CL1SO-Ancient Song

Module Provider: Classics
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:4
Terms in which taught: Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2021/2

Module Convenor: Prof Ian Rutherford
Email: i.c.rutherford@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:
This module introduces students to the lyric poetry of ancient Greece and Rome, studying authors from both civilisations and considering a range of thematic approaches to the surviving corpus of poetry. It is intended to be suitable for beginners and for those who have studied some ancient literature before; there is no language requirement, but there will be an opportunity for students who do have relevant skills to employ them in their coursework and exams.

Aims:
􀀕 To equip students with knowledge and understanding of key ancient lyrical texts.
􀀕 To introduce students to the world of ancient song and music.
􀀕 To offer a broad discussion of the context and significance of song and musical performance in ancient societies.
􀀕 To gain an understanding of key trends in past scholarship on the subject.

Assessable learning outcomes:
By the end of the module it is expected that the student will be able to:?
􀀕 demonstrate in-depth knowledge of the authors, sub-genres, and major themes of the lyric poetry of ancient Greece and Rome.
􀀕 relate the interpretation of ancient lyric poetry to the contexts in which it was composed and performed, and to the wider literary tradition;
􀀕 complement the evidence and arguments presented in the lectures and seminars with additional information assembled by their own res earch;
􀀕 analyse in detail selected passages of ancient writing;
􀀕 articulate their arguments effectively and illustrate them with relevant evidence;
􀀕 recognise and criticise key arguments made in recent scholarship.
- frame their own research question

Additional outcomes:
The module also aims to encourage the development of oral communication skills and the student's effectiveness in group situations. Students are also encouraged to develop their IT skills by use of computer resources.

Outline content:

The course covers provides an introduction to ancient song, considering the major themes attendant on the study of lyric (oral performance/written text’ personal /public; social context; music and rhythm; sources) and looks at some of the principal authors in Greek and Latin: Alcman, Tyrtaeus, Sappho, Alcaeus, Stesichorus, Simonides, Bacchylides, Pindar, Catullus, Horace, and the Hadrianic poets. This material is covered in broad chronological order as well as thematically in lectures, with seminars to reinforce and develop this material with a selection of relevant ancient texts and related sources. The course represents current thinking and research on the various subjects covered, introducing even those students with prior experience of classical studies to new areas and methods. No specific knowledge is expected as a prerequisite for this module, but readiness to do significant preparatory reading is presupposed.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
The module will be taught by lectures and seminars with two or three contact hours per week.