University of St Andrews

Key information

SCOTCAT credits : 30

ECTS credits : 15

Level : SCQF level 10

Semester: 2

Availability restrictions: Not automatically available to General Degree students

Planned timetable: TBC

From horses and dogs to crocodiles and rhinoceroses, and from oxen and ferrets to unicorns and giant ants, this module examines human relationships with animals in ancient Greece and Rome. Animals have played essential roles in human societies for all of recorded history, and today form a living link with the classical past. Using literary, artistic and archaeological evidence the module will trace the significance of animals in classical life, as sources of food, labour, companionship and entertainment, and as objects of ritual, scientific experiment and conspicuous consumption. Students will examine the conceptualisation of the animal (as 'wild', as 'pet', or as 'exotic', for instance), and will consider the philosophical debates surrounding animals in antiquity and their symbolic meanings in ancient societies.

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.

Scheduled learning hours: 22

Guided independent study hours: 278

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 coordinator: Dr S Lewis
Module teaching staff: Dr S Lewis
Module coordinator email sl50@st-andrews.ac.uk