| Unit name | Myth and History in Fifth-Century Athens |
|---|---|
| Unit code | CLASM1020 |
| Credit points | 20 |
| Level of study | M/7 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 2 (weeks 13 - 24) |
| Unit director | Professor. Momigliano |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Pre-requisites |
None |
| Co-requisites |
None |
| School/department | Department of Classics & Ancient History |
| Faculty | Faculty of Arts |
Myth and history are often seen as competing ways of looking at the past, yet when one takes a closer look it is clear that history is shot through and through with myth, and vice-versa. This is as true of fifth-century Athens as it is of any other time, but the dynamic tension between myth and history is of particular interest in this period because this is when the concepts themselves were first being articulated and fought over. In this unit we will study some key events of the fifth century BC, particularly the Persian Wars, in order better to understand the events themselves and their treatment in both myth and historiography, and the implications of this process for our own understanding of the past. We will also look at some key ideological texts of the Peloponnesian War, and consider the Athenians’ conception of their remote prehistory as revealed in myths, religious festivals, and monuments such as the Parthenon frieze.
On successful completion of this unit students should have:
(1) developed a sophisticated understanding of theoretical
issues relating to the discourses of myth and history,
and their interrelation
(2) acquired detailed knowledge of some key events of the
fifth century BC
(3) developed and refined their skills in constructing
coherent, relevant and sophisticated critical arguments,
and in relating their readings of texts and images to
wider theoretical issues.
(4) developed and enhanced their skills in written
communication by producing an essay and a written
examination.
Additionally (specific to level M), students will be expected to
(5) display high level skills in evaluating, analysing, synthesising and
(where apt) critiquing images and ideas.
(6) apply existing analytical strategies to new evidence with flexibility
and creativity
• (7)demonstrate the capacity for independent research
Seminars
One essay of 5000 words assessing ILOs 5-7
Reading List: Aeschylus, Persians, in Persians and Other Plays, tr. C. Collard (Oxford World’s Classics)
Herodotus, The Histories, tr. A. de Selincourt (Penguin; rev. ed. by J. Marincola)
Euripides, Children of Heracles (in P. Burian, A. Shapiro, edd., Oxford, Greek
Tragedy in New Translations, The Complete Euripides vol. 3)
Thucydides, The Peloponnesian War, tr. M. Hammond (Oxford World’s Classics)
Pausanias, Description of Greece Book 1, tr. P. Levi (Penguin, vol. 1)
