University of St Andrews

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: TBC

For many, Roman epic is the Aeneid. But where did Virgil's poem come from, and where did it go? What were the literary influences which shaped the composition of the Aeneid; how were its techniques and innovations built upon by those who came after? How are the archetypal motifs of Greek epic manhood, kleos and war - replayed in the central themes of Roman epic, fratricide, tyrannicide and civil war? Virgil epitomises one Roman epic modality; but we shall also explore others, reading selected portions from a range of Latin epics in this module. Close attention will be paid to each poet's handling of themes and narrative structure, to his exploitation of the tradition, and to his style.

Relationship to other modules

Pre-requisite(s): 40 credits from LT2001, LT2002, LT2003, LT2004, 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: Induction in Orientation Week then 1 x 2-hour seminar.

Scheduled learning hours: 22

Guided independent study hours: 278

Assessment pattern

As used by St Andrews: 2-hour Written Examination = 40%, Coursework = 60% (commentary and essay tasks, 45%, class test, 15%)

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

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

Personnel

Module coordinator: Professor R D Rees
Module teaching staff: Team taught
Module coordinator email rdr1@st-andrews.ac.uk