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GK4126   Hellenistic Poetry

Academic year(s): 2018-2019

Key information

SCOTCAT credits : 30

ECTS credits : 15

Level : SCQF level 10

Semester: 2

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

Planned timetable: To be arranged

The Hellenistic period was a time of great poetic innovation and experimentation that was at the same time marked by a preoccupation with literary tradition and the relationship between the poetry of the past and of the present. The aim of this module is to introduce some of the key features of Hellenistic poetry while also giving a sense of its diversity. A central concern will be to consider the ways in which the poetry of the period reflects, and attempts to make sense of, the social and cultural changes its authors were living through. Our focus will be on the major poetic figures centred around Alexandria - Callimachus, Theocritus and Apollonius, as well as Lycophron and Aratus - but we will also read selections from other poets in translation. Topics to be covered will include: Callimachean aesthetics; generic experimentation; materiality and the poetry book; antiquarian and scientific learning; and self-consciousness and allusion.

Relationship to other modules

Pre-requisite(s): 40 credits from GK2001, GK2002, GK2003, GK2004, including one pass at 11 or better, or a pass in GK3022, or evidence of equivalent linguistic achievement.

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact: 2 hours of lectures and seminars (x 11 weeks)

Scheduled learning hours: 22

Guided independent study hours: 278

Assessment pattern

As used by St Andrews: Coursework = 60%, 2-hour Written Examination = 40%

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

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

Personnel

Module coordinator: Dr M J Carroll
Module teaching staff: Dr M Carroll