CL2GSC-Greek Sculpture

Module Provider: Classics
Number of credits: 10 [5 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 Amy Smith
Email: a.c.smith@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:
This module provides an overview of ancient sculpture in the Greek world from its beginnings to the end of the Hellenistic period (around 1000-31 BC), considering how, why, where and when these media developed during this period.

Aims:

• To introduce students to the range of Greek sculpture including its uses


• To give students the experience of identifying, analysing and interpreting Greek sculpture, whether or not fragmentary.


• To develop students’ confidence in developing their own perspectives and viewpoints.

Assessable learning outcomes:

By the end of the module students will be expected to:

• recognize, describe and date a range of Greek sculpture


• analyse the social and historical context of objects


• distinguish particular problems encountered with fragmentary, lost, or unprovenanced works, and understand and evaluate the methods used to overcome them


• interpret and analyse primary and secondary sources critically


• develop art histori cal interpretive skills of observation and analysis


• express their own perspectives and opinions based upon a solid understanding of any problems and arguments

Additional outcomes:
This module also encourages the development of oral communication skills and studentsô€€’ effectiveness working in groups, through presentations, and participation in class meetings. Students will also develop their IT skills by use of relevant web resources including bibliographies.

Outline content:
The sculptures that decorated private and public spaces in the ancient world are among the most enduring legacies of ancient civilizations. This course will treat the range of sculpture produced in the Greek world from the Dark Ages to the end of the Hellenistic period. It will follow a chronological format, beginning with the earliest sculpture and its precedents and trace its ongoing development. It will examine sculpture in the round as well as relief. Primary attention will be given to the v ariety of purposes this sculpture served in ancient cities. These art works will be examined from the viewpoints of the ancient craftsmen as well as consumers. How does their form material and iconography reflect their function? How did ancient viewers regard this sculpture, and what was its importance in their daily lives? Where and when did certain images have prominence and why? Technique and style is also assessed, with attention given to the "development" of sculptural style through distinc t historical periods, and the ways in which modern scholars and connoisseurs have established stylistic criteria. Attention will also be given to ancient literary sources and their value for interpreting these images.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
The module will be taught primarily by lectures, in all of which there will be ample opportunity for discussion, and a museum visit.