University of St Andrews

Key information

SCOTCAT credits : 30

ECTS credits : 15

Level : SCQF level 10

Semester: 1

Availability restrictions: Available to General Degree students with the permission of the Honours Adviser

Planned timetable: To be confirmed

The aim of this module is to introduce students to a long-neglected aspect of Greek religious experience, religious belief. It first examines a number of conceptual questions over the nature of belief, before turning to a number of central themes: why did the Greeks worship their gods? How did they sustain the belief in the possibility of miracles or of divine retribution, or in the validity of oracles and divination? How widespread and significant were expressions of 'atheism' in the Greek world? In examining such questions, the module looks at a wide range of historiographical, philosophical, rhetorical and dramatic texts, as well as visual representations of divinity, and votive dedications.

Relationship to other modules

Pre-requisite(s): As stated in the School of Classics Undergraduate Handbook

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact: 2 hour seminars (11 weeks)

Scheduled learning hours: 22

Guided independent study hours: 278

Assessment pattern

As used by St Andrews: Coursework = 100%

As defined by QAA
Written examinations : 0%
Practical examinations : 0%
Coursework: 100%

Re-assessment: 3-hour Written Examination = 100%

Personnel

Module coordinator: Professor T E H Harrison
Module teaching staff: Prof T Harrison
Module coordinator email tehh@st-andrews.ac.uk