Module Catalogue 2025/26

Pre Requisite Comment

N/A as no previous knowledge of Latin or Greek or of the ancient world is needed.

Co Requisite Comment

N/A

Aims

From Suetonius and Plutarch to the death of Socrates and early Christian martyrologies, ancient biographical writing holds an enduring fascination. The course will examine the genre of biography from its origins in Classical Greece to Late Antiquity, investigating the main features of the genre and the historical circumstances of composition. We will also study the form and function of biography in the philosophical and religious writings of antiquity, and ask why turning lives into literature was (and is) so popular.

Outline Of Syllabus

Covering a variety of Greek and Roman authors and works (in translation), including Xenophon, Cornelius Nepos, Tacitus, Suetonius, Plutarch, and comparative material from the Judeo-Christian traditions (including biblical and hagiographical sources), discussion will centre on issues such as the tension between entertainment and moral purpose, ancient depictions of character and theories of character development, the importance of comparison, the significance between chronological and thematic arrangement of material, and the relationship of biography to ethical philosophy, historiography, and rhetoric.

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

On completion of the module, students will have gained:

- a detailed knowledge of the Greek and Roman biographical texts studied.
- an awareness of the major developments in ancient biographical writing.
- an awareness of ancient modes of biographical criticism and the biographical fallacy.
- an understanding of the main themes and concepts in the study of ancient biography.
- an understanding of the fluidity of literary genres.
- an understanding of the ways in which ethical and cultural values, behavioural norms, and philosophical or religious beliefs may be reinforced or challenged through biographical writing, and how these shape biographical exemplarity.

Intended Skill Outcomes

On completion of the module, students will have enhanced their:

- skills of close reading and critical analysis, and their ability to relate their readings to wider thematic issues such as structural and rhetorical strategies.
- ability to recognise and assess notions of generic fluidity and literary interpenetration.
- ability to evaluate the ways in which contemporary socio-cultural contexts are reflected in ancient literature, particularly biographical writing.
- ability to evaluate the potential utility (or otherwise) of particular ancient biographical writings as historical sources.
- written communication skills and ability to engage critically and positively with constructive feedback.

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

The lectures introduce relevant authors and texts, major literary themes and concepts, and some of the key secondary literature and methodological approaches. The analyses presented in the lectures are intended to model the kinds of investigation that students are expected to conduct in their commentary and coursework essay. The seminars provide a forum for more detailed discussion of particular passages and concepts, an opportunity for students to practice their team-work and oral presentation skills, and structured peer feedback. Seminars are organised such that everyone will be actively engaged in the learning process, whether presenting, providing critical feedback, leading questions, or producing a summary of the discussion for circulation. The drop-in sessions provide a space for discussion of essay topics and any other aspects of the course.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

Students will demonstrate their skills in close reading and the critical analysis of a text by writing a short (750-word) commentary on a set passage. They will produce a draft plan of the argument they intend to present in their coursework essay for formative feedback. The coursework essay will allow students to demonstrate their knowledge and ability to think critically about one or more of the texts and / or themes studied.

General Notes

N/A