Unit information: Athens and its Acropolis in 2015/16

Unit name	Athens and its Acropolis
Unit code	CLASM0056
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

Description including Unit Aims

Athens, the present capital and largest city of the modern Greek state, is also one of the most famous cities of antiquity. From its modern construction as the birthplace of Western civilisation to its image as the capital of a brutal military dictatorship (1967-1974) and stage of anti-austerity riots (2010-2012), this city and especially its Acropolis have played a crucial role in the way in which scholars and the general public view and relate to Greece, both ancient and modern. This unit provides an overview of the history and topography of Athens, from the earliest traces of human habitation to the present day, and explores: a) some of its most famous ancient monuments, with particular reference to the Athenian Acropolis; b) how these monuments have been shaped and re-shaped by ideological and other concerns; and c) some interpretations and responses elicited by these monuments, from antiquity to the present.

Aims:

1. Develop knowledge and understanding of key phases and key moments in the settlement history of Athens.
2. Become familiar with: Athenian topography; some of Athens’ main monuments dating from different periods; relevant literature on the subject.
3. Develop an understanding of different interpretations of and responses to selected Athenian monuments, from c.18^th-21^st century AD.
4. Develop critical, oral and written skills

Intended Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of the unit, students will be able to

(1) Describe the main topographical features of Athens and the main phases/key moments in the settlement history of this city; relate a number of Athenian monuments to these developments.

(2) Discuss critically some Athenian monuments, especially from the Acropolis, together with relevant ancient and modern texts; compare different interpretations and responses to these monuments, and situate them in their historical and intellectual environment.

(3) Correlate monuments and relevant texts with wider debates concerning archaeology, history, art-history, literature etc. (e.g. the use of material culture for political propaganda and in the construction of cultural identities in different periods).

(4)Have developed a high level of skills in critical thinking and in written and oral communication.

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

Teaching Information

2 hours per week (seminar)

Assessment Information

One summative essay of 5000 words (100%). Measures ILOs 1-7

Reading and References

Beard, M. 2004. The Parthenon (London: Profile)

Camp, J. 2001. The Archaeology of Athens (Yale University Press)

Damaskos, D. & Plantzos, D. (eds) 2008. A singular Antiquity: Archaeology and Hellenic Identity in twentieth-century Greece (Athens: Benaki Museum)

Hamilakis, Y. 2007. The Nations and its Ruins: Antiquity, Archaeology and National Imagination in Greece (OUP)

Hurwit, J.M. 1999. The Athenian Acropolis: History, Mythology and Archaeology from the Neolithic Era to the Present (CUP)

Travlos, J. 1971. Pictorial Dictionary of Athens (London: Thames&Hudson)