AHIS3600

Women in Ancient Literature

Faculty of Education and Arts School of Humanities and Social Science

10 Units 3000 Level Course

Not available in 2014

Previously offered in 2011, 2006

Examines the representation of women in Greek and Roman literature. Topics will include the portrayal of mythical and legendary women as well as historical personages. Some attention will be given to visual representation as well.

Objectives

1. As a result of participating in this course, students will demonstrate: the provision of an understanding of the literary representation of female figures (mythical, legendary and historical) in the works of Greek and Roman writers.
2. As a result of participating in this course, students will demonstrate: the development of an appreciation of this tradition and its evolution by a focus on individual writers; social and cultural specificities; gender issues related to authorship; related modern criticism (including feminist critique) of the given areas.
3. As a result of participating in this course, students will demonstrate: the promotion of linkages and influences on later literary and cultural environments.

Content

The course will begin with an examination of female figures in the earliest extant literature of the ancient world, the epics of Homer, and will proceed to examine later works such as Hesiod's 'Theogony', which mark the beginning of the more negative representation of women in the Greek literary tradition. After an examination of the Greek world, students will be introduced to Roman writers such as the early comic playwrights, Plautus and Terence, through to the late republican and early imperial writers such as Catullus and Ovid. Attention will be given to what remains of female authors such as Sappho and Sulpicia.

Replacing Course(s)

HUMA3600

Transition

Students who have completed HUMA3600 can not enrol in AHIS3600.

Industrial Experience

Assumed Knowledge

20 units of either Classical Civilisation at First Year Level and/or English or History.

Modes of Delivery

Internal Mode

Teaching Methods

Lecture
Tutorial

Assessment Items

Examination: Class	One text analysis test or equivalent task = 15% - 500 words (approx) The text analysis test will involve the writing of two commentaries on set pieces of literature within a one-hour time frame. In the test students will be issued with a variety of passages to choose from.
Essays / Written Assignments	One tutorial paper or equivalent task = 25% - 1500-2000 words
Journal	One 'journal' project or equivalent task = 60% 3000-3500 words The 'journal' project will entail the student choosing and designing an area of research. Eg an individual female figure from the Greek or Roman literary world can be selected. Presentation of the research can take a variety of approaches. Eg video presentation, internet site, and more traditional modes such as 'hand-made 'books'.

Contact Hours