscriptions.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
Two hours per week consisting of a mixture of lectures and small group work. All sessions presume preparatory reading by students.

Contact hours:
Lectures- 20
Seminars- 6
Guided independent study- 174
Total hours by term- 200
Total hours for module- 200

Summative Assessment Methods:
Written exam- 50%
Written assignment including essau- 50%

Other information on summative assessment:
Coursework:
Students are required to produce one piece of coursework comprising an essay of 2,000 words and an associated book review or source criticism of 1,000 words, to be submitted by 12 noon on the last day of the term. A penalty of 20 marks will be deducted if the review/criticism is not handed in.

Relative percentage of coursework: 50%

Examinations:
One two hour paper requiring the completion of two questions.

Formative assessment methods:
Length of examination:
One two hour paper

Requirements for a pass:
40% overall

Reassessment arrangements:
Re-examination in August. Coursework will be carried forward if it bears a confirmed grade of 40% or more. Otherwise it must be resubmitted in August.