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: 2.00 - 3.00 pm Tue & Thu

This module explores the Greek epic tradition of the Imperial Period and Late Antiquity through the works of Quintus, Nonnus, and Colluthus. We discuss the influence of the Homeric epics on later Greek epic poets in terms of language, style, structure, and content, and examine the ways in which these poets both emulate and compete with Homer. We study the reception of narratives originally told in the Epic Cycle and discuss the influence of other literary genres on this reception. Questions to be addressed in this module are: What are the characteristics of imperial and late-antique Greek epic? How do later epic poets engage with the Homeric model? Is imperial and late antique epic imitative or innovative? How do the heroes and heroines of Quintus, Nonnus, and Colluthus compare with those of earlier Greek epic? Did these Greek authors read Vergil and Ovid? Can we make up for the loss of much of the Epic Cycle by reading Colluthus and Quintus?

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 LT3018, or evidence of equivalent linguistic achievement.

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact: 2 hours of lectures and seminars

Scheduled learning hours: 20

Guided independent study hours: 278

Assessment pattern

As used by St Andrews: 2-hour Written Examination = 40%, Unseen test = 15%, Coursework = 45%

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

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

Personnel

Module coordinator: Dr A Schoess
Module teaching staff: Dr Ann-Sophie Schoess