CL2CGH-Greek History: Persian Wars 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:
Current from: 2021/2

Module Convenor: Prof Timothy Duff
Email: t.e.duff@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

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 this period; - discuss the main political and military changes which took place in the Greek world in this period; - discuss literary texts, inscriptions 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 th e period of the module.

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.ÌýStudents will also develop skills related to examinations.

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: