| Unit name | Aegean Archaeology and Greek Mythology |
|---|---|
| Unit code | CLAS10070 |
| Credit points | 20 |
| Level of study | C/4 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 2 (weeks 13 - 24) |
| Unit director | Professor. Momigliano |
| 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?
Does the archaeology of Troy and Mycenae suggest that the Trojan War was a real historical event? What is the reality behind the mythical Knossian labyrinth and its Minotaur? And what did inspire Plato’s story of Atlantis? This unit investigates how archaeology can contribute to answering these and similar questions by looking at mythological narratives and the excavations of a number of Aegean sites as case studies, such as the excavations conducted by Heinrich Schliemann and others at Troy and Mycenae; by Sir Arthur Evans at the ‘Palace of Minos’ at Knossos; by Carl Blegen at the ‘Palace of Nestor’ at Pylos; and by Spyridon Marinatos and others at Akrotiri on the island of Santorini (Thera), among others. The unit also explores how archaeological discoveries and their interpretations have helped the creation of some modern myths (e.g., the inhabitants of Bronze Age Crete as the peaceful worshipper of a Great Mother Goddess, and Schliemann as the ‘father’ of Aegean Bronze Age archaeology).
How does this unit fit into your programme of study?
This unit allows you to deepen your knowledge of some written and archaeological sources pertaining to the ancient Greek world. It also allows you to develop a more critical awareness concerning the methodological issues involved in the use of literary and archaeological evidence, to take a distinctive perspective on subject-matters often considered central to the study of the Classical world (e.g. the Homeric poems), and to consider how other methods might enrich your study of this body of literary material.
Overview of content
The unit focuses on some important archaeological sites such as Troy, Mycenae, Knossos, Pylos, and Akrotiri, the history of their archaeological explorations, and the ancient Greek texts (e.g. Iliad, Odyssey, Timaeus), or passages therein, which are relevant to some of the most important myths related to these sites. The unit also focuses on methodological issues pertaining to the relationship between archaeological and written evidence and it examines how the material evidence may illuminate our understanding of the mythological narratives.
How will students, personally, be different as a result of the unit
Students will have expanded their understanding of some of the most important archaeological sites of the ancient world (e.g. Troy, Mycenae, Knossos, Pylos, and Akrotiri) and of the ancient cultures which form the background of some of the most famous Greek myths (the Trojan War, Theseus and the Minotaur, and Atlantis). Students will have considered and assessed some of the various sources used to explore these places and cultures, and will have acquired an appreciation of the methodological issues involved in using textual and archaeological materials together.
Learning outcomes:
On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:
Classes will involve a combination of long- and short-form lectures, class and small-group discussion, and practical activities. Students will be expected to engage with readings and participate on a weekly basis. This will be further supported with drop-in sessions and self-directed exercises with tutor and peer feedback.
Tasks which count towards your unit mark (summative):
45-minute class test (20%) [ILOs 1, 2].
2,000-word essay (80%) [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. CLAS10070).
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.
