Module Catalogue 2024/25

Pre Requisite Comment

CAC2001 is a prerequisite for CAC3000

Co Requisite Comment

N/A

Aims

This module is designed both as a ‘training module’ to prepare students for independent study and research on aspects of the classical world, and as an opportunity to be introduced to, and to read and study for themselves, some key literary texts from the classical Greek and Roman world which they may not otherwise have the opportunity to study in depth within the taught syllabus.

This module aims to:
• Provide training for students in the skills necessary for undertaking independent study/research in Classical literature and culture, particularly as required for the Stage 3 compulsory (Q810) or optional (Q800, Y001) dissertation/special study Classics modules;
• Introduce students to, and give them the opportunity to study, a range of key literary texts from the classical world.

Outline Of Syllabus

The module involves studying a selection of texts from classical Greek and Latin literature with a view to developing skills associated with independent study and research. Lectures will use the texts to focus on skills and approaches; in the workshops, students can practise these skills in a discussion environment. A series of written assignments will allow students to practise the skills that they have learnt.

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

On successful completion of this module students should:
• have acquired, through introductory lectures and private reading, knowledge of some key literary texts from the ancient Greek and Roman world;
• have acquired a better understanding of the range of skills required for undertaking independent study and research on classical texts and topics.

Intended Skill Outcomes

On successful completion of this module students should:
• have developed and applied key ‘research-based’ skills including:
• the skill to identify and use primary evidence relevant to a given research question;
• the skill to identify relevant secondary literature and to apply knowledge of secondary texts appropriately within their own discussions and arguments;
• close textual analysis and an understanding of how this relates to discussion of broader topics and questions regarding a text, its genre and/or its context;
• researching relevant contextual information regarding a text and applying that knowledge selectively and appropriately to discussion of a focussed research topic;
• have developed or further developed, and applied to the texts studied, key skills including written communication, planning and organisation, adaptability, initiative and problem-solving.

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Lectures will introduce the texts to be studied, some of the research problems they involve, and possible lines of approach to these; and they introduce and demonstrate a range of the most important skills for independent study and research. Workshops provide the students with the opportunity to practise one or more of those skills on the texts.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

Students submit written assignments on their set texts, requiring them to apply cumulatively the relevant research skills taught in each semester. This enables them gradually to develop and hone the requisite skills while applying them to specific classical texts.

Submitted work tests intended knowledge and skills outcomes, develops key skills in research, reading and writing.

General Notes

N/A