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Unit information: Legacy in 2021/22

Please note: you are viewing unit and programme information for a past academic year. Please see the current academic year for up to date information.

Unit name Legacy
Unit code CLAS20067
Credit points 20
Level of study I/5
Teaching block(s) Teaching Block 2 (weeks 13 - 24)
Unit director Dr. Lampe
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

This unit considers the enduring legacy of texts from the classical world, and their changing popularity within literary, artistic, political, and philosophical circles. We will explore a range of ways that texts have been set up as models and drawn upon by later figures as authorities, inspirations, influences, and enemies, and will trace the changing values placed on ‘classics’ and the classical. We will consider the fates of various authors and texts at particular moments in time, and the different dynamics that govern their reception. We will study a range of texts from, for example, seventeenth century French neo-classical drama through to the contemporary avant-garde, and will analyse these texts in light of different theories and approaches, including reception theory, postcolonialism, and feminism. Post-classical figures covered may include Dante, Jean Racine, Friedrich Nietzsche, Derek Walcott, Federico Fellini, Judith Butler, Toni Morrison, David Malouf, Alice Oslwald, and Anne Carson.

Aims:

  • To introduce students to key receptions of classical literature in the modern world, and to consider the relationships between these receptions and the circumstances which surround them
  • To introduce students to key theories for the study of classical reception, and to develop confidence in applying these theories to the texts under discussion
  • To strength written presentation skills through the course assessments

Intended Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this units, students will be able to:

  1. Demonstrate knowledge of a wide range of texts and/or images revealing the legacy of classical literature in later periods.
  2. Evaluate the theoretical issues involved in studying the reception and legacy of the classical world in later times.
  3. Construct coherent, relevant and persuasive arguments on different aspects of the subject.
  4. Demonstrate skills in oral and written communication appropriate to level I.

Teaching Information

This unit will involve a combination of independent investigative activities, long- and short-form lectures, and discussion. Students will be expected to engage with materials and participate on a weekly basis. Feedback will be provided for both formative and summative assessments, and this will be supported by meetings with tutors.

Assessment Information

Formative Assessments:

1 x Group presentation [ILOs 1-4]

Summative Assessments:

1 x Timed assessment (100%). [ILOs 1-4]

Resources

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. CLAS20067).

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 Faculty 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. If you have self-certificated your absence from an assessment, you will normally be required to complete it the next time it runs (this is usually in the next assessment period).
The Board of Examiners will take into account any extenuating circumstances and operates within the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes.

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