| Unit name | Comparative Paganism |
|---|---|
| Unit code | CLAS30050 |
| Credit points | 20 |
| Level of study | H/6 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 2 (weeks 13 - 24) |
| Unit director | Dr. Lampe |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Units you must take before you take this one (pre-requisite units) |
None |
| Units you must take alongside this one (co-requisite units) |
None |
| Units you may not take alongside this one |
None |
| School/department | Department of Classics & Ancient History |
| Faculty | Faculty of Arts |
Why is this unit important?
In both popular fiction and anglophone Modern Paganism, it is common to combine Greek and Roman myths with those from other traditions. These juxtapositions are often thought-provoking. What do we learn by comparing Athena with Thor, or Demeter with Loki? What is lost and what is gained when the modern ‘Goddess movement’ posits a single deity behind the plurality of ancient goddesses? Can witches today relive the experience of Dionysiac bands ‘going up the mountain’? These are not only academic questions, but also avenues to feel our way into fascinating new worlds of experience.
In this unit, we will enrich our understanding of ‘pagan’ gods, stories, imagery, practices, and material culture through a comparative approach. In the process, we will also think about the origins and transformations in the idea of ‘paganism’ and about how and why we go about comparing religious traditions. This unit will also usually involve a visit to one of several ‘pagan’ holy sites that are within easy reach of Bristol.
How does this unit fit into your programme of study?
You will build on your knowledge of ancient Greek and Roman mythology and cultural history and how to analyze and evaluate their later reception. You will also learn new ways to analyze ancient Greek and Roman religious experience in particular.
An Overview of Content
In movies, video games, and other forms of popular fiction, it is common to combine Greek and Roman myths with those from other pre-Christian European traditions. Such creative syncretisms are also common in “modern pagan” religions, such as Druidry, Witchcraft, and Heathenism. In this unit, we will consider how such a comparative approach can enrich our understanding of classical religions. Among the “paganisms” covered may be ancient Greek, Roman, Norse, or Celtic traditions, as well as modern Wicca, Druidry, or Heathenism. Particular themes covered may include gods and goddesses; myths about the beginnings and endings of the world; rituals and embodied practice; and sacred spaces and architecture. In the process, we will deepen our understanding of the idea of ‘paganism’ and the methodology for comparing religions. The unit will normally include an optional field trip, such as to the temple of Mars Nodens at Lydney Park, the temple of Minerva Sulis at Bath Spa, the Bristol Goddess Temple, or the stone circle at Stanton Drew.
How will students be different as a result of this unit
You will know about selected themes in Greek, Roman, and other ‘pagan’ traditions (gods, myths, rituals, etc.). You will gain a better sense of what it could be like to live with these deities. You will improve your ability to communicate this knowledge orally and in writing.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:
This unit will involve a mixture of short and long lectures; reading, listening, researching, or viewing assignments; guided discussions; and short written assignments in preparation for those guided discussions.
Tasks which count towards your unit mark (summative):
3,500 word essay (100%) [ILOs 1-4].
When assessment does not go to plan
When required by the Board of Examiners, you will normally complete reassessments in the same formats as those outlined above. However, the Board reserves the right to modify the format or number of reassessments required. Details of reassessments are confirmed by the School/Centre shortly after the notification of your results at the end of the year.
If this unit has a Resource List, you will normally find a link to it in the Blackboard area for the unit. Sometimes there will be a separate link for each weekly topic.
If you are unable to access a list through Blackboard, you can also find it via the Resource Lists homepage. Search for the list by the unit name or code (e.g. CLAS30050).
How much time the unit requires
Each credit equates to 10 hours of total student input. For example a 20 credit unit will take you 200 hours
of study to complete. Your total learning time is made up of contact time, directed learning tasks,
independent learning and assessment activity.
See the University Workload statement relating to this unit for more information.
Assessment
The Board of Examiners will consider all cases where students have failed or not completed the assessments required for credit.
The Board considers each student's outcomes across all the units which contribute to each year's programme of study. For appropriate assessments, if you have self-certificated your absence, you will normally be required to complete it the next time it runs (for assessments at the end of TB1 and TB2 this is usually in the next re-assessment period).
The Board of Examiners will take into account any exceptional circumstances and operates
within the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes.
