University of St Andrews

Key information

SCOTCAT credits : 30

ECTS credits : 15

Level : SCQF level 10

Semester: 1

Planned timetable: TBC

We shall examine stories about the Athenian past, particularly the myth of 'autochthony', according to which the Athenians' native land gave birth to their ancestors. We shall consider the role played by these stories in shaping Athenian civic identity; our focus will be on the sophisticated exploration of and response to these stories in Athenian literature, rhetoric and philosophy. An important theme discussed by these texts is the political expediency of telling falsehoods about the past. The set texts will be Euripides' Ion, selected parts of Isocrates' political writing, Plato's Menexenus and selected parts of Plato's Republic.

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact:

Scheduled learning hours: 33

Guided independent study hours: 267

Assessment pattern

As used by St Andrews:

As defined by QAA
Written examinations : 55%
Practical examinations : 0%
Coursework: 45%

Personnel