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AN4106   Persia and the Greeks

Academic year(s): 2017-2018

Key information

SCOTCAT credits : 30

ECTS credits : 15

Level : SCQF level 10

Semester: 1

Planned timetable: 2.00 pm - 4.00 pm Tue.

This module looks in detail at the history of the Achaemenid Persian empire, a looming presence in Greek history, from its beginnings under Cyrus the Great in the mid-sixth century until the conquests of Alexander the Great. Use will be made of all available sources of evidence including Persian art, architecture and royal inscriptions, but a particular focus will be placed on the difficulties in using Greek literary evidence in the reconstruction of Persian history. The module will focus on a number of key episodes: including Cambyses' conquest of Egypt, Darius' accession, the Persian wars, and Alexander's conquests, but will also look at themes including the royal court, imperial ideology, the role of women, and the response to empire of Persia's subject peoples.

Relationship to other modules

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

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact: 1 x 2-hour seminar and 1 coursework consultation hour.

Scheduled learning hours: 20

Guided independent study hours: 280

Assessment pattern

As used by St Andrews: 3-hour Written Examination = 50%, Coursework = 50%

As defined by QAA
Written examinations : 50%
Practical examinations : 0%
Coursework: 50%

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

Personnel

Module teaching staff: Prof T Harrison