UNIVERSITY OF KENT
Confirmation that this version of the module specification has been approved by the School Learning and
Teaching Committee:
…………… A. Stähler, 24 FEB 2015…………….(date)
1.
Title of the module
CL315 – Classical Mythology Themes and Approaches
2.
School or partner institution which will be responsible for management of the module
SECL (Classical & Archaeological Studies)
3.
Start date of the module
Revised 2014
4.
The number of students expected to take the module
40 minimum, 100 maximum
5.
Modules to be withdrawn on the introduction of this proposed module and consultation with
other relevant Schools and Faculties regarding the withdrawal
N/A
6.
The level of the module (e.g. Certificate [C], Intermediate [I], Honours [H] or Postgraduate [M])
C
7.
The number of credits and the ECTS value which the module represents
30 credits (15 ECTS)
8.
Which term(s) the module is to be taught in (or other teaching pattern)
Autumn and Spring
9.
Prerequisite and co-requisite modules
None
10. The programmes of study to which the module contributes
Any BA programmes in Classical and Archaeological Studies, including Classical & Archaeological
Studies and Ancient History. Also available as a wild module to students in the Faculties of
Humanities and Social Sciences.
11. The intended subject specific learning outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will be able to:
11.1
11.2
11.3
11.4
11.5
11.6
show a broad knowledge of myth and an understanding of its importance in the ancient
world and responses to it;
critically evaluate the function of myth from antiquity;
employ academic skills fundamental to their future learning – including the evaluation of
myth and the evaluation of modern scholarship;
locate the material studied in the context of European intellectual, cultural and historical
traditions;
understand the opportunities offered by the polysemic nature of myth and the challenges
involved in the analysis of it;
show increased ability in thinking critically and communicating about mythology and its
functions.
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UNIVERSITY OF KENT
12. The intended generic learning outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will be able to:
12.1
12.2
12.3
12.4
12.5
12.6
apply the skills needed for academic study and enquiry, through guided discussion
and independent study within a structured and managed environment;
select, gather and synthesise relevant information to gain a coherent understanding,
be involved in problem-solving, and reach conclusions independently;
Extract key elements from complex data, select appropriate methodologies and show
awareness of the consequences of the unavailability of evidence;
marshal arguments lucidly and communicate ideas, both orally and in writing, using
the appropriate academic conventions;
show ability in problem-solving, taking responsibility for their own learning, use of IT
resources, and working on a task collaboratively.
recognise that debates often arise in academic scholarship, and be able to take an
individual standpoint.
13. A synopsis of the curriculum
This module is intended to provide a general introduction to myth in the Ancient World and the nature
of subsequent responses to it. Scholarship on approaches to mythology, as well as reception studies
(if desired), will inform the analysis of myth in both its ancient and modern setting.
In the first term the aim is to introduce students to a working repertoire of a large span of ancient
(e.g. Greek) mythology and to its meanings and functions within its original context. A selection of
case-study myths (represented in literature and/or iconography) will be used to examine the potential
meanings and social functions of myth in general. In the second term, subsequent responses to
these myths will be explored; this might include, for example, the use of Greek myths in the
Hellenistic, Roman and/or the modern period, and could include appropriations of myths across a
range of media.
14. Indicative Reading List
Anderson, Graham, 2000. Fairytale in the Ancient World. London: Routledge.
Bremmer, Jan N., 1990. Interpretations of Greek Mythology. London: Routledge.
Csapo, Eric, 2005. Theories of Mythology. Malden, Ma., Oxford: Wiley Blackwell.
Davidson-Reid, Jane. 1993. Oxford Guide to Classical Mythology in the Arts 1300-1990s. Oxford:
Oxford University Press.
Dowden, Ken, 1992. The Uses of Greek Mythology. London: Routledge.
Griffin, J., 1986. The Mirror of Myth: classical themes & variations. London: Faber & Faber.
Hard, R. 2000. The Routledge Handbook of Greek Mythology. London: Routledge.
Hardwick, L. and C. Stray, eds. 2007. A Companion to Classical Receptions. Malden, Ma.,
Oxford: Wiley Blackwell.
Moog-Grünewald, M. ed. 2010. The Reception of Myth and Mythology. Leiden: Brill.
Morford, Mark P. O. and Lenardon, Robert J., 2003. Classical Mythology. Oxford: Oxford
University Press.
15. Learning and Teaching Methods, including the nature and number of contact hours and the
total study hours which will be expected of students, and how these relate to achievement of
the intended module learning outcomes
Contact hours: 1 hour lecture and 1 hour seminar per week for 20 weeks. Remaining study hours are
dedicated to coursework as well as to preparation for lectures and seminars.
Lectures will survey evidence and interpretation of a range of themes, with time for questions at the
end (11.1, 4, 5; 12.2,6). The seminar discussions will allow students to explore problems in the use
of myth, critique interpretations and ask questions (11.2, 4, 5; 12.1-6). The seminar takes the form of
guided discussion of source materials. This is the main opportunity to develop students’
understanding orally, to establish good academic practices (11.3; 12.6) and to test whether their
comprehension of issues and learning in relation to the study of myth within ancient and modern
culture (as well as academic practice) is developing effectively.
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UNIVERSITY OF KENT
Students will be advised to do the following in their study time so as to achieve all the learning
outcomes: (a) read key texts as recommended by the lecturer (11.4; 12.2,3,5); (b) take a critical
attitude to reading away from the seminar and raise relevant examples in group discussion (11.5;
12.6); (c) to manage their time effectively in preparing work for seminars and in planning, drafting
and writing essays (11.3, 6; 12.1-6).
Total study hours: 300 hours for a 30 credit module.
16. Assessment methods and how these relate to testing achievement of the intended module
learning outcomes
Assessment is by Coursework 75% and Examination 25%
Students complete three written coursework assignments and an examination.
The first assignment is an image quiz (20%), 1000 words, designed specifically to assess 11.1. The
first essay (25%), word count 1,200, will invite analysis of myth in its original literary/artistic,
historical, and cultural context and will therefore place particular emphasis on 11.2-3, 5-7 and 12.1-5.
The second essay (30%), word count 1,500, will invite the development of analysis of subsequent
responses to myth, in this way assessing 11.2-7, 12.1-5. Essay questions will be set in advance and
designed to develop the ability of the students to research and think independently, to ensure that
the learning outcomes are tested.
The two-hour examination (25%) will invite critical analysis of myths and will therefore test
achievement of all learning outcomes.
17. Implications for learning resources, including staff, library, IT and space
None
18. The School recognises and has embedded the expectations of current disability equality
legislation, and supports students with a declared disability or special educational need in its
teaching. Within this module we will make reasonable adjustments wherever necessary,
including additional or substitute materials, teaching modes or assessment methods for
students who have declared and discussed their learning support needs. Arrangements for
students with declared disabilities will be made on an individual basis, in consultation with
the University’s disability/dyslexia support service, and specialist support will be provided
where needed.
19. Campus(es) where module will be delivered:
Canterbury
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